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Before the doors open: a small business and its paperwork
Q: I am opening a small business. Which licenses, permits and registrations may apply to me?
A: Here is the paperwork map for your small business. Every item says MAY, because what applies depends on how the business is set up, and sorting that out is our job.
1. Business license: A business license for a general small business MAY ask for a short description of the work you do, the address you operate from, and whether you sell goods or services.
2. Home occupation permit: A home occupation permit MAY apply if you run the business from a residence, usually limiting visiting customers, deliveries, employees on site, signs and stored supplies.
3. Sales tax permit: A sales tax permit MAY be needed for taxable goods you sell, and a resale certificate lets you purchase stock from suppliers without paying tax on those purchases.
4. Proof of liability insurance: A certificate showing coverage for customer claims or damage is often attached.
5. Business address statement: A signed note confirming where your records and mail are kept may be requested.
6. Company papers: Depending on how you want to own and name the business, an LLC, a DBA or a tax ID number may come next; we prepare those too.
Our service fee stays put. A business license order that also needs a home occupation permit or another permit still carries one service fee for us. What we do not cover are the upfront annual tax or application fees the govt charges; we find those applications and fill them out.
Why people love this line of work
With low costs and flexible hours, the best parts are freedom and the occasional unexpected sale.
Picture it
Marguerite tested her new price tags at Magpie & Moss and then, with a deep breath, tacked the license next to the register.
What can go wrong
A supplier delivers a bad batch and demands full payment anyway, a mess an LLC keeps off your personal accounts.
The numbers behind it
Business code (NAICS): 561990 (All Other Support Services). This page lists 6 paperwork items for a small business, and each one is marked as something you MAY need, since we confirm which apply.
Tip: Track income and expenses in a simple monthly sheet, because small habits prevent big tax headaches.
My business plan is a drawer, and the drawer is full.
Ready when you are: start your order and we will find out what applies to your small business, fill out the applications and keep the paperwork moving. |