Download the checklist here IMPORTANT:  Under Construction.  Many links may be broken.   Table of Contents Start Here! Federal requirements State requirements County/City requirements Other Considerations Resource Links               Start Here! Start by viewing the recommended readings from the IRS. We are here to help you through the process of fulfilling all the requirements to starting your own business.  Much of the information is from the IRS resources however we will tailor it to the needs of a physical therapist in private practice.  We will break down the requirements into four categories (1) Federal   (2) State  (3) County/City and   (4) Other considerations.   Back to top         Federal (if you intend to have employees)    Item Name Notes Description   Instructions  Employer Identification Number  Also known as the federal tax ID number or EIN. Identifies you with the federal government as an employer. Account number for your employer tax accounts. (Medicare, social security, income, etc.) Online Application.  Very easy. File as soon as possible.  Equal Opportunity Employment Poster Required to display where employees can see it   U.S. Department of Labor  Download the poster here Federal Minimum Wage Poster  Required to display where employees can see it  Virtually all business entities are subject to the federal minimum wage, overtime and child labor laws. Download the poster here  Health & Safety Poster  Required to display where employees can see it  The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines specific health and safety standards employers must meet for the protection of employees. Download the OSHA poster here Family & Medical Leave Act Poster  Required to display where employees can see it  U.S. Department of Labor Download the poster here   Notice to Workers with Disabilities Display where employees can see it   U.S. Department of Labor Download the poster here  Employee Polygraph Protection Act  Display where employees can see it   U.S. Department of Labor Download the poster here   W-4  Have employee complete at hire Withholding Allowance Certificate  Download the form here   Employer Eligibility Verification"  Have employee complete at hire The Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires all employers to verify the employment eligibility of new employees.   Download Form I-9     Back to top           State    Item Name Notes Description   Instructions  Unemployment Insurance Tax Required when hiring employees  If the company has one or more employees for 20 weeks in a calendar year, or it has paid gross wages of $1,500 or more in a calendar year. The taxes are payable at a rate of 2.7 percent on the first $8,500 in annual wages of an employee. Unemployment insurance must be reported and returns made to the state. Register with Your State Sales Tax Number Required before opening business if you are selling anything tangible. In each state, there is a specified percent sales and use tax which applies to the retail purchase, retail site, rental, storage, use or consumption of tangible personal property and certain services. In other words, sales tax must be collected on just about every tangible item sold. File Online Now Not a big issue for us.  New Hire Reporting  Within 20 days of hire New Hire Reporting is the process by which employers report information on newly hired employees to a designated state agency shortly after the date of hire Get Info State Poster Requirements for your employees     Instructions here  Worker's Compensation   If a business employs three or more people, workers' compensation insurance must be carried to provide protection to those injured in on-the-job accidents. The State Board of Workers' Compensation aids people who need claim assistance.  Get a Quote from Multiple Vendors Now!   Back to top             County/City    Item Name Notes Description   Instructions  Fictitious Business Name This does not apply to corporations doing business under their corporate name. Businesses that use a name other than the owner's must register the fictitious name with the county as required by the Trade Name Registration Act. Check for the appropriate name of the Trade Name Registration Act in your area. Contact Your State Department or County Recorders Office Business License If outside city limits get county license Required for any person or entity doing business or carrying on a trade within the city limits. If not contacted, check with your city hall.  Fire Inspection  They will notify you All businesses are inspected annually to ensure conformance with the uniform fire code. If not contacted, check with your city hall  Certificate of Occupancy For Commercial Space You may have to apply for a Certificate of Occupancy from a city or county zoning department.  For more information contact the county or city office in your area.   Business Insurance  Talk with your landlord as well  Like home insurance, business insurance protects the contents of your business against fire, theft and other losses. Many small businesses must protect themselves from lawsuits and other situations for which they might be deemed liable.  Get Multiple Quotes Now! Notification to Assessor They usually send a form. Businesses are required to notify the County Assessor's Office of new business activities Simple     Back to top         Other Considerations Building and Construction Permit: Plans for new buildings, renovations, and tenant improvements must be checked in advance of building permit issuance. Required for residential and commercial construction work. It may include the following: Other Inspection and Fees Permit Fee For Residential Aluminum Patio Covers, Grading Permit, Plumbing Permit, Mechanical Permit, and Electrical Permit. Police Regulations/Public Safety Issues:  Some city police departments offer business crime prevention programs and may also issue permits for certain activities i.e. burglar alarm, solicitors, firearm sales, etc. - requirements vary from city to city. Most cities have an ordinance requiring a permit to have an illegal entry alarm.  Back to top             Resource Links   Get free online advice from the pioneers of business advice. Retirement plan information for your employees Find help in your local area - IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers are your one-stop resource for face-to-face tax help and solutions to tax problems, every business day. Taxpayer Assistance Centers are closed for all federal holidays. Business Fundamentals - day to day management advice Starting a Business Information by the IRS  The Small Business Administration is also a great place for info  Back to top