Checklist for New Corporations

Incorporating is just one step in starting a new business. There are other federal, state, and practical considerations as well. The following is a list of things to do or think about once you have formed a new corporation.

• Consider registering a DBA if you want to do business under a name other than the official corporate name.
• Establish a corporate banking account.
• Contact the state tax board for information about state taxes and obtaining a state tax number.
• Check with the state department of consumer affairs to obtain any required business licenses or permits.
• Contact the Internal Revenue Service for information on filing your federal tax schedules.
• Find out about workers' compensation if you will have employees.
• Protect your trade name – contact LegalZoom for information on federal trademarks and copyright.
• Check zoning laws.
• Obtain city and/or county business licenses or permits.
• Get adequate business insurance or a business rider to a homeowner's policy.
• Get tax information such as record-keeping requirements, guidelines for withholding taxes (if you will have employees), information on hiring independent contractors, facts on estimating taxes, forms of organization, etc.
• Have business cards and stationery printed.
• Get an email address.
• Get your website set up.

The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) offers additional information and resources on starting a new business. You can visit them on the internet at www.sba.gov, or you can contact your local branch office by phone.