| Of the various home based business ideas you've | | | | then. |
| come up with, you were able to make your choice | | | | If, however, you intend to operate your business under |
| and now you're raring to get started. If so, start right by | | | | another name then that's something you'll have to |
| establishing a legitimate home based business and | | | | register as required by the Trade Name Registration |
| applying for the necessary permits and licenses. | | | | Act. To avoid making repeated trips for registering |
| What You Need for Starters | | | | your business name, try having several alternatives |
| The first thing you need is a permit to do business, and | | | | ready in case your first choice isn't accepted. |
| you'll get this from both your local and state | | | | Legitimacy is occasionally judged on the mere basis of |
| government. You will also need a permit for all signage | | | | a business's name so take care when picking out a |
| ads you intend to use, in the event that you'd want to | | | | name for your home based business. Choosing one |
| establish your own store at home. Keep in mind that | | | | that sounds too much like a competitor's could make |
| you'll be paying a fee for every signage so try not to | | | | people think you're not averse to using illegal tactics to |
| go overboard. A Fire Department permit is always | | | | do business. |
| necessary, and it usually entails having your own fire | | | | Choose a name that best represents your business |
| extinguisher - even a small one would do - at home. | | | | and one that can easily catch people's attention. Try |
| Choose a Form | | | | not to make it too difficult to spell as your business |
| Are you alone in your plans of establishing a home | | | | name, in ideal cases, would also be your website's |
| based business or do you have other people | | | | domain name. Generic names might sound cute at |
| contributing capital or skills to the business? What are | | | | times, but the law generally doesn't approve its use as |
| your future plans for the business? Both questions are | | | | a business name. |
| important to answer immediately as they can help you | | | | Pay Your Taxes |
| determine the ideal form for your home based | | | | Legitimacy may be established earlier on, but it's also |
| business to take. | | | | something you have to consistently prove. One way |
| Sole proprietorship is the quickest to set up and enjoys | | | | of doing so is by paying your taxes properly and on |
| the most number of tax benefits. But of course, sole | | | | time. Customers in general have greater respect for |
| proprietorship also makes you and only you personally | | | | home based businesses managed by diligent |
| liable for losses incurred and violations committed by | | | | taxpayers and they're quicker to trust such businesses, |
| your business. | | | | too. |
| Partnership is the next form in the organization ladder. | | | | Be meticulous in keeping your books. A home based |
| It's relatively easy to set up and has its own | | | | business is entitled to certain home office benefits as |
| advantages to offer as long as the partners can work | | | | specified by the law but you'll have to submit |
| in harmony and without violating their partnership | | | | documentary proof before your deductions can be |
| agreement. Keep in mind, however, that any home | | | | approved. |
| based business owned by a partnership will | | | | Get Accredited |
| immediately dissolves if any of the partners dies or | | | | Last but not the least, work hard to obtain a positive |
| leaves the business. | | | | rating from the Better Business Bureau; a |
| Home based businesses can be owned by | | | | commendation from the said agency is the best proof |
| corporations, too. The incorporation process make | | | | you can obtain that yours is indeed a legitimate home |
| take a lot of money, time, and paperwork to | | | | based business. You will not be evaluated by the BBB |
| accomplish, but it also provides the greatest amount of | | | | if you don't ask for it. You also have to pay a small |
| protection from liabilities for its directors and | | | | fee for the accreditation and yes, you have to pay |
| stockholders. | | | | even if you don't like the end result. Aim to have the |
| Pick Out Names | | | | BBB OnLine Reliability seal on your website and don't |
| Most home based businesses use sole proprietorship | | | | worry, your customers can guarantee that it's not a |
| as the form of their business. Assuming that you'll do | | | | fake because they can click on the confirmation link |
| the same and you intend to use your own name for | | | | redirecting them to the BBB site. |
| your business, there won't be any need for registration | | | | |