Internet Business Question

[AAP]

Ok, suppose I wanted to start a website and charge people to view it. Would I need a business license? I mean, I am not exactly selling anything, so there is no distribution involved. So in order to accept credit cards and such, what does one need?

Also, would I need a business license to advertise my website in magazines?

 

[kronk]

Ok, suppose I wanted to start a website and charge people to view it. Would I need a business license? I mean, I am not exactly selling anything, so there is no distribution involved. So in order to accept credit cards and such, what does one need?

Also, would I need a business license to advertise my website in magazines?

After you register your domain name, you need to go to your state and file as a corporation, (or sole prop), and get the legal rights to use that name. After filing with the state, you have to go to the IRS and get a EIN number (tax id) for your business.

With your EIN number and your articals of incorporation, you can open a bank account. With this, you can then sign up and apply to accept credit cards.

I know as I have done this very recently, and it doesnt matter what state you live in.

Peace

 

[AAP]

How long does this process take? Do you have to jump through a lot of hoops?

 

[kronk]

How long does this process take? Do you have to jump through a lot of hoops?

No not at all. I was able to get several domains online in a few moments. It took about 1 week to get my papers back from the State. After that, I got my EIN from the IRS in a few days via fax. I set up my bank account locally in an hour, and set up the credit card deal online, only took a few days for approval. It was fast as hell, IMO.