Do you need a tax id number, and vendors license for each state you will be selling your product in?

Question

I have a business partner who live in another state, and we are trying to start a retail business. Do we need federal,state tax id numbers for both Pa, SC. Also do we have to get a business regestration, vendors license, sellers business license for both states. Does each partner have to file these things seprately or can we file as a company? Also are there any other legal documents we need to start our business, beside these things, our copyright, trademark, and design patent?

Answer 1

You've got several different issues; let's tackle them one at a time.

RE: Starting a Retail Business

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Legal Guide For Starting & Running A Small Business (8th Edition) by Fred S. Steingold
* Start and Run a Profitable Retail Business by Jim Dion, Ted Topping
* Retail Business Kit for Dummies by Rick Segel
* Specialty Shop Retailing: How to Run Your Own Store Revised by Carol L. Schroeder
* So You Want To Own The Store: Secrets to Running a Successful Retail Operation by Mort Brown

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

RE: Pennsylvania & South Carolina Specific

I posted links for you in the source box pertaining to starting a business in your state.

Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* How to Start a Business in Pennsylvania by Desiree A. Petrus, Mark Warda
* How to Start a Business in Pennsylvania by Entrepreneur Press
* How to Start a Business in South Carolina by Entrepreneur Press
* Start a Business in North Carolina or South Carolina, 2E Jacqueline Stanley and Jeffrey DeGood

RE: Trademarks

To register a trademark, that's done either through your Secretary of State for a State trademark or the US Patent & Trademark Office for a Federal trademark.

If you are only conducting business in one state, then a State trademark is most appropriate. If you conduct (OR are planning to conduct) business in at least 2 states OR between the US & any other country, you can file for a Federal trademark.

Prior to investing your time, money & effort into a name, it is strongly advised that comprehensive research be conducted to ensure that the name you're interested in is truly available.

This entails searching the pending & registered Federal and State trademark files as well as the US National Common-Law files. Then, if clear, you can decide if you would like to file for a Federal or a State trademark.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

First of all, you should consult a lawyer that specializes in business and contract law, and then get a good financial planner that is also licensed to do taxes, followed by a bookeeper. Fed Tax ID Numbers are good in any State, but you will likely need a resale license in the State in which you reside so you can pay your State sales taxes. The City or County in which the business is located also gets their share. You will need to file a DBA with the County, and get a City business license. You will also need to publish your DBA in a local newspaper and open a Bank Account. There are more rules depending on what kind of partnership you are running, and you should really consult an attorney. You may find helpful articles on Entrepreneur.com and on the U.S. Small Business Administration websites. They have a lot of great info on start-up businesses. Call your local City Hall and ask for the business license division and they can tell you what you need to operate in your area. Then call your County and State offices and do the same. They all want their share of taxes and fees.

Answer 3

Yes. all I know is you need license for each state and you can file taxes as a company. You can pretty much write off anything and every thing if you know how. the best is to become a corporation. There are few more doc's you need. I found these info on line..

Answer 4

You really should hire an accountant or attorney to help you set this up correctly. Interstate commerce is more complex than just doing business in 1 state.