So you have decided to become a business owner and are ready to pick your name and become a legal entity of the state. So here are some steps to get you started.
To start you need to understand that in the state of Alabama you are not required to have an attorney get you set up, you can use anyone like me or yourself. You just need to make sure you are using the correct sites. If the idea of doing it on your own worries you feel free to reach out to me on my contact page.
Your first step is to check for name availability. If name is not available try another name, if it is available you will need to reserve that name. After reserving the name you have the option to continue the formation of your business or hold the reservation of the name for 1 year. Keep in mind that holding the name do not make you legal to do business in the state.
Next up is the formation and decide on what type of entity you will be. Once you fill out all the formation forms and pay the fees you are officially a business in the eyes of the state, but there’s more.
You will need to file for a EIN for your business as well. This will done with the IRS online for free. Enter in all required information and print the EIN.
Once all of this is complete and forms are printed, you now have all the information to open a checking account for your business.
Check out the next topic for Tax filings.