Here's what you need to know:
Determine Your Business Type and Location
Your business structure and location determine how you register. You might need to register with the state, city, and county where you'll operate.
Your business structure and location determine how you register. You might need to register with the state, city, and county where you'll operate.
Federal Registration
Most small businesses don't need to register with the federal government, except for getting a federal tax ID. Some businesses register for trademark protection or tax-exempt status.
Most small businesses don't need to register with the federal government, except for getting a federal tax ID. Some businesses register for trademark protection or tax-exempt status.
State Registration
If your business is an LLC, corporation, partnership, or nonprofit, you'll likely need to register in any state where you do business activities.
If your business is an LLC, corporation, partnership, or nonprofit, you'll likely need to register in any state where you do business activities.
Get a Registered Agent
If your business is an LLC, corporation, partnership, or nonprofit, you'll need a registered agent. This is someone who gets official papers and legal documents for your business.
If your business is an LLC, corporation, partnership, or nonprofit, you'll need a registered agent. This is someone who gets official papers and legal documents for your business.
Foreign Qualification
If your business operates in multiple states, you might need to file for foreign qualification. This is important for LLCs, corporations, partnerships, or nonprofits.
If your business operates in multiple states, you might need to file for foreign qualification. This is important for LLCs, corporations, partnerships, or nonprofits.
File State Documents and Fees
Registration costs are usually less than $300, but it varies by state and business type. You'll need to provide info like your business name, location, management structure, and registered agent details.
Registration costs are usually less than $300, but it varies by state and business type. You'll need to provide info like your business name, location, management structure, and registered agent details.
Register with Local Agencies
You might need licenses, permits, or a DBA (trade name or fictitious name) from your city or county. Check local government websites to find out what you need.
You might need licenses, permits, or a DBA (trade name or fictitious name) from your city or county. Check local government websites to find out what you need.
Stay Updated
After registration, you might need to provide reports to the state or file additional documentation with state tax boards or franchise tax boards. Check the specific requirements for your location and business type.
After registration, you might need to provide reports to the state or file additional documentation with state tax boards or franchise tax boards. Check the specific requirements for your location and business type.
