Business Types - No Registration Required

Types of Exempt Businesses

Certain business types are exempt from needing a Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC). If your business falls under any of these categories, you do not need to apply for a BTRC.

Airlines

Airlines-passenger/interstate air freight for businesses that deal in air commerce, which includes the transportation of passengers or property only

Bail Bonds

Licensed bail bond agents/companies

Financial Institutions and Insurance

Financial Institutions (Banks, Savings/Loans, etc.) for which "in lieu" taxes are paid to the State of California
Credit Unions
Insurance agents receiving a notice of appointment from insurance companies that pay "in lieu" taxes to the State of California (does not include insurance brokers)
Insurers - activities for which "in lieu" taxes are paid to the State of California

Government Institutions or Activities

Constitutionally exempt businesses, such as state government institutions
Government Agencies while carrying out governmental affairs
Court reporting/transcribing services performed under the control of a court of competent jurisdiction are treated like employees of the court

Not-For-Profit Businesses

Non-profit businesses that qualify for 501 C3 exemptions with the Federal and State governments MUST apply for an exemption.

Notaries Public

Notaries appointed by the State government

"No Nexus" Businesses

Businesses with a physical presence within the City of los Angeles limited to six (6) or less days per calendar year

Real Estate and Rentals

Persons who rent three (3) or fewer residential rental units
Real estate agent (does not include real estate broker)

Religious Business Activity

Religious leaders in their religious capacity

Residential Care

Residential care facility for the elderly, which serves six or fewer residents
Residential family day care

State Colleges and State Universities

Public Universities and Colleges affiliated with the State of California or any other state within the U.S.

Transportation Persons for Hire

Charter Party Limousines where the business address must be out of the City of Los Angeles(vehicle must be a limousine or luxury sedan only, seating capacity of no more than nine(9) including the driver)
Taxicabs must have a franchise granted by the City Department of Transportation

Persons operating vehicles that meet all of the following:

Operated exclusively between fixed termini or over regular routes in passenger stage operations
Operated as indicated above under certificate issued by the Public Utilities Commission, AND
Operation has been issued a certificate of public convenience and necessity by the Interstate Commerce Commission

Trucking and Hauling

Persons in the business as for hire motor carrier of property required to pay a fee to the State under the Household Goods Carriers Uniform Business License Tax Act or the Motor Carriers of Property Uniform Fee Act