Business Questions

I've come up with a few questions that currently I have not found answers for...and I figure with the great resources we have on this site someone may be able to help me out.

As far as legalities go, what steps or measures do I have to take to start an eCommerce business in my home?

I've checked in to local permit requirements, and there aren't any that I can find that I will need. But as far as business licenses, do I need one since it will not be a retail location? Do I need a license in order to receive a tax ID number? The business will be a partnership, so will I need to register as a Limited Liability Partnership? Do I need to register the business name so no one can knock off our business?

All of the distributors that I've seen require a business ID number in order to make transactions with them for livestock/goods. So I assumed that I would need a license for the business, as well as the tax ID number?

Is there anyone that can aim me to an agency or site that can run me through the regulations and recommendations of an E-Commerce site? Otherwise those that have setup an online business I would love it if you could run me through what I definitely need to do to start up.

Thanks

Jason
jasonknudson2@msn.com

bump!!

In California you need to go to the State Board of Equilization to register your new company, and get a business / tax ID number. I would assume it is the same in your state. They will have all the information and advisors you need to get all set up :)

Or check with your local SBA (Small Business Administration) - they can be great in pointing you in the right direction in getting things set up initially.

Well I think I found some of the right links, I'll post them because they may someone else who is in my shoes.

Employer ID number: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/...102767,00.html

Helpful checklist for starting a business:
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/...=98810,00.html

Both of those are through the IRS site. I plan on printing off the paperwork that you need to fill out, and take it with me to our local SCORE office to make sure I'm filling it out right. And then I'll be going to my credit union to set up a business account, and I should be all set besides starting the FedEx cert process.

Oh, and I found an interesting link that I thought some of you may enjoy, it dealt with an issue that came up in a different thread once about the differences between a hobby and a business.

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/...=99239,00.html

Thanks both of you!