Step 1. Name and Establish the Legal Structure of Your Business
If you’re planning to operate your business as a limited liability company (LLC), corporation or other formal legal entity, you should create your business before you apply for business licenses. You can do this by filing business formation documents with the Secretary of State. If you plan to operate as a sole proprietorship or general partnership, you don’t need to file formation documents, but you’ll need to register a trade name, or “DBA” with your county if you don’t plan to use your own personal name(s) as your business name.
Step 2. Get a Federal EIN
Depending on your business type and needs, you’ll want to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax purposes. The EIN identifies your business to the IRS. It is similar to a Social Security number (SSN) but solely attached to your business.
If you are a one-owner…
