Step by step of how to start a business in Tennessee
After deciding to start your business, it is time to formalize it so that it begins to work. In any state you must meet a series of requirements. For this in Hispanic Entrepreneurs of we say the step by step of how to undertake in Tennessee.
- Register the business
- Get an EIN
- Apply for business licenses and permits
- Register it with the tax department
- Employee recruitment
Is registering the same as obtaining a business license?
Registering a business is not the same as obtaining a business license. Generally, you must process both in order to legally start your business. Register refers to the process of requesting a DBA (Doing Business As).
That is, register the name under which you are going to operate, also known as a fictitious name. With this the government and the IRS follow up on the company.
Whereas, the business license is a mandatory permit that authorizes the business to operate within a specific jurisdiction. If you do not comply with these, you can be fined. All companies must have some type of business license to demonstrate that they are operating legally and that they comply with government regulations.
Step by step of how to undertake in Tennessee
To start formalizing an enterprise, the first thing to do is choose a business idea. Then a business plan is drawn up to have clear ideas and establish a roadmap.
Then choose a business entity. If it is going to be a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC). Once you have completed these steps, the legalization begins. These are the steps to do it:
1-Register the business
When you already have the type of business entity, proceed to register the name. In Tennessee it is ordered for sole proprietorships and general partnerships. If you use your name, registration is not necessary. But if you are going to use a fictitious name (DBA) you must do so at the Tennessee Secretary of State.
It is advised to register the name with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to protect it from being used by others. You can do it by mail or online. The filing fee ranges from $ 50 to $ 3.000.
2-Get an EIN
The Employer Identification Number or EIN issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) identifies businesses operating in the United States. This is used to pay payroll taxes, file tax returns, etc.
Corporations, partnerships, most LLCs, and sole proprietorships with employees must file for the EIN. The procedure is done on the IRS website, also by mail or fax by sending the IRS form SS-4.
3-Apply for business licenses and permits
There are various federal, state, and local regulations that businesses in the state must comply with. Tennessee does not require a general business license, but in some cities they require it, as well as several permits depending on the activity.
Most businesses need an annual business tax license, even those that operate in homes. They file it with the clerk of the county where you are located or with the municipal clerk if you are in the city limits.
The most common local business licenses with the standard business (taxes of more than $ 10.000 or more) and the minimum activity business (taxes of more than 3.000, but less than $ 10.000).
In Nashville, Davidson County for a business or minimal activity license they ask for a business address and phone number. As well as the owner's name, address, telephone number and social security number. Copy of the driver's license and signature.
Companies selling products and some services need to apply for a sales tax permits with the Tennessee Department of the Treasury. Home inspectors, barbers, and junk companies require a professional license to do business and operate the business.
Those in the Nashville limits pay $ 30 for the license, those within the county only $ 15. The transitional provider license is also listed. A 14-day county permit is required to sell merchandise. Other permits are the lender's license and trespassing.
You have to take the forecast of companies in this state are required to pay a special tax of 6.5% on net profits or income for the fiscal year.
4-Register it with the tax department
Each business has different tax contributions. The Tennessee Department of Revenue It has 5 classifications of business activity to determine the tax burden. Plus a category for antique malls, flea markets, and the like.
In addition, you must register for sales and use tax with the Tennessee Department of the Treasury. As long as you own a corporation, LLC or a business trust, you must register it and pay franchise and excise taxes. Registration is available at the Tennessee Taxpayer Access Point.
Another obligation is the Tennessee business tax that applies to all businesses that sell goods and services. It is divided into state commercial and municipal commercial if the company operates within the state. Register on the state government website.
On the other hand, the unemployment insurance tax applies to some companies depending on the type of business. This is determined by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The gross income tax applies to the bottling, utility, and supplier industries.
Another interesting note on the subject of Local and state taxes for businesses in the USA
5-Hiring of employees
The business owner has to register with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Tennessee Department of Human Services. You must also report on new hires and verify whether employees are authorized to work in the country.
As well as income tax withholding, unemployment insurance, unemployment tax, payroll withholdings (Social Security and Medicare).