The ultimate 50-state guide to starting a business

Ready to launch but unsure of the next steps? Select your state to build a compliance and hiring checklist, and we’ll email you a personalized roadmap with official state resources.

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Select the state where you're planning to start a business from the dropdown below.

Instructions: Answer a few quick questions to see what you’ve already accomplished and what still needs to go on your to-do list.

Business name and structure

Did you reserve a business name?

Why this matters: Most states require a unique name. You can usually 'reserve' one for 30–90 days while you get your paperwork ready.

Business name and structure

Do you have an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?

Why this matters: An EIN is like a Social Security number for your business, and most states require it to form an LLC or open a business bank account. Learn more

Business name and structure

Have you chosen a business structure?

Why this matters: This affects your taxes and liability. Whether you choose an LLC or a sole proprietorship, this is a big decision. Compare structures

State tasks

Have you registered with the Secretary of State?

Why this matters: This officially puts your business on the map and establishes it as a legal entity.

State tasks

Have you registered with the Department of Revenue (DOR)?

Why this matters: Even if you haven't made any sales yet, you'll need this to handle state taxes.

State tasks

Have you registered with the Department of Labor (DOL)?

Why this matters: This is important to address if you plan to hire now or in the future. This handles your unemployment insurance and state labor requirements.

State tasks

Have you chosen a registered agent?

Why this matters: Every state requires a registered agent to receive legal mail and tax notices. Using a professional service ensures you’ll never miss a critical deadline.

Operation readiness

Have you opened a business bank account?

Why this matters: Keeping personal and business funds separate is a good idea for LLC protection.

Operation readiness

Are you tracking income and expenses?

Why this matters: Even a simple spreadsheet works, but accounting software saves hours of manual work at tax time.

People, payroll, and growth

What are your hiring plans for the next 90 days (or next year)?

Why this matters: Whether working with full-time employees or freelancers, bringing on help means handling some HR-related tasks. See our new hire checklist

People, payroll, and growth

If hiring full-time employees, do you have a plan for new hire reporting?

Why this matters: Almost every state requires employers to report this information where business is being conducted. Most payroll services report this out of the box.

People, payroll, and growth

Are you familiar with the required hiring forms (W-4, I-9, W-9)?

Why this matters: When you hire help from projects to full-time employees, there are forms you can’t forget:

  • W-4: Required for employees to determine their proper tax withholding.
  • I-9: Required for all employees to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S.
  • W-9: Required to collect a contractor's taxpayer ID (TIN) if paying them over $2,000 starting in 2026.

People, payroll, and growth

Have you set up workers’ comp insurance?

Why this matters: Most states require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance once they reach a certain number of employees, with no exceptions for new businesses. Learn more about pay-as-you-go workers’ compensation.

People, payroll, and growth

Are you doing business where a state-mandated retirement plan is active?

Why this matters: More than a dozen states have retirement mandates in place, and a number have legislation pending. See our guide to state-mandated retirement plans.

Would you like a copy of your checklist?

Enter your email and well send you this custom roadmap so you can reference it later.

COMPLIANCE GUIDES

Protect your business and stay compliant with state regulations

Check out these helpful guides for more information on what state requirements apply to your business and how to avoid fees for non-compliance.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Interested in offering other benefits?

Give employees their favorite benefits by offering health, vision, and dental insurance from the best companies. Our team of licensed brokers can help you set it all up — or you can work with an outside broker.