Create Your Business Entity
You’ll need to choose a business entity type. The Secretary of State's office offers useful information in this area and the ability to perform many required filings online at the Starting a Business site. However, it is best to consult an attorney or tax advisor before filing. Downloadable forms are also available at the same site, if desired.
Maintain
After you get your business registered, you will probably need to make regular registration filings, renew certain permits and licenses, or need to seek assistance of some sort.
Annual Registrations & Filings
Fictitious Name Registration
Renewal of the fictitious name registration for your business is required every five years and may be completed online for a fee of $7.00.
Corporations
The Business Services Division of the Secretary of State’s Office has online annual report filings for general and non-profit corporations.
Brokers/Advisors
The Securities Division of the Secretary of State’s Office provides securities registration for brokers and advisors.
Ending a Business
In the lifecycle of every business, there comes a time when the business ends. Even at the end of the business’s life, there are still several rules to comply with:
- Unless you are a sole-proprietor, the Secretary of State requires that you file a cancellation, withdrawal, termination or dissolution form, depending on your business type.