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MORE -- ASK FOR HELP

© Barbara Massie

The Small Business Administration (SBA) office in your state can be helpful to you. Ask them for a start-up packet. The packet will show step-by-step procedures for starting a business. The local Chamber of Commerce, trade associations and even other business people can give advice and provide information on what is required in the area.

When you work out of your home, there might be Zoning Restrictions to contend with. When working in the home, but not having customers actually come to your home for buying, the restrictions might not pertain. Zoning laws are made to protect neighborhoods from becoming more than residential areas. Contact your local city hall to learn what or if zoning laws exist.

Contact the business license bureau in your city or county clerk's office to find out what kind of business licenses might be required. Your state Department of Commerce will know if your type of business requires a state license. Also check any local or state agencies that may have jurisdiction of occupational licenses related to your type of business. An example is a cookie business; this will require special requirements and licensing by the Department of Health.

When you sell directly to the public, most states will require that you collect sales tax that is then submitted to the state. Read Sales Tax General Information to know more about sales tax. It might not be for your location, but will still be helpful. To obtain a permit, contact the appropriate state office. Permits are issued in many states by the Department of Finance, the Department of Revenue, the Treasurer's Office, etc.

Here is an example of what a County Clerk's office might expect of you when you apply for a Fictitious Business Name To conduct business, a DBA (Doing Business As) - also known as a fictitious name statement - is required in most states. If your name is your "real name," it is not required that you apply for a DBA, but applying will prevent others from using your name. Most business name registrations are made in the county clerk's office. A copy of your DBA is usually required before you can open a business checking account.

Read here for more information about Fictitious Business Name Statements that can be helpful to you.

The EIN is the federal Employer Identification Number . A sole proprietor is free to use the personal social security number, but if you employ several people, apply for an EIN. This number allows the federal government to keep track of an employer's tax withholding amounts for employees. Use IRS Form SS-4 to file for a number.

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