There are a litany of legal documents required to start a business. Make sure you’ve got them all accounted for. This article goes over required documents to start a business so that you have them all in one place.
Legal Documents you Need to Start a Business List
1. Business Plan:
A business plan is an essential document for any business to succeed. It outlines your company’s mission, objectives and strategies for achieving them. It also serves as a roadmap for where you want the business to go and how you are going to get there.
2. Articles of Incorporation/Organization:
Before you can form a legal entity such as an LLC or corporation, you need to file articles of incorporation or organization with the state government in which you are doing business. This process typically requires information about the company, such as its name, purpose, registered agent and members or shareholders.
3. Operating Agreement:
An operating agreement (also known as a limited liability company agreement or LLC agreement) is a document that outlines the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC. It defines the roles and responsibilities of each member, as well as how profits and losses will be divided.
4. Federal Tax ID Number:
Also known as an employer identification number (EIN), this nine-digit number is used to identify businesses with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You’ll need an EIN if you plan on hiring employees or opening a business bank account.
5. State Tax Registration:
If your business operates in more than one state, you’ll need to register for a state tax permit in each one before you can legally do business there. In some states, you may also need to register before you can collect sales tax.
6. Business Licenses and Permits:
Depending on your business type, you may need to obtain certain licenses and permits in order to legally operate. This could include things like a food license if you plan on serving food or a retail permit if you are selling goods.
7. Trademark Registration:
Protecting your brand name is essential for any business owner, so filing for trademark registration is important in order to prevent others from using it. Registering a trademark will also give you exclusive rights to use the name in connection with products and services associated with your business.
8. Insurance:
Many states require businesses to carry certain types of insurance, such as workers’ compensation or liability insurance. It’s the same with doctor’s getting malpractice insurance. Depending on the type of business you’re running, you may need to obtain additional coverage in order to protect yourself and your company from potential lawsuits.
9. Ownership/Partnership Agreement
If you are starting a business with multiple owners or partners, it’s important to have an ownership or partnership agreement in place. This document should outline the rights and responsibilities of each owner and how profits and losses will be divided. It can also address issues such as what happens if one partner wants to leave the business or sell his or her interest.
Having all of these legal documents in place is essential for any business, so make sure you have them all accounted for!
This is just the main list of the legal documents that may be required when starting a new business. The list can vary depending on the type and size of your business, as well as where it is located. Be sure to check with your state government for specific regulations and requirements before getting started.
Which Legal Documents to Start a Business Need Notarization?
In most cases, the only legal document that needs to be notarized when starting a business is the articles of incorporation/organization. This form must be signed in front of a notary public in order to officially register your company with the state government. If you have any questions about which documents need to be notarized, it’s best to check with an attorney who specializes in business law.
Get Your Business Docs Notarized Now with BlueNotary
You can get these articles of incorporation/organization notarized without having to locate a local notary. With BlueNotary, you can connect with a notary public who can notarize your business documents online in <10 minutes. This makes it easier and more convenient to get the paperwork taken care of in no time at all! Just follow this notarization link and enter your email to be well on your way to having a verifiable notarized document in your possession immediately.
Now that you know what legal documents are needed when starting a business, it’s up to you to make sure.
Starting a Business Needed Documents Wrap Up
Starting a business can seem overwhelming, but if you take the time to understand all of the necessary legal documents and make sure they are properly filed, you’ll be off to a great start! Make sure you consult with experts such as attorneys or accountants for any advice related to taxes or legal matters. Finally, consider using a notary service like BlueNotary to get your business documents notarized quickly and easily! Good luck!