Online Resources

The videos and resources below give basic information about sales and use tax and introduce the services offered by the CDTFA to help you start and run your business in California.

Topic & Descriptions

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Registering with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration

Learn how 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.

Keeping Records

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.

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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.

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Filing My Return

This video will help you understand how to file your California Department of Tax and Fee Administration return. Most tax and feepayers are eligible to file online.

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Making A Payment

Watch this video to get 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.

Paying Your Use Tax

What California Businesses Should Know: Do you know if your business owes use tax? 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.

Contacting the CDTFA

There are many easy ways to connect with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, and get information about our programs and services.

Depending on your business, you may need to work with other state and local organizations to start and grow your business. We've developed these videos and resources to highlight basic steps needed to grow your business.

Topic & Descriptions

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Basic Sales and Use Tax Seminar

Basic Sales and Use Tax Video Presentation (Español)

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration presents all of the basics you ever wanted to know about Sales and Use Tax and a little bit more. This presentation should save you money and problems.

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Sales and Use Tax Record Keeping

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration conducts webinars on Sales and Use Tax Record Keeping. 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.

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Tax Return Preparation

Sales and Use Tax Return Preparation

Here at the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, we value your time. That's why we've created an easy, convenient way for taxpayers to register and file online.

• Online Filing Demonstration
• Tax Return Preparation Presentation

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Developing a Business Plan

SCORE presents this course is an overview on how to write a business plan designed to aid new business owners with start-up and financing needs. It will also assist established business owners with a plan to implement changes in response to a changing economy. A well written business plan is a necessity during these tough economic times and is a critical part of business success.

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Operating Your Business from Your Home

The Internal Revenue Service presents this video is for small business owners who operate their business out of their home. The video provides information on figuring and claiming the deduction for business use of the 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.

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SBA Business Guide

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.

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Marketing Your Business

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.

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Contracting Opportunities

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!

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Business Tax Requirements

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!

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Employment Status

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.

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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.

Nonprofit, exempt, and faith-based organizations may qualify for special exemptions that other businesses may not qualify for. These video and resources will cover basic information about eligibility requirements, compliance, and regulations.

Topic & Descriptions

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Sales and Use Taxes for Nonprofit Organizations

Take this course on how sales and use tax impact nonprofit and exempt organizations. You will learn the difference between the two types of tax and how to identify if your organization is eligible to qualify for special exemptions.

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Property Tax Exemptions

In this video you will be introduced to the property tax exemption process. The presentation covers eligibility requirements, types of property exemptions, and explains how qualifying nonprofit and exempt organizations can file for an exemption.

Additional Resources

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Stay Exempt – Tax Basics for Exempt Organizations

Learn how to maintain your organization's exempt status. This course covers the topics of qualifying for the 501(c)(3) exemption status, understanding the difference between nonprofit and exempt organizations, and how to avoid activities that may jeopardize your 501(c)(3) status.

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Introduction to Tax-Exempt Status

Did you know that most charities and nonprofit organizations here in California must apply and receive a determination or acknowledgement letter from the Franchise Tax Board in order to be recognized as tax-exempt in California? Learn how your exempt organization can remain compliant with state law and what the filing requirements are.

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Regulation of Charities and Fundraisers

The California Attorney General requires all charitable trustees and fundraising professionals to register and file annual financial disclosure reports. In addition, nonprofit organizations that conduct raffles for charitable purposes are required to register and file a financial report for each raffle held. This in-depth publication will go over what you need to know about the regulation of charities and fundraiser.

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Employment Taxes and the Nonprofit Organization

Do you know the difference between an employee and independent contractor? This presentation will teach you the difference on how to classify workers, plus help to uncover common misconceptions about the laws affecting employment status.

Industry & Tax and Fee Guides

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration's Industry and Tax Guides are a one-stop-shop for owners and operators looking for information on key tax and fee issues relevant to their business.

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Cigarette and Tobacco Retail Sales

A Guide for Cigarette and Tobacco Wholesalers and Distributors

Publications

• Business Owner Publications
• Nonprofit & Exempt Publications

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Taxpayers' Rights Advocate

An important message from the Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office