So I want to start my own FFL

[leitung]

I pretty much know the process, order FFL packet from ATF, fill it out, send it in w/ payment. Get other permits, such as Seller's Permit and Business licences, then work on state CFD requirements.

1) Does Sacramento County have any ordnances regarding home FFLs? I know of 2 up here in the Antelope area, so I am sure its legal. Anything regarding schools I should know about, there is an elementary school nearby, but I am sure its more then 1,000 ft away.

2) How do I go about getting a permit from Sacramento County to do business in firearms? Do I need to talk to the sheriff's department?

3) Am I required to own a gun safe and store guns in a safe? I can't afford one right away but I will obviously be getting one ASAP.

4) What other licences/permits do I need?
I know of the following,
1) FFL
2) CFD registration
3) COE
4) HSC instructor certificate (not right away but quickly)
5) Sellers Permit
6) Permit from local authorties for the sale of firearms.

What else do I need to do? How about taxes, do I have to keep records of my total profits and such so I can file tax returns? Also, I am going to be the only person running the business, so what else do I need to do in the financial wise (I.E tax certificates, e.t.c)

Thanks for all of your help..

[billslugg]

I got my FFL without having a lockable safe or even a secure building. (The metal sides of my building can be removed with a screwdriver from the outside). I have a network of ultrasonic motion detectors (bird proof) with hard wired and cell phone alarms to a central operator. I pledged to keep my guns disassembled, trigger locked or cabled together. They were OK with that.

[freakshow10mm]

Yes you will have to do bookkeeping. I suggest Quickbooks for your accounting. You can get a dumbed down version called Simple Start for free. Get a CPA/accountant. Explain them the whole situation. They can advise you on any tax savings for incorporating versus acting as a sole prop. Handy to incorporate as an S-corp or LLC if this is a part time job too. EOY bonuses aren't subject to SET, but they can explain that to you. Just ask.

Get dealer insurance.

Get a fire resistant file safe. FFL copies and bound book go in there, 4473s if they fit, although it seems the ATF cares more about the bound book.

Get your bound book stuff on spreadsheet. Easy to maintain and organize. You can add categories to the basics, but the basics are required. I also record order number and NTN number for 4473s.

My ATF chick advised me to file 4473s by numberical order, ie 1,2,3,4 instead of inventory number. Just number them as you go. In the disposition section of my book, it's First/Last name, # of 4473, then NTN number. All is needed is the name and 4473 number, but the NTN is also helpful in case your 4473s are damaged in a fire. They can at least bring up the NTN if they need to investigate. I know a few that keep 4473s offsite in a fireproof bank vault.

Paperwork is everything.

[tenpercentfirearms]

#1 thing you need to do before anything else is get your local business license and make sure you are properly zoned. If you don't get that, you will never sell guns in CA.

After that get your FFL, COE, BOE, and once you have all of that then your CFD and then you are DROSing guns.

[leitung]

This could become annoying...

ZONING CODE OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Section 305-201 - HOME OCCUPATION STANDARDS
"e) There shall be no products sold on the premises except artist's originals or products individually made to order on the premises. Products which are not "artist's originals" or "individually made to order" may be constructed on-site, using equipment normally found in a residence; however, these products may only be sold at a permitted commercial location."

[freakshow10mm]

If you are transfer only, you are selling a service, not a product.

Trouble is no ammo, accessories, etc.

[Capt. Speirs]

4) What other licences/permits do I need?
I know of the following,
1) FFL
2) CFD registration
3) COE
4) HSC instructor certificate (not right away but quickly)
5) Sellers Permit
6) Permit from local authorties for the sale of firearms.

What else do I need to do? How about taxes, do I have to keep records of my total profits and such so I can file tax returns? Also, I am going to be the only person running the business, so what else do I need to do in the financial wise (I.E tax certificates, e.t.c)

Thanks for all of your help..

Check to see if the local authorities require you to have a "Second Sellers Permit", so you can sell used guns.

[leitung]

If you are transfer only, you are selling a service, not a product.

Trouble is no ammo, accessories, etc.

Yeah, thats really annoying.. because I want to do special orders..

Whats funny is that, I know of a home ffl that sells guns..

[ybz]

#1 thing you need to do before anything else is get your local business license and make sure you are properly zoned. If you don't get that, you will never sell guns in CA.

After that get your FFL, COE, BOE, and once you have all of that then your CFD and then you are DROSing guns.

what if you just want to get the FFL so you can collect guns and have no intention to DROS or transfer for anyone?

[ke6guj]

what if you just want to get the FFL so you can collect guns and have no intention to DROS or transfer for anyone?

then you can't get/keep an FFL other than a 03 C&R FFL. But a 03 is only good for Curios or Relics.

[leitung]

I just applied for my business licence today and ficticous business name statement. Going tomorrow to do fingerprinting and file the statement in the paper. FFL packet is on the way along with other needed forms.

It's coming along.

[keneva]

There are some schools on line that promise to get your FFL, even at home. Has anyone ever used them?

[leitung]

Finger printing and Q&A with the sheriff is done after today, payment sent in for business name listing in the paper.

Next is the renovation of the den and getting the ffl...

[PolishMike]

MAKE SURE you can get the local licenses first. Take a look at the PC that has the CFD requirements. If the city won't sign it off (business license stating that you are cleared to sell firearms OR a letter saying they do not regulate the sale of firearms.)

[mswanson223]

what about kitchen shop FFLs?