Find out if you need to register your business
Your location and business structure determine how you’ll need to register your business. Determine those factors first, and registration becomes very straightforward.
For most small businesses, registering your business is as simple as registering your business name with state and local governments.
In some cases, you don’t need to register at all. If you conduct business as yourself using your legal name, you won’t need to register anywhere. But remember, if you don’t register your business, you could miss out on personal liability protection, legal benefits, and tax benefits.
Register with state agencies
If your business is an LLC, corporation, partnership, or nonprofit corporation, you’ll probably need to register with any state where you conduct business activities.
Typically, you’re considered to be conducting business activities in a state when:
- Your business has a physical presence in the state
- You often have in-person meetings with clients in the state
- A significant portion of your company’s revenue comes from the state
- Any of your employees work in the state
Some states allow you to register online, and some states make you file paper documents in person or through the mail.
Most states require you to register with the Secretary of State’s office, a Business Bureau, or a Business Agency.
File state documents and fees
In most cases, the total cost to register your business will be less than $300, but fees vary depending on your state and business structure.
The information you’ll need typically includes:
- Business name
- Business location
- Ownership, management structure, or directors
- Registered agent information
- Number and value of shares (if you’re a corporation)
The documents you need — and what goes in them — will vary based on your state and business structure.
Register with local agencies
Typically, you don’t need to register with county or city governments to actually form your business.
If your business is an LLC, corporation, partnership, or nonprofit corporation, you might need to file for licenses and permits from the county or city.
Some counties and cities also require you to register your DBA — a trade name or a fictitious name — if you use one.
Local governments determine registration, licensing, and permitting requirements, so visit local government websites to find out what you need to do.
Stay up to date with registration requirements
Some states require you to provide reports soon after registering depending on your business structure.
You may need to file additional documentation with your state tax board or franchise tax board. These filings are typically referred to as Initial Reports or Tax Board registration, and most often need to be filed within 30-90 days after you register with the state.
Check with your local tax office or franchise tax board, if it applies to you.