Assumed this would be a good place to ask. What are some good resources to figuring out where and how to register your business. Im planning on creating a web design/hosting business and want to do these legit.
I assume I will apply for a Sole Proprietorship, but from there Im not sure all I have to do for state/national/international laws.
Anyone know some good places to start?
Full Version: register a business?
Contact your local Chamber of Commerce. They should be able to provide you with the information.
You may also try the IRS, and the state and city treasury. They willingly provide on what is needed.
You may also want to consult with an attorney to make sure you cover all the required paperwork and tasks.
You may also try the IRS, and the state and city treasury. They willingly provide on what is needed.
You may also want to consult with an attorney to make sure you cover all the required paperwork and tasks.
Quick items:
Register your DBA (doing business as) name if different than your own name.
Make sure you business does not violate any zoning laws.
Get a federal and then a state tax id. (Call the IRS -- many states require you to file for your fed id first).
Get all local and state permits. For internet services there are currently no national level (in the USA at least) permits that you need (or at that I now you need
) For example, we are required to have a sales-tax permit for our state despite our services being non-taxable. I fill out forms every 3 months with zeroes in them.
Tips
Pick up a book on the topic. Nothing fancy -- just one that covers the basics. Many have example forms that you need.
Make sure you have your finances in order --- get seperate accounts for business vs. personal. If not up to it, get an accountant to help you setup your books initially. It is far easier and cheaper to do at the beginning that a year or two later. Especially, when dealing with partership or LLC formats.
Consider a SP-LLC if your state allows it. Slightly more difficult to get going but limits your liability to just the business at does not pass through to you.
Register your DBA (doing business as) name if different than your own name.
Make sure you business does not violate any zoning laws.
Get a federal and then a state tax id. (Call the IRS -- many states require you to file for your fed id first).
Get all local and state permits. For internet services there are currently no national level (in the USA at least) permits that you need (or at that I now you need
) For example, we are required to have a sales-tax permit for our state despite our services being non-taxable. I fill out forms every 3 months with zeroes in them.
Tips
Pick up a book on the topic. Nothing fancy -- just one that covers the basics. Many have example forms that you need.
Make sure you have your finances in order --- get seperate accounts for business vs. personal. If not up to it, get an accountant to help you setup your books initially. It is far easier and cheaper to do at the beginning that a year or two later. Especially, when dealing with partership or LLC formats.
Consider a SP-LLC if your state allows it. Slightly more difficult to get going but limits your liability to just the business at does not pass through to you.
Thanks, I appreciate the info. I will do the above. Thanks for the quick replies and helpful information.
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