Things You'll Need:
- Employer Identification Number
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Step 1
Know the business. Draft a business plan to state the objective of the business and the services, products or merchandise it will provide to consumers and clients. Define the product or service in terms of the market. Project any expected cross-over from clients currently receiving similar products or services from competitors.
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Step 2
Study the market before you obtain financing. Investors want assurances that the product will sale or the service is needed.
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Step 3
Select a business name. Check that the name is not currently in use and register it with the Department of State. For a small business, file a Doing Business As (DBA) form to legally acknowledge that you will do business under a fictitious name.
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Step 4
Contact the IRS to obtain an Employer Identification Number. You will need to provide your name, address, social security number and business name. It is not necessary that the name be registered at the time of the application.
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Step 5
Work with an attorney to determine the necessary legal forms required to incorporate the business, if applicable. Obtain a Limited Liability Company, Partnership, or Sole Proprietor application from the Department of State in order to register the business with the state. Additional categories are available upon request.
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Step 6
Obtain the required licensure, and consult a tax attorney about the taxes the business will be expected to pay.
