Hi all,
As you've probably picked up from my recent posts I'm going to open a shop this fall. I've been doing family/friends and want to take in a little more this coming deer season.
I've been told that you need to "register" a business name but I haven't found any information about this or what it entails. I'm sure it's probably a state-specific (or maybe even more local than that) so I've contacted my state's taxi association but haven't heard anything back yet.
Anyone out there have any tips/info on starting up? Basically here's what I've done so far. Maybe someone could tell me if there's something obvious I've missed or not thought about. I have applied for the state's taxi "license" and ordered the mandatory tags required by our DNR. I'm not doing any ducks or migratory birds right away. I was thinking my step would be to get all the legalities straightened out as far as the business name, tax advice, etc. Then I'll get business cards and advertising plan (probably just a couple of ads in the local weekly papers) in order.
I don't expect anyone to give me a blow-by-blow on tax laws or business practices, etc. (that's what the tax guys and books are for right) but just maybe something I may not have thought about. Like registering a business name?
Thanks again.
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In most states a name need not be registered unless it is a "ficticious" name. Tony's Taxidermy or Jone's Taxidermy is not considered ficticious, rather the name of the owner/operator. If, however, you want "Stuffzit", that's a ficticious name and registration will be required so that the government knows who owns the business. Regular names get automatically filed when the business license is issued. Also, be prepared for setting up a separate bank account under your business name. The bank will require both a copy of the license and the registered name if fictitious. Plan on paying bigger electric and phone bills as they will also be listed as "Commercial" which means you'll pay much more for the same service you get in your house.
Tony H., What I did was go to the county seat and register the business name with the register of deeds office. Also got a sign permit from the planning department and a sales and use tax permit from the state department of revenue (needed if you are going to do retail sales). This is all in N.C. and may be very different in other areas. As for those adds in the local paper, I wouldn't invest too much of my money in the paper here. Better to buy a little gas and drive those business cards around and leave them in places where your customers are likely to see them and pick one up. Get a business phone- you get listed in the yellow pages that way. If there is a community college near you, check them out for small business courses that may be helpful. Good luck with the start-up and just trust that the work will come. Oh yea, do not make the mistake of establishing your business as the lowest price around place---charge for your time. It's fine to have fun while you work but don't find yourself working just for fun. Enjoy, Aaron H.
I did have to get a Missouri Retailer's License, though, in order to collect sales tax. However, by registering the name, you can keep anyone else in the state from using it.
You can register your name with the federal government (once every 5 years) it keeps anyone else from using your name. I forget with what office you register, but I will try to look this evening. If you do not register your name and someone else does... wel then they have rights to it and can make you stop using it if they really wanted to.
DaveT
That's your Business Name. Already 'Registered'...On Your Birth Cewrtificate.
You don't need anything else other than a State Vendors Licence...Application Form from your local Clerk of Courts office...which you file by mail.
Unless you plan on mounting Waterfowl...Ducks and Geese and other Migratorey Birds...for which you then ALSO need to get a Federal Waterfowl Permit.
~ ETCC
It may be state by state, but here in NY, Monroe county, I had to file my business name. Bill Yox Taxidermy. Just call the town office or the County offices, we dont always know best in here, because of the different states.
I have heard about the registration process. Your explanations jogged my memory about that when my dad opened his contractor's business.
Thanks again for the advice.