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Starting an
Internet Business
Starting an Internet
business takes a lot of planning. Before you start your Internet business,
determine which of the numerous local, state and federal regulations apply
to you. Avoid the temptation to ignore regulatory details. Doing so may
save time in the short term, but could become an obstacle as your Internet
business grows.
Below is a list of the most
common requirements that affect small businesses. The list is by no means
exhaustive, however, as regulations vary by industry. For example, if you are in
the food service business, you must comply with health department regulations.
If you use chemical solvents, you must meet environmental standards. Consult the
list below for a solid start to meeting your regulatory requirements, and then
carefully investigate the additional regulations that affect your industry.
Business Licenses
There are many types of licenses, and you will need one to operate
legally. If your business is located within the city limits, you must obtain a
license from the city. If you are outside the city limits, you must obtain a
license from the county.
Business
Organization
There are many forms of legal structure you may choose for your
business. The most common structures are Sole Proprietorships, General and
Limited Partnerships, C and S Corporations, and Limited Liability Companies.
Each legal structure offers organizational options, which are appropriate for
different personal situations, and which affect tax and liability issues. We
suggest you research each legal structure thoroughly, and consult a tax
accountant and/or attorney prior to making your decision.
Fictitious Business
Name
Businesses that use a name other than the owner's must register the
fictitious name with the county as required by the Trade Name Registration Act.
Check for the appropriate name of the Trade Name Registration Act in your area.
This does not apply to corporations doing business under their corporate name or
to those practicing any profession under a partnership name.
Protecting Your Idea
If applicable to your business, you may want to apply for trademarks,
patents and your copyrights. Information regarding these applications is listed
below.
Trademarks
Trademarks are names or symbols used in any commerce that is subject
to regulation by state government or the U.S. Congress.
Patents
Superintendent of Documents
P.O. Box 371954
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15250 7954
(412) 512 1800
New and useful inventions
can be protected by a U.S. patent. Professional assistance from a patent
attorney is strongly urged because patent procedures are detailed and
technical. A patent search is performed to see if a patent currently exists on
the same or nearly the same device and, if not, to make proper application
with the Patent Office.
Copyrights
U.S. Library of Congress
James Madison Memorial Building
Washington, D.C. 20559
(202) 707 9100 Order Line
(202) 707 3000 Information Line
Copyrights protect the
thoughts and ideas of authors, composers and artists. A copyright prevents
illegal copying of written matter, works of art or computer programs. In order
to ensure copyright protection, the copyright owner should always include
notices on all copies of the work.
Business Insurance
Like home insurance, business insurance protects the contents of your
business against fire, theft and other losses. Many small businesses must
protect themselves from lawsuits and other situations for which they might be
deemed liable. All businesses should research the advisability of appropriate
liability insurance. Contact your insurance agent or broker.
Sales Tax Number
In each state, there is a specified percent sales and use tax which
applies to the retail purchase, retail site, rental, storage, use or consumption
of tangible personal property and certain services. In other words, sales tax
must be collected on just about every tangible item sold. A sales tax number is
required for each business before opening. The number, plus instructions for
collection, reporting and remitting the money to the state on a monthly basis,
can be obtained through your state government.
These are the most common questions people ask when
starting a new business.
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