How to Register Your New Business in New York State

Carefully review the information in the business documents prior to submission.

Following the necessary steps to register a business in New York is necessary in order to legally operate within the state. The documents and information needed to register a business are easily accessible on the New York Department of State website, and on the county clerk office websites. Registering the business is important because it will protect the business name from being used by another company within the state. Complying with registration guidelines and making sure the steps are properly implemented are required to legally set up the business.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a business name. Find out if the name is available by checking the county clerk website for the county where the business will operate. A business name cannot be used if it is already registered by another company. Name searches can also be performed by sending in a written request to the county clerk's office or by going to the county clerk's office and speaking to a representative.

2. Register the business name by filling out the business certificate, articles of incorporation or certificate of incorporation form. The types of documents that need to be completed depend on the structure of the business entity. The county clerk website and the New York Department of State website provide the specific registration documents for various business entities, such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability partnerships, limited liability companies and corporations.

3. Mail the registration documents to the county clerk's office. Include the processing fee with the documents. The county clerk's website will list the amount of the processing fee for each business entity. It will also state the acceptable forms of payment, such as money orders, certified checks, or credit cards. Alternatively, the completed documents and fee payment can be submitted in person at the county clerk office location.

4. Request an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. Fill out the online application available on the IRS website. The application for an Employer Identification Number can also be mailed to the IRS. Download and complete the Form SS-4, which is available on the IRS website. Send the form to the IRS for processing.

References

• New York Department of State: Corporation & Business Entity Database
• Nassau County Office of the County Clerk: Online Forms
• IRS.gov: Employer ID Numbers (EINs)