Sales Tax in Los Angeles County Just Went Up — Here’s What You Need to Know
Nina Gille Nielsen • April 7, 2025
Understanding LA County’s New Sales Tax Hike and What It Means for Your Business
For some cities, the rise is even higher—raising questions, concerns, and necessary conversations about what this means for communities and local businesses. At Find Your Vision, we believe staying informed is the first step in adapting to change. So here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and why it matters.
What Is Measure A?
Measure A—officially known as the Los Angeles County Homelessness Services and Affordable Housing Ordinance—was passed by voters to address two of the most pressing issues in the region: homelessness and affordable housing.
The tax increase is expected to generate significant new funding for:
- Homeless services
- Affordable housing development
- Supportive programs for vulnerable populations
Unlike previous tax measures that had expiration dates, Measure A will remain in effect indefinitely, unless repealed by voters.
Where Is the Sales Tax Increasing—and By How Much?
Here’s a quick breakdown of how the new sales tax is affecting various areas:
Countywide (Most Areas)
- Old Rate: 9.5%
- New Rate: 9.75%
This increase affects unincorporated areas and cities that haven’t passed their own additional sales taxes.
Lancaster & Palmdale
- New Total Rate: 11.25%
- These cities approved their own 0.75% increase on top of Measure A, making them some of the highest in the county.
Long Beach & Glendale
- New Total Rate: 10.5%
- Up from 10.25% due to the countywide increase.
Cities Now Included Under Measure A
Cities that were previously excluded from Measure H—like Azusa, Glendora, Irwindale, South El Monte, Artesia, Downey, and Manhattan Beach—are now included under Measure A and will also see their sales tax rise to 9.75%.
What This Means for Local Businesses
For small businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly those operating in retail, hospitality, or service industries, this change may require:
- Revising pricing strategies
- Updating POS systems and accounting software
- Reassessing supply and customer engagement tactics
It also highlights the importance of staying connected to community needs. Businesses that support or align with the causes funded by Measure A may find ways to positively engage with their community while navigating these changes.
Stay Informed and Stay Compliant
According to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), the updated sales tax rates effective April 1, 2025, reflect a combination of statewide and voter-approved local measures, including Measure A in Los Angeles County. The CDTFA outlines that these rate changes apply to retail sales of tangible personal property and are enforceable across both incorporated and unincorporated areas. Businesses are required to update their point-of-sale systems and accounting practices to remain compliant with the new rates. You can find the full breakdown of updated rates and guidelines directly on the CDTFA’s official site.
A Note from Find Your Vision
As a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting entrepreneurs and underrepresented voices, we know that policy changes impact real people. That’s why we’re committed to keeping you informed—and ready—with the tools, context, and community you need to keep growing.
Have questions about how this sales tax increase may affect your business?
Let’s talk. We’re here to help you stay prepared and confident in the face of change.
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At Find Your Vision, we're all about keeping small business owners ahead of the curve—and there's an important deadline coming up that you don’t want to miss. Thanks to Senate Bill 1126, California’s CalSavers retirement savings program now applies to businesses with as few as one employee. If your business has 1 to 4 employees and doesn’t currently offer a qualified retirement plan, you’ll need to register with CalSavers or establish your own plan by December 31, 2025. Let’s break it down and help you stay ready. What Is CalSavers? CalSavers is a state-sponsored Roth IRA program created for employees who don’t have access to a workplace retirement plan. Employees are automatically enrolled after 30 days They can opt out or change contributions anytime There’s no cost to employers, aside from the simple setup This program is designed to make it easier for your team to build retirement savings—without you needing to manage a full retirement plan. Who Needs to Take Action? You must register with CalSavers (or offer your own retirement plan) if all of the following apply: You employ at least one person (not counting owners) You do not currently offer a qualified plan like a 401(k), SEP IRA, or SIMPLE IRA You’re actively operating and not sold or closed If you already offer a retirement plan or only have owners on payroll, you’re exempt. Your Quick CalSavers Compliance Checklist Here’s what to do if you’re not exempt: Register your business at CalSavers.com Enroll eligible employees (age 18+ and employed for at least 30 days) Set up payroll deductions to get your team saving smoothly 📅 Deadline: December 31, 2025 💸 Avoid penalties by staying ahead of the curve Need Help Navigating It All? We know it can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Find Your Vision is here to help business owners navigate compliance with confidence. Whether you want to register with CalSavers or explore your own retirement plan options, now’s the time to prepare. 📞 Need support? Let’s connect you with trusted financial planners or benefits experts in your area. Together, let’s make sure your business, and your team, are future-ready. 💡 Download our free CalSavers Compliance Checklist for Small Businesses Sources: ¹ JorgensenHR – CalSavers Deadline Approaching ² CalSavers Official Website ³ Senate Bill 1126 – California Legislative Info
At Find Your Vision , we are dedicated to helping our clients expand their opportunities and connect with the right partners to elevate their brand. That’s why we’re excited to announce that we’ve helped Bone Collector secure a strategic partnership with 37 Partners , a firm specializing in bridging the gap between Western talent and Chinese audiences.
At Find Your Vision, we believe that small businesses are more than just economic drivers—they are the heart of our communities. Whether you're an entrepreneur working to grow your business, a freelancer navigating financial ups and downs, or an employee looking for stability, having access to reliable funding can make all the difference. That’s why we’re excited to share the latest update on the Los Angeles County Small Business & Worker Relief Funds, which now offer grants and low-interest loans to help business owners and workers recover from financial hardships. This is a huge opportunity for those who have struggled to keep up with operational costs, payroll, or expansion efforts. If you're running a small business and need financial assistance, now is the time to apply. What This Fund Offers The updated LA County Small Business & Worker Relief Fund provides: ✓ Grants & Low-Interest Loans – Helping small businesses recover and grow. ✓ Workforce Support – Providing direct assistance to impacted workers. ✓ Equity-Focused Funding – Prioritizing underserved communities and industries. ✓ Flexible Use of Funds – Covering payroll, rent, inventory, and operational costs. Who Is Eligible? This funding is designed for: Small business owners struggling with financial hardships. Entrepreneurs looking to stabilize or expand their businesses. Workers who have been impacted by economic downturns. Check out the official LA County relief fund page: 👉 Apply Here Find Your Vision Is Here to Help - We know that applying for funding can sometimes feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Find Your Vision, we’re here to help small businesses navigate opportunities like this. If you have questions about eligibility, application strategies, or making the most of funding opportunities, reach out to us. We're here to help you turn your vision into reality. 📩 Contact us today and let’s get your business the support it deserves! Check press releases from LA County government or the Department of Economic Opportunity for the official announcements on this fund.
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