Look up your business license in Paramount
Get your Paramount, California business license record sent to your inbox.
What Licenses Do You Need in Paramount?
Business license requirements in Paramount, California depend on your industry, business activities, entity type, and location. Most businesses need several types of licenses to operate legally.
Paramount Business License
A general business license or business tax certificate from the City of Paramount is typically required for any business operating within city limits.
California State Registrations
State-level tax registrations, professional licenses, and regulatory filings required by California agencies.
Professional Licenses
If you provide professional services in Paramount (legal, medical, engineering, accounting), you must hold the appropriate state-issued credentials.
Zoning Compliance
Your business location in Paramount must comply with local zoning ordinances. Home-based businesses may need a home occupation permit.
Industry Permits
Food service, health, fire, alcohol, and other industry-specific permits may be required depending on your business activities in Paramount.
Federal Licenses
Businesses in regulated industries (alcohol, firearms, broadcasting, transportation) must also obtain federal licenses and permits.
Licensing Office
Planning and Building Department — Business Services
16400 Colorado Avenue, Paramount, CA 90723
Mon–Thu, 8:00 AM–5:30 PM; Fri, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Information verified as of June 18, 2026
Web VerifiedBusiness Licensing in Paramount
Paramount updated its business license tax via Measure LR, effective January 1, 2025 (passed by 77% of voters), replacing a 1950s-era flat fee system with a percentage-of-gross-receipts model by business category. The city uses HdL Companies for administration. Paramount is home to the Zamboni Company, manufacturer of the famous ice-resurfacing machine used in arenas worldwide.
Important Dates & Deadlines
Late Payment Penalties
10% of tax due added after the first 30 days delinquent; an additional 5% added for each subsequent 30-day period until paid
What You Need to Apply in Paramount
Did You Know? — Paramount Business Licensing Facts
The Zamboni Company — maker of the world-famous ice-resurfacing machine — was founded in Paramount and remains headquartered there; the family also operates Iceland, a local ice rink open since 1939.
The city incorporated January 30, 1957 only after Long Beach, Bellflower, and South Gate all tried to absorb it simultaneously — residents launched a "Save Paramount for Paramount" campaign.
The name "Paramount" was chosen in 1948 when a post office merger required a new name, selected from the main north-south boulevard through town.
Over 75% of Paramount's small businesses pay less under the 2025 Measure LR system than they did under the old 1950s flat fee structure.
Who Is Exempt from Paramount Business Licensing?
Nonprofit organizations exempt from taxation under state or federal law must still obtain a business license but the tax amount is waived
Fee Schedule
| Fee | Amount | Period |
|---|---|---|
Retail / General Business Tax Rate $0.30 per $1,000 gross receipts. Minimum $25/yr. Effective January 1, 2025 per Measure LR. | $0.3 | annual |
Services / Contractors Tax Rate $0.40 per $1,000 gross receipts. Minimum $25/yr. Annual CPI-U adjustment capped at 10%. | $0.4 | annual |
Professional Services / Rental Tax Rate $0.70 per $1,000 gross receipts. Minimum $25/yr. | $0.7 | annual |
Minimum Business License Fee Minimum annual fee regardless of gross receipts category | $25 | annual |
Annual business license tax based on gross receipts (effective January Annual business license tax based on gross receipts (effective January 1, 2025 per Measure LR): Retail-related & General Business $0.30 per $1,000 | Varies | varies |
Services $0.40 per $1,000 Services $0.40 per $1,000 | Varies | varies |
Contractors $0.40 per $1,000 Contractors $0.40 per $1,000 | Varies | varies |
Long-Term Medical Care Facilities $0.35 per $1,000 Long-Term Medical Care Facilities $0.35 per $1,000 | Varies | varies |
Professional Services $0.70 per $1,000 Professional Services $0.70 per $1,000 | Varies | varies |
Rental $0.70 per $1,000 Rental $0.70 per $1,000 | Varies | varies |
State SB-1186 (CASp) fee State SB-1186 (CASp) fee — per application or renewal (AB 2164 removed sunset | $4 | annual |
Gross receipts-based per Measure LR (effective Jan 1, 2025). Retail: $0.30/$1K; Services: $0.40/$1K; Contractors: $0.40/$1K; Long-Term Medical: $0.35/$1K; Professional: $0.70/$1K; Rental: $0.70/$1K. Minimum $25. Annual CPI-U adjustment capped at 10%/yr.
How CLS Helps Businesses in Paramount
Navigating business licensing in Paramount, CA doesn't have to be complicated. CLS provides end-to-end licensing support so you can focus on what matters—running your business.
License Research
We identify every license and permit required for your specific business in Paramount.
Application Filing
Our specialists prepare and submit all applications, ensuring accuracy to prevent delays.
Renewal Management
We track every renewal date and handle the process proactively—no missed deadlines.
Dedicated Support
A real compliance expert assigned to your account—not a chatbot or call center.
Complete Compliance in Paramount, CA
CLS is the only provider that combines business licensing with a full suite of compliance services—all managed in one platform.
Penalties for Operating Without a License in Paramount
Businesses found operating without required licenses in Paramount, CA can face penalties ranging from late-fee surcharges to four-figure fines per violation, cease-and-desist orders, revocation of existing permits, inability to enforce contracts, and in some cases criminal misdemeanor charges. Don't risk your business.
Get a free compliance assessmentFind Your City's Business License Requirements in Seconds
Every city has different fees, deadlines, and penalties. Miss your filing window and penalties range from late-fee surcharges to four-figure fines — and operating unlicensed can mean forced closure. Search below to get the exact requirements for your location.
Not sure what you need? Get a free compliance assessment — our licensing experts will identify every requirement for your business.
How to Get a Business License in Paramount, CA
Follow these steps to obtain your Paramount business license. Requirements vary by business type, but this is the general process for most businesses in Paramount, CA.
Choose Your Business Structure
Before applying for a Paramount business license, determine your entity type (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, partnership). Your structure affects which licenses you need and how you register with California and the IRS.
Check Zoning Requirements
Verify that your business location in Paramount is zoned for your intended use. Contact the Paramount Planning Department for zoning verification. Home-based businesses typically need a home occupation permit.
Register with the State of California
Register your business entity with the California Secretary of State (if applicable), obtain an EIN from the IRS, and register for state tax obligations including sales tax and employer withholding.
Apply for Your Paramount Business License
Submit your business license application to the Planning and Building Department — Business Services. Online applications are available. Include all required documentation and fees.
Obtain Additional Permits
Depending on your industry in Paramount, you may need additional permits — health department permits for food service, fire department approval, alcohol licenses, professional licenses, or industry-specific certifications.
Display Your License and Stay Compliant
Once issued, display your Paramount business license prominently at your place of business. Licenses renew annually. Track renewal deadlines to avoid penalties and late fees.
Paramount Business License FAQ
Business Licensing in Other California Cities
CLS also provides business license services in these California cities.
Sources & Verification
Paramount, California business license information on this page was compiled and verified by Corporate Legal Services from official government sources — last verified .
Paramount business license information last verified June 18, 2026. Fees, deadlines, and requirements are subject to change. Verify with Paramount or contact CLS for current requirements.
Content reference: CCP-2B3C9431AFCC