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CA369 obligations4 jurisdictions

Cupertino compliance requirements

Every filing obligation for small businesses operating in Cupertino, California — federal, state, county, and city-specific.

Breakdown: 106 federal requirements, 220 California state filings, 28 Santa Clara County requirements, and 15 Cupertino-specific requirements. Each obligation links to an authoritative source — the official government page where available, or the authorized filing portal or publisher otherwise.

Federal Obligations(106)

1099-NEC Filing — Nonemployee Compensation

ANNUALTAX FILING

Businesses that pay $600 or more to a non-employee (independent contractor, freelancer, etc.) during the year must file Form 1099-NEC with the IRS and provide a copy to the recipient by January 31. Th...

ADA Title III — Accessibility Compliance for Public Accommodations

AS NEEDEDREGISTRATION

Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires businesses that are places of public accommodation (restaurants, retail stores, hotels, theaters, medical offices, professional offices,...

ATF Federal Explosives License/Permit

ONE TIMEINDUSTRY LICENSE

Businesses that manufacture, import, deal in, or use explosive materials must obtain a federal explosives license or permit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Licenses...

Est. fee: $200 ($200 for a manufacturer/importer/dealer license (3-year term). $100 for a user permit (3-year term). Employee Possessor background check fees may apply separately.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

ATF Form 4473 Firearms Transaction Recordkeeping

AS NEEDEDINDUSTRY LICENSE

All Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) must complete and retain ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record) for every firearm transaction conducted through the licensee. Per the Bipartisan Safer Commun...

Est. fee: $0 (No fee. Form 4473 is a recordkeeping obligation, not a filing.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

BIS Export Controls — Export Administration Regulations (EAR)

AS NEEDEDPERMIT

Businesses exporting goods, software, or technology from the United States must comply with the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). Expor...

Est. fee: $0 (No fee for export license applications. Compliance program costs vary.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

BOI Report — Beneficial Ownership Information

ONE TIMEREGISTRATION

The Corporate Transparency Act requires certain companies to report their beneficial ownership information (BOI) to FinCEN. As of March 2025, FinCEN issued a rule exempting all domestic companies from...

Est. fee: $0 (No filing fee. Filing is done online at boiefiling.fincen.gov.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

BOI Report — Updated Report (Ownership Changes)

AS NEEDEDREGISTRATION

Under the Corporate Transparency Act, reporting companies must file an updated Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with FinCEN within 30 calendar days of any change to previously reported in...

CAN-SPAM Act Compliance

AS NEEDEDREGISTRATION

The CAN-SPAM Act (Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act) applies to all businesses that send commercial email messages — any electronic mail message whose primary purp...

Est. fee: $0 (No filing fee — CAN-SPAM is a compliance-posture obligation with no registration or filing required.)Source → (opens in new tab)

CBP Import Entry — Customs Declaration for Imported Goods

AS NEEDEDTAX FILING

Businesses importing goods into the United States with a value exceeding $2,500 must file an entry with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Formal entries require a customs bond and use of a lic...

COBRA Notice Requirements — Continuation of Health Coverage

AS NEEDEDEMPLOYMENT

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) requires employers with 20 or more employees who sponsor group health plans to offer continuation coverage to employees and their dependents ...

California State Obligations(220)

AB 2588 Air Toxics Hot Spots Emissions Inventory Report

EVERY 4 YEARSPERMIT

Under the Air Toxics Hot Spots Information and Assessment Act (AB 2588), facilities emitting 10 or more tons per year of criteria air pollutants must submit an emissions inventory report to their loca...

ABC Caterer's License (Type 58)

ANNUALINDUSTRY LICENSE

Catering businesses serving alcohol at client locations must obtain a Type 58 Caterer's Permit from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Requires a commissary (licensed premises) and allows s...

Est. fee: $725 ($725 annual fee (approximate). Fees vary; check current ABC fee schedule.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

ABC Distilled Spirits Manufacturer License (Type 04)

ONE TIMEINDUSTRY LICENSE

California ABC Type 04 Distilled Spirits Manufacturer license authorizes the distillation and rectification of spirits, and the sale of distilled spirits to wholesalers and on the licensed premises. D...

ABC Off-Sale Beer & Wine License (Type 20) — Original Application

ONE TIMEINDUSTRY LICENSE

California ABC Type 20 Off-Sale Beer and Wine license authorizes a retail establishment (grocery store, convenience store, drug store) to sell beer and wine in sealed containers for off-premises consu...

Est. fee: $105 (Application fee approximately $105. Annual renewal approximately $470.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

ABC Off-Sale General License (Type 21) — Package Store — Original Application

ONE TIMEINDUSTRY LICENSE

California ABC Type 21 Off-Sale General license authorizes a retail store (package store, liquor store) to sell beer, wine, and distilled spirits in sealed containers for off-premises consumption. Req...

Est. fee: $945 (Application fee $945–$16,560 depending on county population tier. Annual renewal $949.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

ABC On-Sale Beer & Wine License (Type 41) — Restaurant — Original Application

ONE TIMEINDUSTRY LICENSE

California ABC Type 41 On-Sale Beer and Wine license authorizes a bona fide eating place (restaurant) to sell beer and wine (no distilled spirits) for on-premises consumption. Lower cost alternative t...

Est. fee: $100 (Application fee approximately $100–$905 depending on county population tier. Annual renewal $400–$900.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

ABC On-Sale General License (Type 47) — Restaurant — Annual Renewal

ANNUALINDUSTRY LICENSE

Annual renewal of the California ABC Type 47 On-Sale General license for restaurants. Renewal must be completed before the license anniversary date to avoid late penalties. Renewal fee varies by count...

Est. fee: $925 (Annual renewal fee $925–$1,450 depending on county population tier.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

ABC On-Sale General License (Type 47) — Restaurant — Original Application

ONE TIMEINDUSTRY LICENSE

California ABC Type 47 On-Sale General license authorizes a bona fide eating place (restaurant) to sell beer, wine, and distilled spirits for consumption on the premises. Required before selling any a...

Est. fee: $6275 (Application fee $6,275–$16,560 depending on county population tier. Annual renewal $925–$1,450.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

ABC Public Premises License (Type 48 — Bar/Tavern)

ANNUALINDUSTRY LICENSE

Bars and taverns where alcohol is the primary revenue source (50%+ of revenue from alcohol sales, not food) must obtain a Type 48 Public Premises license from ABC. Different from Type 47 (restaurant) ...

Est. fee: $1145 ($1,145 annual fee (approximate). Transfer and original issuance fees differ.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

ABC Small Beer Manufacturer License (Type 23) — Brewery/Brewpub

ONE TIMEINDUSTRY LICENSE

California ABC Type 23 Small Beer Manufacturer license authorizes the manufacture of beer (under 60,000 barrels per year) and sale to wholesalers, retailers, and on the licensed premises. Breweries an...

Santa Clara County Obligations(28)

Animal Establishment Permit

ANNUALPERMIT

No person may conduct, operate, or keep any pet shop, commercial kennel, private kennel, pet grooming parlor, animal menagerie, animal shelter, or horse establishment in Santa Clara County without fir...

Building Permit (Commercial Construction or Tenant Improvement)

AS NEEDEDPERMIT

A building permit must be obtained from the Santa Clara County Department of Planning and Development before constructing, enlarging, altering, moving, replacing, repairing, improving, converting, dem...

Business Personal Property Statement (Form 571-L)

ANNUALTAX FILING

All businesses located in Santa Clara County with taxable business personal property costing $100,000 or more in aggregate must file an annual Business Property Statement (Form 571-L) with the Santa C...

Est. fee: $0 (No filing fee. Property tax is assessed on the declared value of business personal property at approximately 1.0-1.25% of assessed value depending on location and tax rate area.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

Commercial Weighing and Measuring Device Registration

ANNUALREGISTRATION

Businesses in Santa Clara County that own or operate commercial weighing or measuring devices (scales, meters, fuel dispensers, etc.) used in commercial transactions must register their devices with t...

Encroachment Permit (County Right-of-Way)

AS NEEDEDPERMIT

An Encroachment Permit is required from the Santa Clara County Roads and Airports Department for all construction work and proposed activities that encroach within, under, or over the County right-of-...

Fictitious Business Name (DBA) Registration

EVERY 5 YEARSREGISTRATION

Any business operating in Santa Clara County under a name other than the owner's legal name must file a Fictitious Business Name Statement with the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder. This includes sol...

Est. fee: $40 ($40 filing fee for one business name and one owner. $7 for each additional business name or owner listed on the same statement. Newspaper publication costs are separate and typically range from $35-$80 depending on the newspaper chosen. Renewal and refiling fees are the same as initial filing.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

Fire Prevention Permit (Operational/Hazardous Use)

ANNUALPERMIT

Businesses in unincorporated Santa Clara County and certain cities served by the County Fire Marshal's Office that conduct operations involving fire hazards must obtain a Fire Prevention Permit. This ...

Food Facility Operating Permit

ANNUALPERMIT

Any business operating a food facility (restaurant, grocery store, bakery, deli, cafe, bar, or other retail food establishment) in unincorporated Santa Clara County or in cities where the County DEH p...

Grading Permit

AS NEEDEDPERMIT

A grading permit is required from the Santa Clara County Department of Planning and Development for any land-disturbing activity in unincorporated areas, including excavation, fill, and earthwork asso...

Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP) Submission

ANNUALPERMIT

Any business in Santa Clara County that handles, stores, or uses hazardous materials at or above reportable quantities must submit a Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP) through the California Env...

City Obligations(15)

Cupertino Business License Tax

ANNUALREGISTRATION

All persons or businesses conducting business within the City of Cupertino must obtain a business license tax certificate prior to commencing operations. This applies to businesses physically located ...

Est. fee: $185 (General business fee is approximately $185. Businesses with under $1,000 gross receipts are exempt. Small businesses ($1,000-$5,000 gross receipts) pay approximately $94. Additional rates apply for specific categories: professionals and semi-professionals (CMC 5.04.290, gross receipts tiers), contractors/rentals/personal services (CMC 5.04.310), entertainment/amusement (CMC 5.04.300), delivery by vehicle (CMC 5.04.320), commercial property rentals (CMC 5.04.330, based on square footage). An administrative fee of $16 per license also applies. Rates are indexed annually per CMC 5.04.460.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

Cupertino Commercial Building/Tenant Improvement Permit

AS NEEDEDPERMIT

Any commercial construction, tenant improvement, or alteration of a building within the City of Cupertino requires a building permit from the Community Development Department Building Division. This i...

Est. fee: $567 (Tenant Improvement Preparation fee is $567. Plan review fee is $250 (non-refundable). Inspections start from $100 and vary by type and number. A technology fee of 5.8% per permit applies. A Planning Division review fee of 20% of the building permit fee also applies. Fees vary significantly based on project valuation and scope. Consult the FY 2025-26 fee schedule (Resolution 25-058) for exact amounts.)Filing link → (opens in new tab)Source → (opens in new tab)

Cupertino Commercial Fire Inspection (SCCFD)

ANNUALPERMIT

Commercial businesses operating in the City of Cupertino are subject to annual fire safety inspections conducted by the Santa Clara County Fire Department (SCCFD) Fire Prevention Division. The SCCFD p...

Cupertino Conditional Use Permit

ONE TIMEPERMIT

Certain business uses in the City of Cupertino require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from the Planning Commission before commencing operations. A CUP allows consideration of special uses that may be ...

Cupertino Encroachment Permit

AS NEEDEDPERMIT

Any business or contractor performing work within the public right-of-way in Cupertino must obtain an encroachment permit from the Public Works Department. This includes work on sidewalks, curbs, stre...

Cupertino Fire Protection System Permit (SCCFD)

AS NEEDEDPERMIT

Businesses in Cupertino installing, modifying, or maintaining fire protection systems (fire alarms, sprinklers, suppression systems, hydrant systems) must obtain a fire protection system permit from t...

Cupertino Hazardous Materials Permit (SCCFD)

AS NEEDEDPERMIT

Businesses in Cupertino that store, handle, or use hazardous materials must obtain a Hazardous Materials permit from the Santa Clara County Fire Department (SCCFD) Fire Prevention Division. This is pa...

Cupertino Home Occupation Authorization

ONE TIMEPERMIT

Any business operated from a residential dwelling in the City of Cupertino must comply with the home occupation standards in CMC Chapter 19.120. Authorization to establish a home occupation is evidenc...

Cupertino Short-Term Rental Registration

ANNUALREGISTRATION

All hosts offering short-term residential rentals of 30 days or fewer (such as through Airbnb or Vrbo) within the City of Cupertino must register with the city and obtain a short-term rental registrat...

Est. fee: $200 (Annual STR registration fee is $200. A separate business license tax certificate is also required. TOT of 12% must be collected and remitted (Airbnb collects automatically).)Source → (opens in new tab)

Cupertino Sign Permit

ONE TIMEPERMIT

Any business installing, erecting, or modifying signage within the City of Cupertino must obtain a sign permit from the Community Development Department. CMC Chapter 19.104 governs all signage regulat...

17,163

Obligations tracked

16,959

Source citations

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