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Pick
A Business Name:
The name you chose for the business
should give an indication as to the nature of the business.
It should be unique and easy to remember. Check with the
State in which you intend to register the name to verify that it
is not already taken. You should also do a search on the
web.
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Get The
Domain Name Registered: Research the name on the Internet and ensure that
it is not already taken. If it is not taken, register the
Domain Name. Your website name and the email account
information you put on your business card should reflect your
business name. That is why it is important to register your
business name as your Domain Name.
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Obtain A Professional License or
Permit If Required:
Some
businesses require a "Professional License" or "Permit"
in order to operate legally. This differs from state to
state. Click on the link to find out more.
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Find A
Location For The Business: Once you start registering your business with the
States they will ask for the business address. You want to
have this ready.
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Determine
The Type Of Organization:
Determine how the business will be organized, i.e., Sole
Proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation, etc.
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Determine
Where You Want To Register The Busienss: Chose
between a State Corporation, Delaware Corporation or a Nevada
Corporation.
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Register
The Business:
If you decided on a
State entity, then register the
business with the respective State. If you decided to go
with a
Delaware or
Nevada Corporation.
Register with those respective entities. However, if you
register as a Delaware or Nevada corporation and you will be
selling products or have an presence (office) in other States,
you must also register with those states as a "Foreign Corporation". This applies also if you register your
business in one state and will sell products or maintain a
presence (office) in other states. Registering the business with the
respective State makes it legal for you
to operate as a business entity that state.
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Obtain A FEIN (Federal Employer
Identification Number) From The IRS: This is the tax ID that identifies you as a
business entity with the Federal Government for the purpose of
paying taxes.
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Register
The Business With The County:
You have to file a copy of your
Incorporation papers with the respective County in which the
business is located.
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Obtain A
Sales Tax ID From The State: If you are selling goods you have to obtain a
Sales Tax ID form the State which establishes an account for the
business to pay Sales Taxes.
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Obtain A Business LIcense Ffrom The Local Municipality:
You have to obtain a Business License from the City or township
in which the business is located. A business license makes
it legal for your business to operate in the respective City or
township. Go to the City Hall of the city or township you
will will be located in to register.