#1 What Part of the House to Use

It is very important to select an area away from family activity. Otherwise you will not be able to focus on the things that you are doing. The perfect place is a
separate room or the garage. This area should have engouh space to hold all the business supplies and equipment that you need.

#2 Find Out How Much Time You Can Devote to the Business

No matter if you are going to do that part-time or full-time, in any case you need to know how may hours per week you can devote to the business. What can also help you is a weekly chart of your activities.

#3 Choose the Type of Business

You can make a list of things you like to do and can do. Once the list is ready, start investigating it and create business ideas from it. Eliminate any business that isn’t appealing or doesn’t fill a need people have.

#4 Time to Choose a Legal Form

You have to choose between sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation. A sole proprietorship is owned by one individual, this is the easiest form to
start, and the least complicated to dissolve. In this form you own all the profits and your business is easy and cheap to organize (because you do not need
any government approval, maybe just a city, state or county license and notification of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the purposes of). Plus with this form you also enjoy certain tax savings

#5 Determine the Source of Money to Come From

Usually we are talking about: your own money, a loan, or investors.

#6 Find Out about Zoning Restrictions

Make sure to check how your property is zoned. For those who rent or live in a condominium, please check the lease or homeowner’s
association rules if a certain home business is allowed.

#7 Choose a Business Name, Register It

In case the business you choose is different form your name, then it is better to file an assumed (or fictitious) name certificate with the county. You are
notified if another business already has that name, so you can select a new one. This should be done before investing in stationery or brochures.

#8 Make a Business Plan

This helps to clarify ideas and creating the plan of actiona. This plan should also include a description of what you are selling, who the prospective customers are and where they can be found, what is needed to build the business, how to promote it, and how much money is need for start-up costs.

#9 Get an Identifying Number

Those who are sole proprietors and have no employees, can either use Social Security number or an Employee Identification Number (EIN) as the business number on official forms. Those who have employees, or in case the business is set up as a partnership or corporation, you must obtain an EIN.

#10 Get a Sales Tax Permit

For the the product or service which is taxable, you need a state sales tax permit. What you can do is call the local tax agency and explain the type of
business, then find outif you need to collect sales tax. If you do need that, these institutions will send you all necessary information and forms to complete.

#11 Get Licenses and Permits

Do not to miss any necessary license or permit. City Hall will help you to find out what is need for your particular business. Another place to find informational assistance is your Chamber of Commerce.

#12 Open a Business Checking Account

Shop around – call several banks to find out what services they offer, the minimum balance, ask about credit card. For personal checking accounts with a credit union – it is likely that it can provide a separate business account for you.

#13 Set Up Necessary Record-Keeping Systems

Today there are many effective bookkeeping systems. Once again, you can consult the local business authorities to find out what systems they recommend.

#14 Check IRS Requirements

It is important to remember that you can deduct a percentage of normal household expenses as a business expense. This will help you to get smarter on taxes. For more details on how to comply with that you can use the IRS web site.

#15 Phone Requirements

Find out the cost of a business phone in your area. For online business this is not a priority.

For more tips about home business, read other posts of this blog.