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
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
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
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:
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
Starting a Small Business in 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.
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
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.
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: