There’s a high chance that you will need some sort of permit or approval from the federal government. At the local and state level, there may be more specific requirements for permits, like for restaurants or retail vendors.

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity.

A sole proprietorship happens when an individual owns an unincorporated business by himself or herself.

While relatively few industries are regulated by the federal government, almost all types of businesses require permits or licenses issued by the state.

A partnership is a relationship existing between two or more persons who join to carry on a trade or business.

An LLC is a business structure allowed by state statute. Each state may use different regulations, you should check with your state if you are interested in starting a Limited Liability Company.

A corporation is a form of organization that provides its owners and shareholders with certain rights and privileges, including protection from personal liability.

Your business entity determines which income tax return form you have to file. The most common forms of business are the corporation, LLC, partnership and sole proprietorship.

Intellectual property is any product of the human intellect that the law protects from unauthorized use by others. Intellectual property is traditionally comprised of four categories: copyright, trademark, patent, and trade secrets.

Business insurance coverage protects businesses from losses due to events that may occur during the normal course of business. When exploring what type of insurance you should get, consider the risks you’re facing.