Starting a Business

Most businesses start out small. The checklist below provides the basic steps you should follow to start a business. The list should not be construed as all-inclusive. Other steps may be appropriate for your specific type of business. Refer also to the Small Business Administration's Checklist for Going into Business (PDF).

• Select a business structure. Consulting SBA's Small Business Startup Kit may help you decide which structure works best for your business.

• Determine if you need to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

• Write a business plan and investigate business financing and marketing.

• Start your tax year, choose your accounting method, and keep records. Get business tips and consultation services by contacting a small business expert.

• Learn about the types of federal business taxes.
  Consult Publication 557, Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization (PDF) if you are a nonprofit organization.

• Learn about your social security reporting requirements before hiring any employees.

• Learn about workplace requirements for small businesses with the Department of Labor's Employment Law Guide, which addresses workplace requirements for small businesses.

If you have employees:
1. Prepare to meet federal employment tax requirements by reading IRS Publication 15, Circular E, Employer's Tax Guide (PDF) and Publication 15-A, Employer's Supplemental Tax Guide (PDF), or Publication 51, Circular A, Agricultural Employer's Tax Guide (PDF).
2. Ask employees to complete withholding certificates (Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate (PDF), and Form W-5, Earned Income Credit Advance Payment (PDF)).
3. Comply with state and federal regulations regarding the protection of employees. For information on state labor laws, work force availability, prevailing wages, unemployment insurance, unionization, benefits packages, and employment services, contact your state government.
4. Investigate the federal minimum wage, overtime, and child labor laws from the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division.
5. Review the federal health and safety standards employers must provide for the protection of employees as specified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Many states have similar standards. For a particular state's information, contact your state government or go to OSHA's list of approved state plans.
6. Check your State Board of Workers' Compensation to see if you need workers' compensation insurance by contacting your state government .
7. Complete Immigration and Naturalization Service Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 for every employee, citizen and non-citizen alike. If you have any questions, contact the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.

• Determine your estimated federal tax payments and begin making payments with Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals (PDF), or Form 1120-W, Estimated Tax for Corporations (PDF).

Self-Employed Individuals or Independent Contractors
Information helpful in answering many questions related to being self-employed individuals or independent contractors.

Starting an Internet Business

Free information to get you started on the right track with your own Internet Business.

31 Most Asked Questions About Small Business Startup

These are the most common questions people ask when starting a new business.