Business Licenses, Permits, and Business Names


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Business Licenses & Permits
Local Licenses and Permits
State Licenses and Permits
Federal Licenses and Permits Where do I go to get a license?

Business Name or DBA (Doing Business As)
Do I need to have a DBA?
What are the benefits to filing a DBA?
How do I go about getting a DBA?
Getting a Business Checking Account Under Your Business Name
How Do I Trademark My Business Name?

Wholesale or Retail License 
What is a Wholesale or Retail License ?
Where do I get a Wholesale or Retail License ?

Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Why Do I Need an EIN?
How do I apply for an EIN?
 

Useful Links

Business License and Permits Checklist

 Business Plan

Quiz


All of your licenses, permits, and business names can be handled by our filing service (including establishing your business and brand names) and you don't  require the help of a lawyer. So before you start, it’s a good idea to get all your basic information so you can apply online.  If you’re not sure about needing help on an issue, ask us about it first. Your small investment in taking the time to talk to us now can help you avoid later much bigger legal problems later on.


Licenses & Permits


Do I need any licenses?


The answer is yes. Without a business license or a DBA you may be conducting business illegally. Just about all businesses need a state, county or city license depending on the type of business or its location. There may be local, county, state, and or federal licensing requirements depending on the type of business you are in. The fees associated with getting a license from us are far less than hiring an attorney or even using competing services.

Local Licenses and Permits:


  • Your licensing requirements and will vary. You may need a permit before you can open for business.  In some cases, after or before you obtain your business license,  the space you own or lease is going to be inspected to determine if it is properly zoned for specific type of business you are going into.
    You may need a special license if you’re conducting business out of your house, a beauty salon for example requires a state license in addition to local permits.


    State Licenses:
    There are certain businesses and professions that require a state license. State licenses are often required for the following occupations:


     
  •  Accountants
  • Building contractors
  • Appraisers
  • Cosmetologists
  • Auctioneers
  • Private investigators
  • Real Estate agents



    Your state may require you to have special licenses if you sell certain products such as firearms, gasoline, liquor, lottery tickets, etc.


    Federal Licenses and Permits:
    For your small businesses, federal licensing is probably not a requirement. In businesses that are regulated by the government, federal licensing is  required.  Here are some examples:

     
  •  Broadcasting
  • Manufacturing tobacco alcohol, or firearms
  • Drug manufacturing
  • Preparation of meat products
  • Ground transportation
  • Selling firearms
  • Investment advising




    Where do I  get a license?
    The best place to start is to click here to take a small test to see if you actually need one. Talk to one of our clerks, who should be able to tell you how to get a business  license. You can also phone our clerks  with questions.


How about if I am working from home?

  • We will Investigate business license requirements covering small or home based businesses. Some residential neighborhoods have strict zoning restrictions that may prevent you from doing business out of your home.  In many areas, attitudes toward home based businesses are becoming more acceptable.

States

 

 

 

Articles

 


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Services in Detail

L.L.C Limited Liability Company Corporation

L.L.C Limited Liability Company Corporation: We obtain the official certificate and provide you with a legally required customized operating agreement that you will need to open a bank account. You will need a federal ID, the LLC certificate and the operating agreement to open an LLC bank account. An LLC will protect the business and the owner's personal assets as well as save on taxes.

DBA Doing Business As Fictitious Business Name

DBA Doing Business As Fictitious / Assumed Trade Business Name : We obtain the official DBA certificate, publish the filing in a legal newspaper, file a proof of publication. If you don't file an LLC or corporation, you will need to file a DBA to register the business name. You also need it to open a business bank account and use stationary such as letter heads and business cards with your business name.

Seller's Permit ( Sales, Resale, Reseller Tax ID) Permit.

State Sales ID/Wholesale License / Seller's Permit ( Sales, Resale, Reseller Tax ID) Permit.

We officially register you business to collect sales tax or buy or sell wholesale as well as retail. We obtain the official State Seller's Permit Certificate

Federal Tax ID EIN Employer Tax ID Number

Federal Tax ID EIN Employer Tax ID Number

We obtain an official EIN certificate from the federal government. All businesses need an EIN except sole owner's that are not independent contractors.

State Employer Tax ID Number Also Called a SEIN

State Employer Tax ID Number Also Called a SEIN

This is similar to a Federal EIN except that it is from the state and you need both if you are an employer. We obtain an official SEIN certificate from the State Government.

Incorporation. C Corporation, S, or NonProfit Corporation

Incorporation. C Corporation, S, or NonProfit Corporation

We obtain the official certificate and provide you with a legally required customized bylaws that you will need to open a bank account. You will need a federal ID, the corporation certificate and the bylaws to open an LLC bank account. An corporation will protect the owner's personal assets as well as save on taxes.

Business License also called a Home Occupation License.

Business License also called a Home Occupation License

Whether home, online, mobile, store or office, this is a general license that all business must obtain. It is a general business tax registration ( as opposed to income, sales, employment or use tax). If you are a home business, you may need a home occupation license and a business license or one or the other. It depends on your state.

Vendor's License, Peddler's License, Business Permit, Business Personal Property Tax.

Vendor's License, Peddler's License, Business Permit, Business Personal Property Tax

You may need one of these depending on your situation. You may need it in addition to a general business license or you may just need this one. Namely, a vendor's peddler's, business permit or business personal property tax registration.

Service Groups

Business formation occurs when you choose a business structure and file a certificate for it. For example, if you file an LLC, you structure is an LLC for tax purposes. If you file a DBA as a sole proprietor, you will be a sole owner proprietor.

After forming your business with an LLC, corporation or DBA certificate, we register your business for tax reasons such as sales tax ( seller's permit ) employment tax ( EIN, SEIN) and business tax ( EIN, business license )
In addition, to forming your business, and registering for tax, you may need a professional license e.g., contractor's license, a health permit, tobacco or transient vendor's license.
You can select to have the filings expedited at check out or call us for same day service.

What Our Clients Say About Us

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