Starting a business is exciting. It is also easy to miss critical setup steps that protect you legally, help you get paid, and make you look credible from day one. Use this simple, practical checklist to build a clean foundation before you chase sales.

1) Choose a name you can actually use

A clever name is not enough. Confirm:

• Exact match availability in your state’s business registry

• Matching domain availability

• Social handles you can secure

• Easy spelling and pronunciation

Tip: Creative spellings look unique, but you will repeat and correct them forever. Pick something people can type without help.

2) Register your business with the state

File your entity so you exist on paper. This is where you choose LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship. You can file yourself or use a registered agent service to handle forms and receive official mail. Requirements and fees vary by state.

3) Get your EIN from the IRS

An Employer Identification Number is your business’s tax ID. You will use it for banking, payroll, and tax filings. Think of it as your company’s Social Security number.

4) Decide if you need a sales tax ID

Sales tax rules depend on what you sell and where you sell it.

• Physical products usually require collection in your state

• Some digital goods and services are taxable in certain states

• If you do not need to collect, do not register yet. Once you have a sales tax ID you must file returns, even when the amount is zero

When in doubt, ask a CPA or your state revenue office.

5) Open a business bank account

Keep business and personal money separate. Bring:

• Articles of organization or incorporation

• EIN confirmation letter

• Operating agreement or corporate bylaws

• Government ID

• Any ownership documents required by your bank

Pro move: Keep these in a “business binder” or a single digital folder so you can hand everything to the banker in one shot.

6) Set up basic accounting

Pick software that matches your stage and budget:

• QuickBooks or FreshBooks for plug-and-play invoicing and reports

• Wave for a free starter option

• A clean Google Sheet if you are detail oriented

Connect your bank feed, categorize monthly, and you will save time and fees at tax season. Most accountants prefer QuickBooks, which makes handoff easier as you grow.

7) Purchase your domain

Your domain is your online address. Secure it as soon as you settle on a name. Even if your site is simple at first, owning the domain protects your brand.

8) Create a professional email

Use your domain for email so you look established. Options include:

• Zoho Mail free plan for up to five users

• Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 for deeper tools and storage

“[email protected]” or “[email protected]” beats a free personal email every time.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Skipping the name vetting and discovering later you cannot register it

• Mixing personal and business funds in one account

• Registering for sales tax when you are not required

• Waiting to set up accounting until tax time

• Launching a site on a temporary domain and losing consistency

Quick start checklist you can copy

• Name checked in state registry, domain, and social

• Entity filed and registered agent selected

• EIN received

• Sales tax decision made and registered if required

• Bank account opened

• Accounting software connected to bank

• Domain purchased

• Professional email set up

Make setup easier

We built a free, guided checklist that tracks your progress and includes short how-to videos for each step. Create your account at app.launchingpros.com and work through the foundation at your own pace.