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State Level
Business Steps

Requirements for New Businesses

Every state has state-level requirements for starting a new business. Check with your state government for registrations and filings that apply to your local business.

Starting a Small Business in Alabama

Alabama

Before starting your local business in Alabama, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Alabama state government websites:

Business Formation 

Alabama Secretary of State

Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can form in Alabama include:

  • Sole Proprietorship 

  • General Partnership 

  • Limited Partnership

  • Limited Liability Partnership 

  • Limited Liability Limited Partnership 

  • Limited Liability Company

  • Corporation

State registration of a sole proprietorship is not required, and a general partnership may be optional. 

Business Licensing and Taxes

Check if your business is required to register and obtain a license or permit. 

Employment 

Alabama Department of Labor

Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, learn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Alabama.

Learn about important employment topics such as:

Recommended Online Resources

Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses:

Business Formation: Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Alabama with the help of ZenBusiness, an online professional filing service. 

Payroll and Employee Benefits: Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto, a top-rated online software tool for employers. 

Workers' Compensation Coverage: Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business

Business Licenses and Permits: Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness

Starting a Small Business in Alaska

Alaska

Before starting your local business in Alaska, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Alaska state government websites:

Business Formation and Licensing 

Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development:
Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing 

Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can form in Alaska include:

  • Sole Proprietorship 

  • General Partnership 

  • Limited Partnership

  • Limited Liability Partnership 

  • Limited Liability Company

  • Corporation

State registration of a sole proprietorship is not required, and a general partnership may be optional. 

Employment 

Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, learn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Alaska. 

Learn about important employment topics such as:

Recommended Online Resources

Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses:

Business Formation: Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Alaska with the help of ZenBusiness, an online professional filing service. 

Payroll and Employee Benefits: Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto, a top-rated online software tool for employers. 

Workers' Compensation Coverage: Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business

Business Licenses and Permits: Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness

Starting a Small Business in Arizona

Arizona

Before starting your local business in Arizona, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Arizona state government websites:

Business Formation 

Arizona Corporation Commission

To form a Limited Liability Company or a Corporation, file business formation documents with the Arizona Corporation Commission. 

Business Formation 

Arizona Secretary of State

To form a partnership such as a Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership, or a Limited Liability Limited Partnership, file business formation documents with the Arizona Secretary of State. 

Business Licensing and Taxes

Arizona Department of Revenue

Check if your business is required to obtain a state business license, such as the Transaction Privilege Tax License. Use the Arizona Business One Stop to guide you on important state-level business steps. 

Employment 

Arizona Department of Economic Security

Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, learn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Arizona.

Learn about important employment topics such as:

Employment 

Arizona Industrial Commission of Arizona

Learn more about other essential responsibilities required for employers in the state of Arizona. 

Know about important employment topics such as:

Recommended Online Resources

Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses:

Business Formation: Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Arizona with the help of ZenBusiness, an online professional filing service. 

Payroll and Employee Benefits: Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto, a top-rated online software tool for employers. 

Workers' Compensation Coverage: Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business

Business Licenses and Permits: Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness

Starting a Small Business in Arkansas

Arkansas

Before starting your local business in Arkansas, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Arkansas state government websites:

Business Formation 

Arkansas Secretary of State

Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you form in Arkansas include:

  • Sole Proprietorship 

  • General Partnership 

  • Limited Partnership

  • Limited Liability Partnership 

  • Limited Liability Limited Partnership 

  • Limited Liability Company

  • Corporation

State registration of a sole proprietorship is not required, and a general partnership may be optional. 

Employment 

Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing

Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, learn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Arkansas. 

Learn about important employment topics such as:

Employment 

Arkansas Division of Workforce Services

Learn more about other essential responsibilities required for employers in the state of Arkansas. 

Learn about important employment topics such as:

Recommended Online Resources

Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses:

Business Formation: Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Arkansas with the help of ZenBusiness, an online professional filing service. 

Payroll and Employee Benefits: Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto, a top-rated online software tool for employers. 

Workers' Compensation Coverage: Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business

Business Licenses and Permits: Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness

Starting a Small Business in California

California

Before starting your local business in California, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following California state government websites:

Business Formation 

California Secretary of State

Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can form in California include:

  • Sole Proprietorship 

  • General Partnership 

  • Limited Partnership

  • Limited Liability Partnership 

  • Limited Liability Company

  • Corporation

State registration of a sole proprietorship is not required, and a general partnership may be optional. 

Business Licenses and Permits  

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA)

Check if your business is required to obtain a state business license or permit, such as a seller's permit. 

Employment 

Employment Development Department (EDD)

Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, learn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of California. 

Learn about important employment topics such as:

Employment 

State of California Department of Industrial Relations

Learn more about other essential responsibilities required for employers in the state of California. 

Learn about important employment topics such as:

Recommended Online Resources

Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses:

Business Formation: Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in California with the help of ZenBusiness, an online professional filing service. 

Payroll and Employee Benefits: Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto, a top-rated online software tool for employers. 

Workers' Compensation Coverage: Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business

Business Licenses and Permits: Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness

Starting a Small Business in Colorado

Colorado

Before starting your local business in Colorado, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Colorado state government websites:

Recommended Online Resources

Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses:

Business Formation: Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Colorado with the help of ZenBusiness, an online professional filing service. 

Payroll and Employee Benefits: Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto, a top-rated online software tool for employers. 

Workers' Compensation Coverage: Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business

Business Licenses and Permits: Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness

Business Formation 

Colorado Secretary of State

Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can form in Colorado include:

  • Sole Proprietorship 

  • General Partnership 

  • Limited Partnership

  • Limited Liability Partnership 

  • Limited Liability Limited Partnership 

  • Limited Liability Company

  • Corporation

State registration of a sole proprietorship is not required, and a general partnership may be optional. 

Business Licensing and Taxes

Check if your business is required to obtain a state business license and pay certain business taxes. 

Employment 

Colorado Department of Labor and Employment

Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, learn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Colorado.

Learn about important employment topics such as:

Starting a Small Business in Connecticut

Connecticut

Before starting your local business in Connecticut, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Connecticut state government website:

Business Formation and Filings 

CT Small Business Resource Center

Complete all your essential registrations and filings on one platform. The state of Connecticut makes it simple to do everything related to starting a business with one online business account. 

Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, learn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Connecticut.

Recommended Online Resources

Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses:

Business Formation: Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Connecticut with the help of ZenBusiness, an online professional filing service. 

Payroll and Employee Benefits: Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto, a top-rated online software tool for employers. 

Workers' Compensation Coverage: Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business

Business Licenses and Permits: Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness

Starting a Small Business in Delaware

Delaware

Before starting your local business in Delaware, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Delaware state government websites:

Business Formation 

Delaware Division of Corporations

Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can choose to form in Delaware include:

  • Sole Proprietorship 

  • General Partnership 

  • Limited Partnership

  • Limited Liability Partnership 

  • Limited Liability Limited Partnership 

  • Limited Liability Company

  • Corporation

State registration of a sole proprietorship is not required, and a general partnership may be optional. 

Business Licensing and Taxes

Check if your business is required to obtain a state business license and pay certain business taxes. Use Delaware One Stop for important registrations and filings. 

Employment 

Delaware Department of Labor

Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, learn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Delaware.

Learn about important employment topics such as:

Recommended Online Resources

Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses:

Business Formation: Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Delaware with the help of ZenBusiness, an online professional filing service. 

Payroll and Employee Benefits: Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto, a top-rated online software tool for employers. 

Workers' Compensation Coverage: Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business

Business Licenses and Permits: Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness

Starting a Small Business in Florida

Florida

Before starting your local business in Florida, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Florida state government websites:

Recommended Online Resources

Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses:

Business Formation: Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Florida with the help of ZenBusiness, an online professional filing service. 

Payroll and Employee Benefits: Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto, a top-rated online software tool for employers. 

Workers' Compensation Coverage: Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business

Business Licenses and Permits: Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness

Business Formation 

Florida Division of Corporations

Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can choose to form in Florida include:

  • Sole Proprietorship 

  • General Partnership 

  • Limited Partnership

  • Limited Liability Partnership 

  • Limited Liability Limited Partnership 

  • Limited Liability Company

  • Corporation

Business Reporting and Taxes

Check if your business is required to obtain a state business license and pay certain business taxes. 

 

Learn about important topics such as:

Business Insurance

Learn more about workers' compensation coverage. Determine if your business is required to obtain workers' compensation insurance. 

Business Licensing 

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Check if your business is required to obtain a state business license. 

Starting a Small Business in Georgia

Georgia

Before starting your local business in Georgia, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Georgia state government websites:

Business Formation 

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can choose to form in Hawaii include:

  • Sole Proprietorship 

  • General Partnership 

  • Limited Partnership 

  • Limited Liability Limited Partnership 

  • Limited Liability Company

  • Corporation

State registration of a sole proprietorship is not required but may need to file a trade name. 

Business Licensing and Taxes

Check if your business is required to obtain a state business license and pay certain business taxes. 

Business Insurnace

State Board of Workers' Compensation

Learn more about workers' compensation coverage, a requirement for most employers in Georgia. Determine if your business is required to obtain workers' compensation insurance. 

Employment 

Georgia Department of Labor

Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, learn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Georgia.

Learn about important employment topics such as:

Recommended Online Resources

Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses:

Business Formation: Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Goergia with the help of ZenBusiness, an online professional filing service. 

Payroll and Employee Benefits: Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto, a top-rated online software tool for employers. 

Workers' Compensation Coverage: Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business

Business Licenses and Permits: Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness

Starting a Small Business in Hawaii

Hawaii

Starting a Small Business in Idaho

Before starting your local business in Hawaii, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Hawaii state government websites:

Business Formation 

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can choose to form in Hawaii include:

  • Sole Proprietorship 

  • General Partnership 

  • Limited Partnership

  • Limited Liability Partnership 

  • Limited Liability Limited Partnership 

  • Limited Liability Company

  • Corporation

State registration of a sole proprietorship is not required but may need to file a trade name. 

Business Licensing and Taxes

Check if your business is required to obtain a state business license and pay certain business taxes. 

Employment 

State of Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations 

Will your business have one or more employees? If yes, learn about essential registrations, responsibilities, and reporting required for employers in the state of Hawaii.

Learn about important employment topics such as:

Recommended Online Resources

Consider using the following products and services to make it easier to file, manage, and comply with important state requirements for businesses:

Business Formation: Form a Limited Liability Company or Corporation in Hawaii with the help of ZenBusiness, an online professional filing service. 

Payroll and Employee Benefits: Manage your payroll and other essential employee benefits with Gusto, a top-rated online software tool for employers. 

Workers' Compensation Coverage: Get an online quote for workers' compensation insurance with Simply Business

Business Licenses and Permits: Get a detailed report of business licenses and permits your business will need with ZenBusiness

Idaho

Before starting your local business in Idaho, check for state-level business registrations and filings that may apply to your business. Start by visiting the following Idaho state government websites:

Business Formation 

Idaho Secretary of State

Start by filing business formation documents for your chosen business structure. Common business structures you can choose to form in Idaho include: