BUSINESS START-UP CHECKLIST

• Prepare a written business plan, complete with pro-forma financial statements. This can serve as an operating guide as well as a financing prospectus.

• Decide whether you wish to operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company or corporation.

•  If you decide to incorporate, form a limited liability company, or a partnership, you should consult an attorney. However, you can obtain incorporation papers from the Maine Secretary of State, Bureau of Corporations, State House Station #101, Augusta, ME 04333. Telephone: (207) 287-4195. If already incorporated in another state, obtain an application to do business in Maine as a foreign corporation from the same office.

• If you decide not to incorporate and wish to protect the name of your business, you may file a TRADEMARK or SERVICE MARK with the Secretary of State’s office. For information regarding filing trademarks, you may call (207) 287-4195.

• If you operate a business, and the business name is different from your given name, you must register that name in the CITY or TOWN where your business is located. This is called filing a d/b/a ("doing business as") and the fee varies slightly, according to your location.

• Determine whether you need to obtain any state licenses or permits to operate your business. An extensive listing can be found in A Guide to Doing Business in Maine, published by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. They also offer a business licensing service which can provide you with the required license applications. This service can be reached at 1-800-872-3838. You should also inquire about local licenses or permits at your local town office or city hall.

• Check with the local code enforcement officer to determine if your business will be in compliance with local zoning ordinances. 

• If you decide to incorporate, or if your partnership or proprietorship has employees, you will need to:

-Obtain a federal employer identification number from the nearest Internal Revenue Service Office (FORM SS-4, EIN) or call 1-800-424-1040.

- Register for Sales and Use Tax Returns, Maine Income Tax Witholding, and Unemployment Insurance Contributions and Employer Wage Report. Complete and file booklet obtained from the State of Maine Bureau of Taxation and Department of Labor.

-Obtain workers’ compensation insurance coverage for your employees. Check with the company that provides you with business insurance.

-Have employees complete an Employee Witholding Certificate form W - 4 (obtain from IRS) and Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 (obtain from the U.S. Department of Immigration and Naturalization) and keep in employer's files.

Note: many of these forms can be obtained with the start-up kit from the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development @ 1-800-872-3838.

• If you plan to sell a taxable product or service, you must obtain a State Sales Tax Number by filing an application with the Maine Department of Finance, Bureau of Taxation, State House Station #78, Augusta, ME 04333. Telephone: (207) 287-2336. This form is also used to register for State of Maine income tax withholding.

• If necessary, contact the Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Standards to determine compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Telephone: (207) 287-6400.

• Contact an insurance agent regarding the necessary insurance coverage your business will require. 

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