Skip to content
Ask a question
All posts

What are the steps I need to follow to register my small business in Pennsylvania?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

To register your small business in Pennsylvania, you need to follow the steps listed below:

  1. Choose a business structure: Determine the legal structure you want for your business. The most common business structures in Pennsylvania are Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), and Corporation. The structure you choose will determine your legal liability, tax obligations, and other legal requirements.
  2. Choose a business name: Choose a name for your business that is unique and not already taken by another business in Pennsylvania. Make sure the name complies with Pennsylvania naming requirements.
  3. Register your business name: Pennsylvanian law requires businesses to register their name with the Pennsylvania Department of State. You can do so online.
  4. Obtain necessary licenses and permits: Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain several licenses and permits from different state and local agencies. Contact Pennsylvania's Department of Revenue, Department of Labor and Industry, and Department of Environmental Protection for more information.
  5. Register for taxes: Most businesses in Pennsylvania are required to register for Pennsylvania taxes. You may need to register for sales tax, employer withholding tax, corporate net income tax, and other taxes depending on your business structure and activities.
  6. Obtain any necessary insurance: Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain liability insurance, workers' compensation insurance, and other types of insurance.
  7. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN): An EIN is used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify businesses for tax purposes. You can apply for an EIN online.
  8. Open a bank account: Open a separate bank account for your business to keep your personal and business finances separate.
  9. Hire employees: If you plan to hire employees, you need to comply with Pennsylvania labor laws and obtain an Employer Identification Number from the IRS.

These are the general steps you need to follow to register your small business in Pennsylvania. However, there may be additional steps and requirements depending on your specific business activities and structure. It is important to consult a licensed attorney or other qualified professional for legal advice and guidance on registering your small business in Pennsylvania.