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more information >>Checklist for Starting a Business
Compiled by the Jackson Small Business & Technology Development Center
(This is not a complete list, nor is it in any particular order. Always contact professional resources, such as attorneys and accountants, for legally accurate information and assistance)
OBTAIN A BUSINESS START-UP PACKAGE
The packet is available from the State of Michigan and is also available from the SBTDC. It includes general facts about starting a business.
DETERMINE YOUR BUSINESS STRUCTURE
Contact your attorney or accountant to determine the appropriate business structure for your business. Brief description of various forms of business can be found at information resources.
REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS NAME
Register the name of sole proprietorships and general partnerships at the county clerk’s office. In Jackson, the phone number is 517-788-4265. Registering as a DBA (Doing Business As) assures that no one else in the county has that name for a business in Jackson County, and will protect the name of your business for five years.
Register the name of corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability companies and limited liability partnerships at the Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services.
If a corporation desires Subchapter S status, contact the Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-3676 to receive the appropriate application.
If you wish to check on the availability of a business name, contact the Corporation and Securities Bureau at 1-900-555-0031, or 1-517-334-7561, and the county clerk’s office in all counties in which your business will operate.
NOTE: You may also need to register your business with your local unit of government (city/township). ALWAYS call to see if a permit is needed and if zoning is appropriate - even for a home-based business.
OBTAIN ANY SPECIAL LICENSES THAT MAY BE REQUIRED
Some occupations, professions and business activities require certification for licensing from the State. If you are unsure whether a license is required, contact the Jackson Small Business & Technology Development Center at (517) 787-0442. You should also check with your local county and city clerk’s office to determine if any local licenses or registrations are required; and to obtain the necessary forms for your business.
REGISTRATION FOR MICHIGAN TAXES MAY BE REQUIRED
Contact the Michigan Department of Treasury at 1-800-487-7000 to obtain the “Registration for Michigan Taxes” application. Copies of the application packet are also available at the Jackson SBTDC.
REGISTRATION FOR A FEDERAL TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION (EIN) NUMBER MAY BE REQUIRED
Who needs one?
· Sole Proprietors, if they have employees, file pensions or excise tax returns.
· New Corporations, Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies.
· Businesses whose bank requires a Federal ID number to open an account
An EIN number is required by the Federal Internal Revenue Service if:
· The business will have employees
· The business is operating as a corporation or partnership
· The business has a Keogh plan
· The business will be filing any of these tax returns: employment, excise, or alcohol, tobacco and firearms
If you are operating a sole proprietorship and answered “no” to the above four questions, you DO NOT need to apply for an EIN number at this time. You will report taxes using your social security number. For more information about the EIN number and whether it applies to your business, contact the IRS.
DECIDE WHETHER YOUR BUSINESS WILL HIRE EMPLOYEES
If you are hiring employees, there are several regulatory requirements. Go to a list of Employer’s Responsibilities.
ENSURE THAT YOUR BUSINESS WILL MEET ALL AIR, WATER, AND SOLID WASTE DISCHARGE AND DISPOSAL STANDARDS
Contact the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Assistance Center at (517) 373-9400 or 1-800-662-9278 to determine which environmental regulation(s) may apply to your business.
BE AWARE OF HIDDEN LIABILITIES
As the purchaser of any portion of a business, you may be held responsible for the previous owner’s liabilities, regardless of any contractual language stating the contrary. Contact the Michigan Department of Treasury at (517) 334-8189 to obtain a “Tax Clearance” letter. Also, contact the Michigan Employment Security Commission at 1-800-638-3994 to obtain information of successor liability.
MAKE SURE THE LOCATION YOU HAVE CHOSEN IS ZONED APPROPRIATELY FOR THE TYPE OF BUSINESS; THAT YOU MEET ALL STATE AND LOCAL BUILDING CODES AND BARRIER FREE DESIGN RULES; AND THAT YOU HAVE OBTAINED A “CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY”.
Contact your local government authorities, including the building department, for pertinent information. Some inspections and alterations may be required to meet state, county, township and/or city codes. If you are operating your business out of your home, you should check with the city or township clerk’s office about zoning requirements and permits.
ARRANGE FOR UTILITY SERVICE
Check with the utility companies to ensure prompt delivery of service and to obtain the cost of service extensions, the amount of any required deposits, and written price and supply agreements. Be aware deposits are usually required for establishing business services.
MAKE SURE THE BUSINESS IS ADEQUATELY INSURED
Contact an insurance agency to determine the types of insurance your business should purchase. Shop around. Insurance rates and types of coverage vary greatly among insurance carriers.
Business: If you are a home-based business and hire employees, you need insurance (homeowners’ insurance may not cover this). If you have other business property, or use vehicles to transport people or goods, contact a local agent.
Personal: Many organizations offer the opportunity to buy health insurance through a group plan that will provide lower rates and better coverage than if you were to buy health insurance as an individual. Some of these organizations include the local chamber of commerce, the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) and specific trade organizations. The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce may be reached at 517-782-8221. SBAM may be contacted at 1-800-362-5461. Check the Encyclopedia of Associations and the Michigan Association Directory at most libraries to get information on specific trade and business organizations.
LIBRARY REFERENCE SERVICES
Libraries are a wealth of information. The reference librarian will be able to answer questions about where to find information on businesses, statistics, trade organizations, government and more. Most libraries also have free access to the Internet on an appointment basis. Connect to the Jackson District Library here.
HAVE A BUSINESS PLAN
Having a great idea does not guarantee a successful business. Developing a business plan helps to determine if the business is viable. For assistance with finding the resources for developing your business plan, call the Jackson Small Business Development Center at 517-787-0442. See sample business plans here.
EMPLOYER INFORMATION—responsibilities for businesses that hire employees
If other people work for you, you have responsibilities to both the state and federal governments. NOTE: If the business is a corporation, anyone who performs services for the corporation or receives remuneration (including any “owners") is considered an employee. Following is a list of those responsibilities.
STATE AND FEDERAL TAXES
Employers must register with the Internal Revenue Service for social security tax and federal income tax withholding and the Michigan Department of Treasury for state income tax withholding for their employees. These taxes must be withheld from each employee’s wages and paid to the appropriate taxing agency. Employers also must pay a portion of the social security tax for their employees. Some cities levy a city income tax. Contact the City Treasurer’s office for information.
STATE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
Employers must register with the Michigan Employment Services Agency (MESA) for unemployment taxes. Unemployment taxes are paid by the employer. No deduction is allowed from any employee’s wages. Contact the MESA Customer Service Office for Employers, 7310 Woodward Avenue, Detroit MI 48202, 1-800-638-3994.
FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
Employers must also pay federal unemployment taxes. Contact the Internal Revenue Service for information. Unemployment taxes are paid by the employer, no deduction is allowed from any employee’s wages.
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
Most employers are required to provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. A workers’ compensation policy is purchased from a private insurance company. Contact the Workers’ Compensation Bureau for information.
HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS
Employers must comply with health and safety standards under federal and state Occupational Safety and Health Acts (OSHA) and Right-to-Know laws. Contact the Department of Consumer and Industry Services for the safety and health standards.
IMMIGRATION LAW COMPLIANCE
All employers must verify the employment eligibility of all employees hired after November 6, 1986, by reviewing documents presented by employees and recording information on a verification form (I-9). Contact the Immigration and Naturalization Services at (313) 259-8560 for information and forms.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Employers must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. For informational publications, call 1-800-669-3362. For additional information on the Act, call (202) 663-4900.
MINIMUM WAGE
Federal and state regulations set minimum wage and overtime standards. For information, contact the U.S. Department of Labor or the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services.
AGE RESTRICTIONS
Employers hiring anyone under the age of 18 should be aware of restrictions on the type of work they can do, hours they can work, and the need for a work permit. Contact the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Contact U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for federal forms. Contact Michigan Department of Civil Rights for public information, posters and literature. If you would like information on enforcement or wish to make a complaint, call (517) 373-3590.
MICHIGAN WHISTLE BLOWERS PROTECTION ACT
Contact the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services.
EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT
Contact the U.S. Department of Labor
Wage and Hour Division
231 West Lafayette Room 647
Detroit MI 48226
(313) 226-7447 or (616) 456-2183.
MICHIGAN EMPLOYMENT SECURITY ACT NOTICE TO EMPLOYEES
Contact MESA Customer Service Office
7310 Woodward Avenue
Detroit MI 48202
(800) 638-3994
IF YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT STARTING A BUSINESS CONTACT:
Veronica Weaver
Jackson Small Business & Technology Development Center
One Jackson Square, 11th Floor
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 787-0442
rweaver@enterprisegroup.org