Official Small Business Resources

These are the official sources our guides rely on most. When a fee, form or rule matters, check it here or with your state before you act.

Starting and planning

• U.S. Small Business Administration: Business Guide: Step-by-step federal guidance on planning, launching and managing a business.
• SBA: Find local assistance: Free or low-cost counseling from Small Business Development Centers, SCORE mentors and Women's Business Centers.
• U.S. Census Bureau: Business Formation Statistics: Monthly data on new business applications by state.
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook: Pay and job outlook by occupation, useful for wage costs.

Forming your business

• LLC fees by state (StartWright): Each state's official filing office, filing fee and ongoing report, with the date we checked it.
• IRS: Get an Employer Identification Number: Apply for a free EIN directly from the IRS.
• IRS: Limited Liability Company (LLC): How the IRS classifies an LLC for federal tax purposes.

Names and trademarks

• USPTO: Search trademarks: Search federal trademark registrations before you settle on a name.

Nonprofits

• IRS: Charities and nonprofits: Applying for tax-exempt status, Form 1023 and annual filing requirements.

For state rules, start with your state's Secretary of State (business filings) and your state revenue or tax department. Local business licenses come from your city or county.