Starting Your Business

An Iowa registered agent (also referred to as a resident agent or statutory agent in some states) is a person or company designated to be a company’s official point of contact. The purpose of a Registered Agent is to receive service of process (legal mail such as a summons, subpoena, or lawsuit) and forward it

Idea 01. Idea (0/3 steps completed) [xyz-ics snippet=”Checklist—Idea”] Business Registration 02. Registration (0/7 steps completed) Step 1: Decide On The Business Structure Mark as done The first step in registering your business is choosing its legal structure. Your choice between sole proprietorship, general partnership, LLC, or corporation affects your tax obligations and personal liability protection. Comparison of Business Structures Step 2: Select A Business Name Mark as done After choosing your business structure, you’ll need to pick a name for your business. The rules for naming a business depend on the state and business structure. Sole proprietors can use the name of the owner or register a DBA (Doing Business As), while LLCs and corporations need to do a name search to verify no other business in your state has registered the same name. Step 3: Get An EIN Mark as done Many businesses will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is like a Social Security number for a business. While sole proprietors working alone can use the owner’s personal Social Security number, business structures usually require an EIN. Register for an EIN Step 4: Obtain Any Professional Or Industry Licensing Mark as done Some businesses require state approval before they can operate. Every state has different requirements, but fields like construction, finance, healthcare, and personal care services often need specific licenses or certifications. Check with your state’s licensing department to learn your requirements. Step 5: Apply For Business Licensing Mark as done Most local governments require businesses to register and obtain licenses. Each city and county has different rules and permits based on your location and type of business. Business License Overview Step 6: Business Tax Registration Mark as done Most states require businesses to register for a salest tax license (sometimes called a seller’s permit or business tax registration) to collect sales tax. If you buy items to resell, you may also need a resale certificate, which allows you to purchase inventory without paying sales tax. Step 7: Building & Zoning Permits Mark as done If you’re opening a physical location or running a business from home, you must comply with local building and zoning laws. These regulations determine where you can operate and what building standards you need to meet. Contact your local planning office to learn what permits you need before you start setting up your business location. Funding 03. Funding (0/3 steps completed) [xyz-ics snippet=”Checklist—Funding”] Operations 04. Operations (0/8 steps completed) Get Ready To Launch [xyz-ics snippet=”Checklist—Operations”] Print all steps

Idea 01. Idea (0/3 steps completed) Business Registration 02. Registration (0/7 steps completed) Step 1: Decide On The Business Structure Mark as done The first step in registering your business is choosing its legal structure. Your choice between sole proprietorship, general partnership, LLC, or corporation affects your tax obligations and personal liability protection. Comparison of

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AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming