Business Checklists

Business Start-Up Check List

1.  Decide on Business Entity Type

A.  Sole Proprietorship

B.  Partnership (Regular or Limited)

C.  S-Corporation

D.  C-Corporation

E.  Limited Liability Company

2.  File Fictitious Name with Your State, Division of Corporations

3.  File Business Identification Numbers (Unless Sole Proprietor)

A.  Federal Identification Number Form SS -4 from IRS

B.  Sales Tax Number – Application Form from Your

State – Dept. of Revenue

C.  State Unemployment Account Number

(If subject to this tax you file with your state)

4.  Prepare Appropriate Documents

A.  Partnership – Partnership Agreement

B.  Corporation – Articles of Incorporation

C.  Limited Liability Company – Company Documents

5.  Obtain Necessary Licensing:

A.  Occupational with City and or County

B.  Professional with State

C.  Other Special Licensing

6.  File Appropriate Legal Notices

7.  Open Business Checking Account

8.    S-Corporation – To Elect “S” Corporation Status file IRS Form 2553 within 2 ½ months of incorporating.

9.    Take a file folder and insert these contents into it for quick reference.

• A copy of your state sales tax exemption (if you have it )
• A copy of your state business license
• A copy of your local city business license
• Copy of any state corporation or LLC documentation

You will need these from time to time when initializing business with new vendors.  If you plan on buying shipping boxes and equipment you can purchase them tax free if you have your state sales exemption.  Always be ready to show the proper documents to speed your way through acquiring new business.