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Federal licenses and permits You'll need to get a federal license or permit if your business activities are regulated by a federal agency. Check to see if any of your business activities are listed here, and then check with the right federal agency to see how to apply. Requirements and fees depend on your business activity and the agency issuing the license or permit. It's best to check with the issuing agency for details on the business license cost. Business activity Description Issuing agency Agriculture If you import or transport animals, animal products, biologics, biotechnology or plants across state line. U.S. Department of Agriculture Alcoholic beverages If you manufacture, wholesale, import, or sell alcoholic beverages at a retail location. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau Local Alcohol Beverage Control Board Aviation If your business involves operating aircraft, transporting goods or people via air, or aircraft maintenance. Federal Aviation Administration Fire...

 Benefits of business bank accounts As soon as you start accepting or spending money as your business, you should open a business bank account. Common business accounts include a checking account, savings account, credit card account, and a merchant services account. Merchant services accounts allow you to accept credit and debit card transactions from your customers. You can open a business bank account once you've gotten your federal EIN .  Most business bank accounts offer perks that don't come with a standard personal bank account.  Protection. Business banking offers limited personal liability protection by keeping your business funds separate from your personal funds. Merchant services also offer purchase protection for your customers and ensures that their personal information is secure.  Professionalism. Customers will be able to pay you with credit cards and make checks out to your business instead of directly to you. Plus, you'll be able to authorize employ...

Get a federal tax ID number Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your federal tax ID. You need it to pay federal taxes, hire employees, open a bank account, and apply for business licenses and permits. It's free to apply for an EIN, and you should do it right after you register your business. Your business needs a federal tax ID number if it does any of the following: Pays employees Operates as a corporation of partnership Files tax returns for employment, excise, or alcohol, tobacco, and firearms Withholds taxes on income, other than wages, paid to a non-resident alien Uses a Keogh Plan (a tax-deferred pension plan) Works with  certain types of organizations Apply for an EIN with the IRS assistance tool . It will guide you through questions and ask for your name, social security number, address, and your "doing business as" (DBA) name. Your nine-digit federal tax ID becomes available immediately upon verification.  Change or replace your EIN If you already have a...

Opening a business checking account online can be faster and simpler than visiting your local branch and submitting an application—plus, you can do it on your schedule. Here, we’ll break down some of the best places that allow you to open a business checking account online, so you can find the right solution for your business. Seven Best Options to Open a Business Checking Account Online Click on a bank name to jump down (or keep scrolling) and learn more about our top options for opening a business checking account online. BANK KEY FACTS 1.   LendingClub Best for: Fee-free ATM access, earning interest, digital tools. Online applications are processed in two to five business days. 2.   Brex Cash Best for: Alternative to traditional business bank account with tech-friendly features and perks. Brex generally reviews applications in five to seven business days. 3.   Novo Best for: Free, online business checking for startups and freelancers. Novo typically reviews applic...

The cost of annual LLC fees by state varies greatly from one state to another depending on specific state requirements. Aside from the one-time filing fee you pay the state to form your LLC, you must also pay the state an ongoing fee to keep your LLC in good standing. 1.  LLC Annual Fee 2.  How Much Does it Cost to Incorporate in Each State? 3.  Business Registration Fees The cost of annual LLC fees by state varies greatly from one state to another depending on specific state requirements. Aside from the one-time filing fee you pay the state to form your LLC, you must also pay the state an ongoing fee to keep your LLC in good standing. It is important to understand the annual LLC fees you need to pay to form and maintain an LLC in your state. LLC Annual Fee For your LLC to remain compliant and in operation, there are ongoing fees you must pay to your state. You must pay these fees regardless of how much income your LLC earns or how much activity it conducts. Some states r...