How to start a business in Idaho
Welcome to the Gem State, where entrepreneurial ambitions shine bright.
The steps
Just a few essential steps
It has friendly business policies, low taxes, and a lot of support for entrepreneurs. You won't be bogged down by taxes, and the state has a strong budget to support small businesses. If you want to start a service business in Idaho, just follow a few easy steps, and you'll find endless opportunities.
- Register with
- Secretary of State
- LLC filing fee
- $100
Additional $20 fee for a non-electronic form for manual entry
- Registered agent
- Required
An Idaho resident or an entity with an Idaho physical address
- State tax ID
- Idaho State Tax Commission
Seller’s permit if you sell taxable goods
- Licenses
- Varies
Idaho has no general state business license
- Federal tax ID (EIN)
- Free
From the IRS, online
Step 1 of 8
Find the name for your company
Select an original and easily recognizable name for your company. It should reflect the field in which you offer your services, so potential customers understand what the business is about.
- Practical tip: The name that is memorable, easy to pronounce, spell, and remember works best.
Make sure that the name complies with Idaho's naming requirements, such as avoiding prohibited words or phrases. Also, ensure that the chosen name is not already registered or in use by another business in Idaho.
Step 2 of 8
Register your Assumed Business Name (ABN)
Once you have decided on a name for your company, it is important to take the necessary steps to register and secure it. To begin the registration process, simply complete the Certificate of Assumed Business Name (ABN) found on the Idaho Secretary of State website. There is a fee of $25 associated with this registration (+$20 if submitted non-electronically).
It is also possible to reserve your chosen business name in the state of Idaho. This ensures that no one else can use the same name while you are in the process of establishing legal structure of your business. To do this, you must file a Application for Reservation of Legal Entity Name with the Idaho Secretary of State's office. The fee is $20 when completed online and $40 when the form is submitted non-electronically. The reservation will remain valid for a period of four months.
Step 3 of 8
Establish the legal structure of your business
As a future business owner, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is choosing the structure for your business. Whether it is a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Limited Liability Company, or Corporation, this choice is particularly critical for service-based businesses because it has a direct impact on various factors such as:
legal liability
taxation
management
Here are some key insights into different business entities that you may want to consider for your service business.
Answer the questions to see which option fits.
Step 4 of 8
Register your business
Now, it is the time to proceed with legal procedures for formally registering your business in the state of Idaho. Please note that the specific steps involved may vary depending on the type of business entity you have selected.
Limited Liability Company
1. Registered Agent
Appoint an Idaho resident as your company's agent to receive official paperwork and government correspondence. This can be you or a hired commercial registered agent. It can also be another legal business entity that is filed with the Idaho Secretary of State's office with an Idaho physical address.
2. Certificate of Organization
To register your business in the form of an LLC, file the Certificate of Organization on the Idaho Secretary of State website. The fee is $100 if submitted online, with an additional $20 fee for a non-electronic form for manual entry.
The key information that the Certificate of Organization in Idaho includes are the name of your business (the name must include the words "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Company," or the abbreviations L.L.C., LLC, or LC), the data of your registered agent, principal office address, name and address of at least one governor of the limited liability company, and the mailing address.
Sole Proprietorship
Sole proprietorships in Idaho do not require formal registration; however, you may need to obtain various licenses or permits depending on the nature of your business.
if your business name differs from your personal legal name, you may need to register it with the Idaho Secretary of State, as described in Steps 1 & 2.
Partnership
To form a general partnership for your service business, you are required to file a Statement of Partnership Authority with the Idaho Secretary of State's office. This document provides public notice that the partnership exists and outlines the authority of the partners to act on behalf of the partnership. The fee $100.
To form a LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) and PLLP (Professional Limited Liability Partnership), which are legal structures often used by professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and CPA firms, you need to file a Statement of Qualification with the Idaho Secretary of State's office. The fee is also $100.
Corporation
Establishing a corporation requires fulfilling various legal and administrative responsibilities. These encompass activities like state registration, creation of corporate bylaws, and the appointment of a board of directors. Given the complexities involved, many businesses that provide services opt for simpler business structures, such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, or limited liability companies (LLCs).
Nonetheless, if you are inclined towards forming a corporation for your business, it is advisable to consult the Idaho Secretary of State's website, which provides extensive information and required documents.
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Step 6 of 8
Apply for Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Employer Identification Number (EIN) is absolutely essential for a variety of important purposes. This individual nine-digit identifier plays a vital role in ensuring accurate tax filing and adherence to tax regulations. Furthermore, it is crucial for efficient management of payroll tax reporting and proper withholding of taxes when employing individuals. Acquiring an EIN is also frequently a prerequisite for establishing a business bank account.
To apply for an EIN, you must determine your eligibility by having a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and being the owner or co-owner of the business. If you meet these requirements, you can complete the application online by visiting the Internal Revenue Service website and following the instructions. There is no fee for obtaining an EIN, and you will receive it immediately upon completion if applying online.Note that for sole proprietorships without employees the owner may use their Social Security Number (SSN) instead of an EIN.
Step 7 of 8
Obtain licenses & permits
In Idaho, most service businesses need a local business license from their city or county, and some also need state permits or professional licenses. It is recommended to contact the Idaho Secretary of State, local government offices, and relevant agencies to determine the exact licensing and permitting requirements for your specific service business.
Idaho has no general state business license: registering your business with the Idaho Secretary of State is a registration, not a license. Certain service businesses, such as attorneys, architects, construction contractors, event planners, accountants, and therapists, may require professional licenses issued by the respective state licensing boards. If your service business sells goods or certain types of taxable services, you may need to obtain a sales tax permit from the Idaho State Tax Commission.
Many cities in Idaho require service businesses to obtain a local business license, in addition to the state license. The requirements and fees for these licenses vary by city. Moreover, depending on the location and nature of your service business, you may need to obtain zoning permits or approval from the local planning department to ensure compliance with local land-use regulations.
Step 8 of 8
Set up your business online
If you already own a business or are planning to start one soon, we're here to help you manage it effectively. Our wide range of tools can handle all aspects, from booking services and communicating with clients to scheduling jobs, sending invoices, and collecting online payments. You can even get a professional domain to boost your online presence and credibility. With IKOL, running your business has never been easier and more convenient.
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Learn how to set up a business in other states
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