How to get a sole proprietor in your state

Step 1

Choose your business name

  • Utah law allows you to operate a sole proprietorship under a name other than your own name. While you can use your name, most people choose a specific business name. If you want to do this, you should first search the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code to see if the name you chose is taken or if something similar exists.
  • In Utah, a business name must not
    • Match any other business name in the state
    • Be misleading
    • Use any certain government agency terms or abbreviations like FBI or EPA

Step 2

File an assumed business name

  • Utah requires all business names, including those that are the same as an owner’s legal name, through the Department of Commerce
  • If you choose to operate the sole proprietorship under a name other than your own legal name, you can register the assumed business name or Doing Business As name with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. (Some states call it a fictitious name or a trade name, but Utah uses an assumed name)
  • To do so, you will fill out a Doing Business As application. If you would like to file online, you can apply and register through the Utah One Stop Business Registration. There is an associated filing fee in both cases of $22.

Step 3

Obtain Licence, Permits and zoning clearance if needed

  • Depending on the industry of your business, you may need to obtain a variety of business licenses or permits. This is managed by the Utah Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), though some areas like health care are licensed by independent areas.
  • In Utah, a general business license is not required, but a state-level seller’s permit must be issued. This permit serves as the state’s sales tax registration and must be obtained by any business in Utah that intends to sell or lease tangible personal property or certain services. The Utah Taxpayer Access Point can be used to apply for this seller’s permit. Utah may also require certain licenses and permits for specific professions and industries, which are issued through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
  • Local governments in Utah may also require licenses and permits depending on your business activity and local rules. For example, Salt Lake City requires every business to have a general business license in order to operate there. Be sure to check with any city or county governments where you plan to do business to ensure you have all the proper credentials

Step 4

Obtain an employer identification number (EIN)

  • If you’re planning a new hire, you need to obtain an EIN. This nine-digit number is issued by the IRS and used for tax purposes when you need to report wages. You can file for an EIN online through the IRS website.
  • If you do not have employees, you can use your Social Security Number to file taxes and are not required to have an EIN. However, some banks will require small business owners to have an EIN to open a business bank account, so you may want one anyway.

Next Step

  • Once you have these pieces in place, you officially have your own business! You can begin thinking about things like marketing materials, landing your first clients, and how you want to grow over time.

Insurance

  • Add Chores For Me LLC as an additional Insured with their Insurance company.
  • They'll need one million dollars of general liability.
    • Progressive Commercial
    • Smart financial