starting a business..... need some advice

[madmaxin22]

well after getting laid-off a month ago I think I am going to try and start an at-home business. I just wanted to get some insight on what all needs done. I have been on the PA sites and think I have a rough idea. Is this something where I should consider a lawyer?? This is just something I have wanted to try. I hope to most of my orders through drop shipping from the vendors. Will have very little money tied up other than a printer, some software where I can create invoices, purchase orders etc.....


right now I know the following
sole proprietor
need a name
get federal EIN
set up bank accounts
get setup for pa taxes


any advice from other ppl who have gone through this???

[steedafied]

I got laid off a month ago too, did we work at the same place?

[KeystoneJohnny]

I have a LLC currently and depending what you want to do that may be the way to go. I have an district attorney friend who helped me a little but I did it myself after talking with him. It's not as hard as you may think. You also have to fill out a factitious name form to make sure the name of your company is not used anywhere else within the state. Also, check to see if your potential business name is available on all social media sites and at least reserve a .com name for yourself as well as if your going to go that route. The tax & EIN is cake. If you have any questions pm me a contact number and I'll try and help you out if I can. Sorry to hear about the layoff.

[SonofaBish]

yea, i think you need to incorporate (LLC or whatever) - whatever your business is, you can't afford for someone to come after your personal assets b/c of a freak accident or poor business decision.

[Tom]

we started with an llc partnership, than moved to an s corp.

We had/still have a law firm on retainer, and an accounting firm for taxes.

[GOT SVT]

look into this

http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Single-Member-Limited-Liability-Companies

[madmaxin22]

Thanks guys. still in the trying to figure out what to do "phase". Not going to invest a lot of $ off the start.

[travj31]

yea, i think you need to incorporate (LLC or whatever) - whatever your business is, you can't afford for someone to come after your personal assets b/c of a freak accident or poor business decision.

this x a million or you could be potentially broke for the rest of your life!

[PaxtonShelby]

As said above - definitely go Inc. or LLC or some route that limits your personal exposure / liability.

[07v6vistablue]

I used Legalzoom to set up my LLC