How to start a business legally by myself?

[bothan]

Hello,

I am going to open a business, run my myself, but don't know what paperwork I have to do with the government to legally create a commercial entity. My business will be providing Internet service for customers all over the world, collecting payment internationally. Therefore, it doesn't have a "physical location," to determine the county/city I have to register my business in. I don't have an office for this business either. I will frequently travel from home to school, and work that is in another county, to run the business, when I can have the chance to.

What I need is a legal entity for the business and to be able to run one lawfully. In cases of dispute, I need to be able to represent the business to settle any legal problems. No, I can't afford a lawyer to set all this for me.

Thank you for your advice!

[jung-hwa75]

go to CA
or
lawyer who will do the all paper work and u will have to pay only yearly charge.
...........farhan

[kendon19]

Starting a business involves planning, making key financial decisions and completing a series of legal activities

Step 1: Writing a Business Plan
This written guide will help you map out how you will start and run your business successfully. Go to http://sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/plan/writeabusinessplan/index.html or http://www.score.org/template_gallery.html for instructions on how to write a business plan and sample business plans.

Step 2: Get Business Assistance and Training
Take advantage of free training and counseling services, from preparing a business plan and securing financing, to expanding or relocating a business. Go to http://www.score.org/mentors and enter your zip code. On the next screen, you will get information on the nearest SCORE chapter. Call them and arrange for a free meeting with a volunteer SCORE mentor. They will guide you through the process and you can meet with them as many times as you need.

Step 3: Choose a Business Location
Get advice from a commercial real estate agent and a SCORE mentor on how to select a customer-friendly location and comply with zoning laws.

Step 4: Finance Your Business
Find government backed loans, venture capital and research grants to help you get started. Any bank will require a business plan that shows that you can pay back the loan. You should have a credit score of at least 700. You will personally have to put up 30% of the funds as no bank is going to assume all of the risk. If you cannot get a loan, look at peer to peer lending sites such as http://www.kickstarter.com/ and http://www.prosper.com/

Step 5: Determine the Legal Structure of Your Business
Decide which form of ownership is best for you: sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), corporation, S corporation, nonprofit or cooperative. If you decide to become an LLC, you can do it yourself by going to your states website and then to the Secretary of the State section. There you will find a downloadable form. Fill it out and mail it in, together with the filing fee and in about a week, you will be an LLC.

Step 6: Register a Business Name ("Doing Business As")
Register your business name with your state government. Go to your states website and then to the Secretary of the State section.

Step 7: Get a Tax Identification Number
Learn which tax identification number you'll need to obtain from the IRS and your state revenue agency. http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98350,00.html

Step 8: Register for State and Local Taxes
Register with your state to obtain a tax identification number, workers' compensation, unemployment and disability insurance.

Step 9: Obtain Business Licenses and Permits
Get a list of federal, state and local licenses and permits required for your business. Your local Chamber of Commerce can help.

Step 10: Understand Employer Responsibilities
Learn the legal steps you need to take to hire employees. http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=172179,00.html