When most people hear “research and development,” they picture big tech companies or scientists in white coats. But in California, many small businesses can qualify for the Research & Development (R&D) Tax Credit, and it can save you thousands of dollars on state taxes. If you’ve ever tested a new idea, improved a process, or tried out a new tool or material in your business, you might be doing “R&D” without realizing it.

If you’ve just started a business in California, you’ve probably already heard about the famous, or rather infamous $800 minimum franchise tax. For many small business owners, it feels like an unavoidable cost of doing business here. But fortunately new corporations don’t have to pay this fee in their very first year. That exemption can mean a lot in savings at a time when every dollar counts. Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs don’t know about it, and some end up overpaying simply because they weren’t aware of the rule.

Big changes are coming to the way charitable donations are deducted on your taxes, starting in 2026. If you give to charity, you’ll want to know how these new rules work so you can plan ahead and maximize your tax savings.

If you're a startup founder or small business owner in California, you might be sitting on one of the most powerful tax breaks available, and not even know it. The Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) exclusion can allow you to exclude up to 100% of capital gains from federal taxes when you eventually sell your business. This isn’t a loophole, it’s written directly into federal tax code. And as of 2025, the benefits have become even more generous. While much of the tax world focuses on yearly deductions or expense strategies, the QSBS exclusion is a long term planning opportunity that rewards owners who build and eventually exit a successful business. It’s ideal for LLCs that convert to C-Corps, early stage startups, or even solo founders who intend to sell their companies within a few years.

If you’re a small business owner in Los Angeles County, getting government contracts might seem out of reach, especially when you’re competing with large companies that have dedicated teams for bidding. But what if there were a way to level the playing field? That’s where the L.A. County Small Business Set Aside Program comes in. This program helps small businesses win county contracts by giving them exclusive opportunities that big companies can’t touch.

What is LA City’s Gross Receipts Tax Exemption?

Extended Deadline for Los Angeles Taxpayers

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