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State packet

California Contractor Packet

What you need to start and run a trade business in California, in one printable PDF: a first 30 days checklist, everyday forms, the rules in plain English, and a calendar of what’s due.

$17

Instant PDF download · 45 pages · Digital product, all sales final (policy)

What’s inside

Getting set up

  • First-30-days checklist
  • Which trades need a state license, and who to call
  • The workers’ comp decision, and what you have to file

Pricing and taxes

  • Who pays sales tax on your materials, and on your labor
  • A yearly calendar of filings and due dates

Forms and checklists

  • Business setup sheet and a before-your-first-job checklist
  • New job sheet, estimate, invoice and change order forms
  • Sub information sheet and a home contract checklist

If a customer doesn’t pay

  • What to collect on day one of every job
  • Your lien rights and deadlines, for when you need them
  • Printable job tracker

Where to check

  • The agencies and statutes behind the rules, with links
  • Checked November 2, 2026

What you won’t get from a quick search

  • A first 30 days checklist for California, in the order to do it
  • Everyday forms you can copy and use: a new job sheet, estimate, invoice, change order and sub information sheet
  • What unlicensed work costs you: no suit to collect, and the customer can sue to get back every dollar paid
  • Workers’ comp at one employee, the five classifications that can’t use the no-employee exemption, and the January 1, 2028 change
  • What the $800 LLC tax means for your calendar, and when you are the customer or the seller of your materials for sales tax
  • What to do this week when somebody isn’t paying, with the 20-day Preliminary Notice and the claim of lien deadlines worked out on real dates

Informational only. This packet should not be considered legal, financial, tax or business advice. Check with a licensed professional in your state before you rely on it.