Business Registration Requirements

Do you need to register a new business? Yes.  Do you need to get business licenses and business permits? Maybe—it depends on what your business is.

Business Registration

If you’re setting up a new business in your home state, you’ll register as part of reserving your business name, setting up an LLC or corporation, and getting an employer ID number (also called a tax ID number). If you have an existing business and are setting up shop in a new state, you’ll need to separately register to do business there.

Registering Business License

When you register a business, you let the state know that you are conducting business within its borders. This helps the state collect taxes and unemployment insurance contributions. Registering a business is conceptually similar to putting in your name with the maitre d when you go to a restaurant, or checking in at the airport; it’s a process of letting the state know that you’re there.

A business permit or business license is required for certain businesses—contracting, serving alcohol, selling tobacco, debt collections…the list goes on, and if you’re starting a business, you should check to see if your activities require licensing or a permit. There are business that do not require a license or a permit, because they don’t engage in any activity regulated that way. For example, take writing—you can register a business to provide freelance writing and editorial services, but no special license or permit is required.

Business Registration Legal Help

An experienced attorney can make the process of registering—as well as obtaining any necessary permits or licenses—painless. It’s recommended that you work with an experienced business registration attorney to make sure you’re properly set up to open for business.