When registering your business with the government, there are several steps that must be precisely followed. You are also required to provide extensive documentation. Doing everything correctly is a crucial step in ensuring the legal operation of your business. These are the basic steps to registering your business with the government in Colorado.
Register Your Business Name
The name of your new business needs to be registered with the Colorado Secretary of State. This does not, however, ensure that you will have exclusive rights to the name. You first need to determine that it is not already being used by another business owner. When you register your business name correctly, you will receive a State tax ID number for your business from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
If you plan on using your personal name as the name of your business, you need to file for a trade name, also known as a “Doing Business As”.
Register with the Colorado Secretary of State
Incorporation filing is required in Colorado for corporations, non-profit organizations, partnerships and limited liability companies. Sole proprietorships, however, do not need to register with the Secretary of State.
Complete Tax Registration
Registering for taxes that are related to the services your business offers is another crucial step in legally establishing your business in Colorado. Some of the most common taxes for which you need to register include sales and use tax and wage withholding tax. Depending upon the nature of your business, you may also need to register for fuel excise tax, liquor excise tax or cigarette and tobacco tax.
Apply for Business Licenses and Permits with the State
In Colorado, you do not need a general business license to start a business, but you do need permits and licenses for the specific type of business you are starting, such as plumbing permits and beer and wine licenses.
Obtain Local Permits
In addition to the licenses and permits you need to obtain from the state when starting a business, you also need permits from your local government. Depending on your exact location, you can be required to obtain numerous different permits, such as:
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Zoning Permit
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Occupational Permit
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Building Permit
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Local Business License or Tax Permit
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Health Permit
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Signage Permit
Legal Assistance
The requirements for registering a business with the government in Colorado are complex, and it can be very easy for a new business owner to overlook requirements along the way. Consulting with an experienced business attorney is the best way to ensure that you do everything correctly and avoid running into potential legal complications. If you need help registering your business in Colorado, I can help. Call my office today at (303) 741-2354 to schedule a consultation.
Eric L. Nesbitt, Esq.
Law Offices of Eric L. Nesbitt, PC
Phone 303-741-2354
Email Us
Nesbitt Law Offices Website