General Suggestions and Information

h3rb1 <[email protected]> 17 Jan 2003 00:00:20 -0000
Newsgroups gmane.comp.web.oscommerce.laws
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Here is some general information that I found. Also applies to cyber/internet business. 

Please consult a tax accountant and/or attorney 
where you will be doing business BEFORE you open the "doors" to your business.

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Business License: 

The licensing requirements to do business are almost entirely up to the 
specific state and city where they apply.

There are many kinds of licenses. One kind is called a Doing Business As
(DBA). It registers the name of a business so you can open a bank 
account under that name and cash checks made out to your business.

Each state has its own laws regarding the use of trade names for
businesses. 

The best way to access those laws is by going to the
official website of the state(s) in which you will be doing business. 

Small Business Administration.
http://www.sbaonline.sba.gov/world/states.html

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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. 

I suggest you research each legal structure thoroughly prior to making your decision.

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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 from the 

Small Business Administration.
http://www.sbaonline.sba.gov/world/states.html