How to Start a Business In Pennsylvania
You will want to properly plan before going through the registration process to make sure owning and running a business is for you.
How To Register A Business In Pennsylvania
Getting started- The state of Pennsylvania has a resource about starting a business in Pennsylvania here: Start a Business In Pennsylvania Guide (PDF Download)
1. Register your business name.
Find out more about registering a fictitious name here: http://www.dos.pa.gov/BusinessCharities/Business/Resources/Pages/Fictitious-Names.aspx
More on selecting a name for your new business HERE.
2. Select your business structure.
Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc. Find out more here: http://www.dos.pa.gov/BusinessCharities/Business/Documents/Business%20Guide.pdf
3. Register your business.
You can register your new business with the state of Pennsylvania here: https://www.doreservices.state.pa.us/businesstax/PA100/FormatSelection.htm
4. Open a Business Checking Account.
You will need to open a separate bank account for your business with your new business name.
5. Find out about taxes and hire an accountant.
You may want to file your own taxes if you are a small company. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. More info about taxes here: http://www.revenue.pa.gov/ and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business
6. Get Liability Insurance.
Depending on what type of business you are starting, you may want or need liability insurance. Find an insurance agent that offers liability insurance. You may want to shop around, as prices and options can vary.
7. Worker’s Compensation.
The insurance agency that provided your liability insurance should be able to help with this. You don’t need Worker’s Compensation unless you have employees.
8. Get Health Insurance.
Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance. If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.
9. City License.
You may be required to obtain a license to do business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.