If you successfully filed your articles of organization or incorporation, you are ready to move to the next steps before you can hang out your shingle. The following five steps should get you headed in the right direction¹.

1. Get your Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). This is a simple, straightforward application that can be done online at IRS.gov. Be sure to take it slow and read everything carefully. As with anything to do with the government, there some complicated parts. If you don’t understand something, you can always call their 800 number. There is no fee to get your EIN.
   
2. Make sure you have the proper licensing. If you are an accountant, plumber, barber, or other professional offering services, you will need a license to offer your services. More information of business licensing can be found here.
   
3. Register for sales tax. If you will be selling any products or you will be providing certain types of services, you will need to charge a sales tax and pay the state of Maine. You can register your business for the sales tax here. The following are the types of services that are taxable (from Maine revenue services website):

• Community Support Services (Licensed by DHHS)
  
• Day Habilitation Services (Contracted with DHHS)
  
• Extended Cable and Satellite Television Services
  
• Fabrication Services (See Instructional Bulletin 46)
  
• Personal Support Services (W125 Contract with DHHS)
  
• Private Non-Medical Institution Services (Licensed by DHHS)
  
• Rental of Video Media and Video Equipment
  
• Rental of Furniture, Audio Media and Equipment pursuant to a Rental-Purchase Agreement
  
• Residential Training Services (W114 Contract with DHHS)
  
• Telecommunications Services
  
• Installation, Maintenance or Repair of Telecommunications Equipment

4. Open a bank account. Now that you have a real, registered business, you have enough information to fill out a checking account application. Sounds simple, but be sure to pick a bank that is convenient for you and won’t charge a ton of fees. If you starting a business from scratch, you should be able to get a free checking account until you reach a certain number of transactions. Also, it will help if you can do all your banking with the same bank- deposits, loans, lines of credit, etc. This will make your life a lot easier. Get to know the manager of small business at whatever bank you choose. Form a relationship early with that person, because you may need to rely on him or her in the near future! If you want a recommendation, I don’t think you can go wrong with Norway Savings.
   

5. Begin writing your business plan. OK, so there is still a ton to do. Where will you be located? How will you advertise? How much will your service/products cost? All these questions and more need to be answered with careful planning. Watch the next post for the beginnings of a business plan.

1. Disclaimer: this blog entry is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be used as legal advice.