All persons doing business (to engage in an activity in the pursuit of gain other than employment) in the City of Union City must complete a Business License Application and supplemental forms. Certain approvals, permits, or clearances may be required for particular businesses by other city departments, county, state, or federal agencies before a Business Tax Certificate is issued. The staff in the Business Licensing Department will refer you to the appropriate agencies before accepting your declaration and fees.

1.		Print and complete the Commercial Business License application and supplemental forms.
2.		Completed forms may be delivered in person to the Planning Department at City Hall, faxed to 510-487-9361 or mailed to: City of Union City, 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City, CA 94587, ATTN: Licensing Department.
3.		Allow at least 10 Business Days for review and approval of your application.
4.		A letter will be sent to you informing you of the status of your application and the fee for your license. There might also be additional forms enclosed for you to complete and return with your business license fee.
5.		When you have completed everything required in the letter and paid your license fee, a receipt will be issued to you which serves as a temporary business license. The BUSINESS LICENSE CERTIFICATE will be mailed to you within 15 days of payment of the fee.
Business License Filing Procedure Workers Comp Declaration Business License Application Police and Fire Emergecy Info Business Tax Form How to Apply for Permit for Storage Racks Business License Fee Schedule Storage Rack Permit Info about Business Property Taxes High Piled Stock Information Incomplete applications will delay processing and/or be returned.  Refer to the “Business License Fee Schedule” for fees.  You will be notified either by mail or phone when your business license has been approved.  Visa Credit card payments are accepted either by phone or fax.  All other payments send to: City Hall Business License Dept. 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road Union City CA  94587 Fax completed forms to 510-487-9361.  If you have any questions contact the Cashier at 510-675-5343.
Fictitious Business Name You must file a petition with the Alameda County Recorder's Office (Fictitious Business Name section) if your business name is invented or fictitious. For fee schedule and other information, inquire at: Alameda County Recorder's Office 1106 Madison Street, 1st Floor, Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 272-6363 Hours: Mon. thru Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm   Seller"s Permit Most businesses that sell or lease goods must apply for a Seller's Permit or Resale Number. There is no fee for a Seller's Permit but you may have to post a security deposit to guarantee payment of the sales tax. Wholesalers should obtain a Wholesalers Certificate and manufactures pay a use tax that is based upon estimated first quarter earnings. Inquire at: State Board of Equalization 1515 Clay Street, Suite 303 Oakland, Ca 94612 (510) 622-4100 Hours: Mon. thru Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm

Health Permit
Must be obtained before starting any retail food business such as restaurants, cafes, and markets.

Alameda County Environmental Health Services
1131 Harbor Bay Parkway
Alameda, CA 94502
(510) 567-6700
Hours: 8:30 to 5:00 Monday Thru friday

Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
Business owners intending to sell alcoholic beverages must obtain applicable license from:

Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
State Building
1515 Clay Street, Suite 2208, Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 622-4970
Hours: 8:00 to 5:00 Monday thru Friday

Licenses for Specific Types of Businesses
Over 40 Bureaus license specifics types of businesses such as contractors. Call or visit this office to determine if you require a state license.

Consumer Affairs Information Center
Sacramento , CA
(800) 344-9940

California Department of Commerce
Office of Small Business
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-6545

Internal Revenue Service
All business must file tax returns and you may need to report certain business information to the IRS. You must obtain a TAX INDENTIFICATION NUMBER (TIN). Many small businesses also need an EMPLOYER INDIDENTIFICATION NYMBER (EIN) even if they do not have employees. Businesses that produce or sell certain products such as alcoholic beverage, guns, chemicals, tobacco, etc. must pay EXCISE TAXES. Inquire at:

United States Internal Revenue Service
Federal Building
1301 Clay Street, Suite 160S, Oakland, CA 94612
(800) 829-1040
Hours 8:00 to 4:30 Monday thru Friday.

Withholding, Insurance, and Taxes
The State of California has specific requirements for taxes and insurance regarding an employee(s). You must register with the Employment Development Department (EDD) within 15 days of paying more than $100 in wages per calendar quarter to an employee. If you hire an employee(s), the following requirements apply:

• Withholding State Disability Insurance
• Withholding State Personal Income Tax
• State Unemployment Insurance
• Employment Training tax

Inquire at: Employment Development Department
Employment Tax District Office
770 Edgewater Drive, Suite 100, Oakland, CA 94621-3025
(510) 577-2369

Note: If you have already applied to the State Board of Equalization for a State Sales Tax permit, you application to EDD has been made automatically.

Worker's Compensation Insurance
All employers are required to carry workers compensation insurance that covers employee(s) for work-related injuries. You may obtain an insurance policy at any insurance company that issues worker's compensation insurance or at the state Compensation Insurance Fund. Inquire at:

State Compensation Insurance Fund
2955 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605 -2991
(510) 577-3000
Hours: Monday thru Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm

Developing a Business Plan
Developing a business plan is an important first step in applying for a loan. A business plan should also be used to guide the bushiness owner when making important decisions about the growth and development of the business.

Need help developing your business Plan?
One Stop Capital Shop "Business Information Packet"
Location: 519 - 17rth Street, Suite,600, Oakland, CA 94612
Telephone (510) 238-3703

Provides information to assist entrepreneurs with the start-up of new business ventures including a guide to developing a business plan and a guide for starting business in Union City.

Business Information Center
Location: 519 - 17th Street, Suite 240, Oakland, CA 94612
Telephone: (510) 273-6000
Contact: Rose King

The SBA Business Information Center is a multimedia library designed to assist you in research and preparation of a workable business plan which links computer technology with one-on-one counseling from small business experts.

East Bay Small Business Development Center (EBSBDC) and Center for International Trade Development
Location: 519 - 17th Street, Suite 210, Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 893-4114