New business owners are often overwhelmed with the tasks and steps for business start-up. But you can start a business with these simple steps.
1. Select, Register, and Trademark Your Business Name
Most business owners start out with a business name, but before you solidify that name by putting it in a logo, on business cards, and on your website, make sure it will be a good name for many years. Selecting a name, registering that name, and possibly trademarking the name mean that you have made a commitment to that name. Read this section before you select that business name.2. Find a Business Location
Unless you are working out of your home, you will need a location for your business. It might be an office or a retail space or a warehouse. Here are the steps to take to find that location, negotiate the lease, and get favorable terms.
3. Select Your Business Legal Type
Here is a checklist to help you make the decision of what type of business legal entity you will start. The types of entities range from the simplest sole proprietorship, through partnerships and limited liability companies, to the complicated corporation and s-corporation forms.4. Apply for Your Tax ID Number (Employer ID)
One of the first steps in business start-up, after you have a name and a business address and you know your legal form, is to fill out a tax identification application (sometimes called an employer ID. This number acts as your unique business identifier on all types of registrations and documents, and most banks want you to have this number before you can set up a business checking account and apply for a loan.5. Apply to Your State for a Sales Tax Permit (for Taxable Items, Services)
If you are selling any products or services that are subject to sales tax in your state, you must collect tax from customers and pay the state back that tax. Here's what you need to know about state sales tax.
