Discover what to do before you Start a business from home Start a Business
Building your own business from the ground up is an exciting opportunity, but it can also be challenging.
Follow the 10 steps from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to starting a business. You’ll learn about writing a business plan, determining the legal structure of your business, and more.
Avoid common mistakes and get advice from experienced small business owners who want to help. Local SBA partner organizations offer free access to mentors and trainers.
The following tips and checklists can help you with other important parts of the process.
Business Funding Options
Learn about a wide range of funding options to help start your business, such as government-guaranteed loans, grants, and other financial assistance.
Tax Requirements to Start a Business
It’s important for your business to comply with federal, state, and local tax laws.
Make sure to meet all federal tax requirements for starting a business. Follow this checklist from the IRS.
Each state has additional tax rules when you start and operate a business. Get information on state-level requirements.
Learn more about business taxes, including energy tax incentives that can help you save money.
Business Insurance
When starting your own business, you’ll need proper insurance coverage to make sure you are protected. Find out what kinds of business insurance you’ll need.
Learn about health insurance plans to cover you and your employees, including the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP).
Hiring Business Employees
When starting a business, you may decide to hire some help. Find information on hiring your first employee, including how to start the hiring process and make sure you comply with key federal and state regulations.
Self-Employment and Working from Home
You are self-employed if you operate a trade, business, or profession either by yourself or with a partner.
Find out the basics of self-employment to help you succeed in the small business world:
Starting and Financing a Small Business - Explore opportunities and get tips to help you succeed.
Tax Information - Learn about filing requirements for the self-employed, reporting responsibilities, and more.
Health Insurance - Explore coverage options for the self-employed.
Social Security Information for the Self-Employed (PDF, Download Adobe Reader) covers how to report your earnings when you file your taxes.
Work from Home
Are you thinking about basing your business out of your home? The Small Business Administration's 10 Steps to Start Your Business includes the licenses and permits you need to run a home-based business.
Home Office Deduction
If you use a portion of your home for business, you may be able to take a home office tax deduction.
Work-at-Home Scams
Learn what to watch out for to avoid work-at-home scams. In one common scam, you may be tricked into paying to start your own internet business. These scammers will keep asking you to send money for more services related to this fake business opportunity. To file a complaint about a scam, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
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