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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