How to Register Your Business with the Secretary of State

The paperwork that has to be done when starting a business can seem endless. Some of the most important forms you will fill out for your new business are the forms that make your business legitimate to the state in which you are operating. Registering your business with the Secretary of State is usually a smooth process that requires several forms to be filled out in a timely manner.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Determine whether you need to register your business with the Secretary of State where your business is located. Corporations, limited liability companies and limited liability partnerships are required to register business with the Secretary of State. You must also register your business if you want to register your business name, a trademark or service mark.
2. Use the Internet or call to find out the details of how to register with the Secretary of State in your state. Most states have websites that outline exactly what you need to do to register your business in your state.
3. Check to see if the forms you need to complete in order to register your business are located online. If you do not find them online, request them from your Secretary of State's office.
4. Fill out the appropriate forms that are required by your state to register your business. Depending on what type of business you are registering you will have different forms that you have to file.
5. Include any fees that you need to pay in order to register your business with the Secretary of State. Most Secretary of State offices will charge a fee to process your forms.
6. Send in your forms and payment for your fees in a timely manner. The quicker you get the forms and payment into the Secretary of State, the quicker they can process them. Then, you can take that next step in getting your business operational.

Tips & Warnings

• Sole proprietorships and partnerships are not required to register their businesses with the Secretary of State.