Tax Education
Starting and Growing Your Business
You may need to work with other state and local organizations to start and grow your business depending on the type of business you have. This page compiles videos and resources about sales and use tax, CDTFA services, and basic steps to help you start and run your business.
In addition, CDTFA’s Taxpayer Educational Consultation Program (TECP) is available to new taxpayers that started a business in the last 12 months and have filed at least two sales and use tax returns.
You will receive a one-on-one consultation with a trained staff member who will review your business operations and recordkeeping system. Consultations are not audits, however, you will need to provide the staff member access to your books and records so we can provide you with the best information to help make your business a success.
Contact your local office today to schedule an appointment.
Registering with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
See all the information you need to quickly and easily register with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and get your permit, license, or account. Our online registration system is the easy, secure, and convenient way to register and get your business started.
To comply with California's tax laws, it is critical you keep accurate and complete records. This video will help you understand the records you must keep to help you correctly determine the amount of sales and use tax you owe.
Understanding the Resale Certificate
This video helps both sellers and purchasers learn the proper way to document sales that are exempt from tax. Learn the difference between taxable and non-taxable inventory and purchases, and how to submit your resale certificate in a proper and timely manner.
This video will help you understand how to file your CDTFA return. Most tax and feepayers are eligible to file online.
See the Payments section of our Video Resources and Tutorials page for videos with important tips and other information about making a payment to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. You may pay by credit card, check, money order, or through an electronic transfer from your bank account. Easily and conveniently make payments online with your User ID and password.
If you purchase items out-of-state, or use, give away, or consume items from your inventory that you intended for resale, you may owe use tax to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. This video helps you understand use tax, and how to pay it on your tax return.
Basic Sales and Use Tax Seminar
Basic Sales and Use Tax Video Presentation (Español)
CDTFA presents all the basics about sales and use tax and more! This presentation should save you money and problems.
Sales and Use Tax Recordkeeping
The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration conducts webinars on sales and use tax recordkeeping. The webinar gives a basic overview of what records and requirements are needed to comply with your sales and use tax responsibilities as a retailer. For more information please read our Publication 116, Sales and Use Tax Records.
Tax Return Preparation
Sales and Use Tax Return Preparation
Here at the CDTFA, we value your time. That's why we've created an easy, convenient way for taxpayers to register and file online.
Developing a Business Plan Webinar
A well written business plan is a necessity during these tough economic times, and is a critical part of business success. SCORE presents this course as an overview on how to write a business plan. It is designed to aid new business owners with start-up and financing needs and assist established business owners with a plan to implement changes in response to a changing economy.
Operating Your Business From Your Home
The Internal Revenue Service presents this video for small business owners who operate their business out of their home. At the end of this video, you will be able to determine if you are eligible for the business use of the home deduction and determine the deductions you are eligible for.
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) provides information and no-cost consultation on many topics you may encounter as a business owner.
The U.S. Small Business Administration provides a step-by-step primer on planning, launching, managing, and growing your business. Learn how to connect your business with resources, funding, and guidance that you need to be successful.
The Small Business Development Center presents effective strategies to launch a successful marketing plan for your unique client base. Learn how market research assists business owners with identifying a target market and the importance of developing a relationship marketing plan.
The Department of General Services wants you to know that the State of California and many local Government entities are looking to contract with Small Businesses (SBs) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBEs). Becoming a California certified SB/DVBE can lead to many contracting opportunities for you and your business. Learn how you can be a supplier for the State!
The Internal Revenue Service wants you to learn about extremely important aspects of business tax requirements. This video will explain basic record keeping recordkeeping tax requirements, the purpose of an employer identification number, basic bookkeeping and accounting methods, and more!
The Employment Development Department presents this workshop on explaining how to apply common law and statutory law to determine if a worker is an employee or independent contractor. It will also cover scenarios which could lead to costly audits, provide no-cost ways to get help and to avoid potential problems.
State Income Tax and Small Business – Franchise Tax Board
As a new business owner, one of the first critical questions is determining which form of ownership will best meet your business needs. This presentation gives you an overview of different forms of business ownership and discusses some of their key features, tax filing requirements, estimated tax requirements, advantages, and disadvantages.