List: Starting A New Business – 17 Point Checklist
- Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if applicable –
- Apply for needed licenses and permits
- Choose a tax year:Calendar year – 12 consecutive months beginning January 1 and ending December 31.\nFiscal year – 12 consecutive months ending on the last day of any month except December.
- Choose an accountant or attorney
- Choose software and tools to help manage your business: accounting, social media, email, data storage
- Develop a marketing plan: website, social media, advertising, logos, business cards
- Have employees fill out Form I-9 (PDF) and Form W-4 Pay your business taxes
- Hire team: recruit and train employees, consultants or freelancers
- Name your business
- Open a business bank account
- Pay any required business taxes:Income Tax, Estimated Taxes, Self-Employment Tax, Employment Taxes, Excise Tax
- Pick your location: online, brick and mortar, multiple locations
- Protect your hard and digital assets:https://www.checkli.com/checklists/anthonycaliendo/digital-asset-protection-a-checklist-for-small-business-owners-1
- Register the name to protect your brand and name
- Select a business structure:Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation, S Corporation, Limited Liability Company (LLC) “Visit your state\\’s website for information on doing business in the state, taxation, links for employers, etc”,
- Write a business plan – seehttps://www.checkli.com/checklists/marvinrussell/how-to-write-a-business-plan-a-free-checklist-and-table-of-contents-template-1
