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Here’s a list of steps to help your business get started. To run a small business, you’re going to need all the necessary licenses, permits, and registrations. Follow these fives steps listed below for your business to run legally.

1. What will be your business structure?

You will have to decide on the structure of your business to make it a legal entity. The most popular structures that you can choose from are sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and LLC (limited liability company).

Choosing the right structure depends on the level of control you want, vulnerability to lawsuits, and financing needs. Each structure has specific tax, financial, and legal considerations and their own registration requirements. After choosing a legal structure, you may need to file registration forms with your state and/or local government.

2. Register your assumed business name (Assumed Name)

You’ll get to write down a fictitious or assumed name in the field that says DBA, Doing Business As, Fictitious Name, or Assumed Name.

If you don’t choose a fictitious name, the legal name of your business will be your full name if you are the sole proprietor. If you have a partnership, the last names of you and your partner will be the legal name. For LLC, the legal name is registered with the state.

You’ll have to enter in your legal name for all the government applications and forms. If you want to start a business with another name, confirm with your state and/or local government to see if you need to file a fictitious name.

3. Obtain Your Federal Tax ID

You will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as Employer Tax ID and Form SS-4. Businesses with employees, partnerships, corporations, and other organizations must obtain an EIN from the IRS.

IRS phone number: 1-800-829-4933

4. Registration with State Revenue Agency

Along with a Federal Tax ID, you’ll have to obtain a tax ID and permits from your state’s revenue agency. You’ll also need to get a sales tax permit or vendor’s license from the state and/or local government if you want to sell products and collect taxes.

5. Required licenses and permits

You will need a business license to operate legally. A lot of small businesses use a general business license or industry specific permit that can be obtained from the state and local government.

Get essential small business advice for your business at Nizbiz – the place to find important small business information.