Sacramento Handyman / Home Contractor License Requirements (2026)

📋 Your checklist

State

1. California contractor license (CSLB) — when needed
   Needed for any job of $1,000 or more in labor and materials, any job needing a building permit, or any job using employees. Jobs can't be split to stay under the limit.
   ⏰ Active licenses expire every two years (verify your date on CSLB)
   Source: California CSLB: Who needs a contractor license · California CSLB: General renewal information
2. Secretary of State and Franchise Tax Board filings
   LLCs and corporations file a Statement of Information ($20 or $25) and most businesses pay at least $800 a year in Franchise Tax. A business name other than your own is filed with your county.
   ⏰ Statement of Information: frequency depends on entity type (verify). Franchise tax: yearly
   Source: California Secretary of State: Business entities FAQs

Local (Sacramento / Sacramento County)

1. City of Sacramento Business Operations Tax certificate
   A tax on all businesses operating in the city, paid annually; applications are checked for zoning. Working from home also needs a one-time Home Occupation Permit filed with the tax application. Some businesses need a Special Business Permit.
   ⏰ Renew and pay every year; notices mailed in Feb, May, Aug and Nov for quarterly periods
   Source: City of Sacramento: Business Operations Tax · City of Sacramento: Renew your Business Operations Tax account