Registering your business in Pennsylvania is the first step in your startup journey. To do this, you must follow these steps:
1. Choose a business idea and write your business plan.
2. Choose the type of business entity or structure. Your choice will consequently determine the requirements that you need to fulfill in order to complete your registration. The cost of the filing fee will also vary accordingly.
3. Register your business name. This is only required if you wish to conduct business under a trade name that is different from your given name.
4. Get your Employer Identification Number. This can be done via the IRS office so you can use it for filing your tax revenue once the business is operational. It is a good idea to secure the EIN now so it is readily available in case you want to hire employees later.
5. Open a business bank account. This will make it easier to file your business' income and sales tax later.
6. Apply for any licenses and permits that are required for your type of business.
7. Obtain insurance for your business. This is a must in order to legally operate your business in the state of Pennsylvania.
If you need more information, you can find them via these resources.
The state of Pennsylvania has a total of 66 counties, over 1,000 municaplities, over 1,500 townships, and more than 500 public school districts. There are also more than 1,800 special districts in the state. The municipal governments are under home-rule laws, which mean that they have the option to amend their own charter.
The counties in Pennsylvania are also responsible for their own law enforcement along with the judicial administration. Counties implement their own regional and public health planning, as well as solid waste disposal. They have their own hospitals, community colleges, community facilities, libraries, and more.
The county government is headed by a three-member board of commissioner. These officials are elected for a four-year term. Other elected officials that are part of running the county government are the sheriff, clerk of courts, district attorney, jury commissioners, auditor or controller, treasurer, and many more.
As of 1952, the county offices of Pennsylvania were merged with the city of government. Cities in Pennsylvania are divided into four classifications: Philadelphia is a first-class city with a mayor and city council.
See the main Pennsylvania Page for county links.© State & Local 2023