How to Start a Small Business in Florida From Home
Starting a small business from a Florida home is the easiest and most cost-effective way to start out if you do not need a large office or manufacturing equipment. A small business could be any sort of entity, though it is best to choose the entity--such as a limited liability company, corporation or sole proprietorship--that you are going to be happy with if the business grows too big for the house.
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Instructions
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Visit the Florida Department of State's website to register your business. Under the E-Filing Services menu, choose the proper link for your entity: either Florida Profit Articles of Incorporation, Florida Non-Profit Articles of Incorporation, Florida Limited Liability Articles of Organization, or Florida Certificate of Limited Partnership. Follow the instructions for your choice of entity. When choosing the registered agent, name yourself, and put your home address in the box.
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Visit the Internal Revenue Service's website to apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). Follow instructions on the website. When finished with the instructions, click the option to have the EIN letter emailed to you. Print the EIN letter and the confirmation from the IRS website. Save both to your hard drive.
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Visit the Florida Department of Revenue's website to obtain a Florida Sales Tax Number if you are selling retail goods. Scroll down the page until you see the "Register" link. Click the link and follow the DOR's instructions. Print your confirmation.
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Open a bank account in the business name. Bring your newly acquired Articles of Organization, Articles of Incorporation, or Certificate of Limited Partnership, the EIN number and the sales tax number. Check with your bank for the minimum amount required to open an account, and bring cash or a check to deposit into the account.
When you open your account, a bank representative will ask how you want your checks. If the bank offers Internet banking and debit cards, the representative will set up those options for you. Give the bank your home address, and ask that mail be sent to your business name, attn: your personal name, so the deliverer knows to drop business mail at your residence.
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Purchase office equipment and office supplies. At a minimum, you need a computer, printer, scanner, desk, office chair, paper, pens, pencils, and other small supplies such as a stapler and paper clips. Set up the office in a separate room of your house. If you do not have a free room, set it up in a quiet corner of the house.
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