After you have decided which type of the five businesses you are going to start, the next step to do is to decide a name for your new business. Your new Business Name must not be in use by another business. Once you’ve chosen your Business Name, you get your EIN number online at the website for which I’ll soon give you a link. Depending on what type of business you start and what county and state it is located in, you may need to file a Fictitious Name Statement. You can use any name you want for your business as long as it’s not the same name as an existing business. For example, you can’t call your business IBM or Microsoft, because those names are taken. Do a Google search online to see if the Business Name you want to use is taken. Next, I would search the fictitious name filings in the county or state you intend to locate your business in to be certain your Business Name is not in use by another business.
It’s important to understand a business can have a name that sounds like a person’s name. You could name your business John Doe if you wanted to or Jane Doe Enterprises. To file a Fictitious Name Statement (means you are doing business in a name other than your Given Name). Call the courthouse in the county where you want to start your business or it might be at the state level. Ask them “how do I file a Fictitious Name Statement”. Fax, email, do it online, or snail mail the paperwork, pay any fee due and you have a business with a legitimately registered fictitious name. You can usually do this online and could pay the fee with an anonymous prepaid debit card. This way, you don’t use plastic in your Given Name. You can buy them at any Wally Mart or Targete, etc. You don’t have to appear in person and can do it from any computer, even a local library computer. It’s easier to accomplish on the phone or online, rather than appearing in person.
NOTE: Use an address that is NOT your home address for the Fictitious Name Statement. Use your new business address (your previous home address, P O Box, or Private Mail Service). It is simpler if your new business address is in an unincorporated area to avoid any local government (City) requirements for licensing, fees, etc. Every city is different so check with your city to find out what the requirements for your new business might be. Do this in advance so you can make the best possible decisions.
The last step you may have to do to make your business legal is to get a business license. You won’t have to do this if you choose a business type that does not need a business license. You call your local county courthouse (city too if your business address is within city limits). Tell them what type of business you are going to start and where it will be located (a locked hole-in-the-wall at a post office or private mail service). They will tell you how much the fee is for the business license. Many types of businesses DO NOT need a license and I suggest you start this type of business so you won’t have to get a business license. When you call the courthouse or city, ask them what kinds of businesses don’t need a license. Start one of those if you don’t want to pay another fee and recurring fees to license your business. Every state is different, every county is different, and every city is different.
No matter what it takes to get your business started, it will be inexpensive and quick. You can do the whole thing in less than 24 hours. Usually, you can do the whole process in less than an hour or two.