Tax and License

Getting a business license is one of the most important steps in starting a business in New York State (NYS). This manual will take you step-by-step through the procedure to make sure your company runs in a lawful and compliant manner in New York State.

1. Choose Your Organizational Structure:

Choose your business structure (corporation, LLC, partnership, single proprietorship, etc.). Your decision has an impact on taxes, registration requirements, and responsibility.

You might have to apply for a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name with the county clerk’s office if you are conducting business under a name other than your own.

2. File for Business Registration:

Register your business with the DOS of New York. Forming a company or LLC requires submitting articles of incorporation or articles of organization.
Get an EIN from the IRS. This is required for business bank accounts and taxes.

3. Acquire the Required Licenses and Permits:

Find out which particular licenses and permits are needed for the location and type of your firm. Depending on your industry, this can vary greatly (e.g., food service, retail, construction).

Find out whether any further licenses or permits are needed by contacting your county or city administration. Permits for signage, health care, and zoning may be among them.

4. Fulfill any further state requirements:

Your company must apply for a Sales Tax Certificate of Authority from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance if it sells sales taxed goods and services.
Several jobs require further licensing. If this applies to your company, contact the state licensing authorities.

5. Verify Observance of Employment Laws:

You need to get workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees. For further information, get in touch with the Workers’ Compensation Board of New York State.

Register with the New York State Department of Labor for Unemployment Insurance. Put up the necessary workplace posters to abide by state and federal labor regulations.

6. Review the Environmental Regulations:

Obtaining environmental permissions could be necessary, depending on the nature of your firm. For information on any applicable requirements, get in touch with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

7. Make an Industry-Specific License Application:

Get a license from the New York State Liquor Authority if you intend to sell alcohol.

Permits are required from the New York State Department of Health for restaurants and food service establishments.

It is possible for contractors to require a license from the Department of Buildings in New York City or a similar local body.

8. Send in Your Application:

Obtain the necessary documentation, such as the EIN, permits, business formation paperwork, and any additional licenses.

Complete the required application forms as completely and accurately as possible.

Include the necessary fees with your application. The type of license and the structure of the business determine the fees.

9. Await Acceptance:

Applications for business licenses may take a variety of times to process. To prevent delays, confirm that all necessary documents have been submitted.

Keep in touch with the issuing authority in case more documents or information are required.

10. Continue to Comply:

To make sure your business licenses and permits stay valid, keep track of when they need to be renewed.

Notify the proper authorities of any changes to your firm, such as an address or ownership change.

In Summary:

In New York State, obtaining a business license requires a number of processes, including registering your corporation, selecting your business structure, and securing the required licenses and permits. You can verify that your business operates legally in New York State and handle the procedure with efficiency by following this step-by-step guide. To prevent any delays to your business operations, always stay informed about any changes in rules and maintain compliance.