Business License Problem!

[dominik]

Hi. I am new to site. But, I have been doing computer repair for about two years, just for friends and family. However, now I am really starting it, slowly getting some other customers. Anyway, I am trying to get my business license.

But, I called the Business center in my city and they told me that it costs $200 and something, but I think like if you have your own local office place. (I heard that it costs $20). Then, I asked him what about home based business and he told me that I cannot do any repairs at home, (obviously I will not pay any attention to his advice). Then, he said that I can do computer consulting at home, but I forgot to ask him about the price. So, I live in United States, Illinois, Bloomingdale (close to Chicago). Do you guys could help me with this. How can I get this business license. I mean maybe I don't have to tell them the "entire" truth, what "exactly" business I want to do. Again, nothing will stop me from starting this business.

And, do I actually need this business license if I am just starting up. Maybe in the beginning I can earn with cash or it does not matter.

And, if I am dropping my business cards in some places, it is illegal if I am doing with with out a business license, may I have some problems or something.

And, maybe someone lives in Chicago area? any advices?

You guys are experts! Could I get some positive responses? Please Thanks

 

[Knightsman]

In my opinion computer consulting and computer repair are two in the same.

 

[colonydata]

i will not complain anymore about the 50 dollars i have to pay ben hill county every year for mine.

 

[dominik]

very funny some advices, please

 

[ATTech]

very funny some advices, please

What advice are you looking for? Your post is kind of all over the place. If I understand you correctly, they told you that you can't repair computers but can do consulting our of your home? Did you ask them for details on what can be considered what? Are you asking us for a way to circumvent the laws in your area? Have you tried speaking to an accountant in your area who may know more?

 

[colonydata]

basically you play by the rules and pay the fee. or you accept the consequences (fines etc) of getting caught operating with out one. i do not think your going to find anyone here that would recommend continuing with out one.

 

[NeutronTech]

It's things like this that make me glad that there are no business licenses where I live. Just start it up and pay $10 for a DBA if you choose to get one.

 

[colonydata]

It's things like this that make me glad that there are no business licenses where I live. Just start it up and pay $10 for a DBA if you choose to get one.

10 dollars? geez it was like 150 to register my tradename / DBA with the clerk of courts and another 40 to run a notice for 2 weeks in the legal organ newspaper here.

 

[mjbasford]

DBA is free here, but $25 per year for the biz licence. I like nutrontech's rules tho.

 

[dominik]

No, no, I want to get a business license. Ok, now I called them again, and they told me to apply online and then they will see if I may get a license, what kind of license, and how much it will cost. Normally it would $250 (per two years), there is nothing per one year, it is fore for a computer repair business location, this $250. I guess I have to apply for this thing and wait. OK, thanks. Any more advices?

 

[Knightsman]

It's things like this that make me glad that there are no business licenses where I live. Just start it up and pay $10 for a DBA if you choose to get one.

Same here, just have to pay taxes and keep on truckin!

 

[dominik]

Guys, what about DBA? Is DBA the same as business license? Or I need both of them???????

 

[colonydata]

i had to have both. i had to present my trade name registration to get the biz lic. although that is Georgia i have no idea about your locale

 

[colonydata]

When a business name is different from the owner(s) full legal name(s), the Illinois Assumed Name Act requires sole proprietorships and general partnerships to register with their local county clerk's office. Corporations, LLCs, LLPs, and limited partnerships register an assumed name as part of their required business filings with the Illinois Secretary of State.

from the Small Biz Admin website
http://www.sba.gov/content/register-your-fictitious-or-doing-business-dba-name/

 

[kagman]

Every state is very different. Here in NY, i paid only $120 dollars to the county clerks office. I filled out the paper work for a DBA / sole proprietorship, did a search online to make sure that no one else in the state has the same business name, and that was it. My business certificate was effective the same day i paid them. There is no monthly or yearly fee... Again it all depends on where you live. My advice is for you to call an accountant so that he or she can better help you.....

 

[oldtech]

In Illinois the business license in the city your business physically resides in is just step one.

You must also register your business name (with the state if under LLC or Corporate structure) and or with the county (DuPage I believe for Bloomingdale) of course there are fees associate with each of these steps and failure to do them and getting caught would be .......bad.

FYI Bloomingdale is not a municipality to mess around with from what my uncle Guido tells me.

edit: you also need a DuPage county business license.

 

[dominik]

Ok, so now I have applied my business for the "business license" and I am waiting for location approval. If, answer will be yes, I will have it.

My business name is different from my name, it is AllwithTech. So, do I need DBA?

Then if, I have to get this DBA? And, what if I don't have DBA? How much DBA costs?

 

[ATTech]

Ok, so now I have applied my business for the "business license" and I am waiting for location approval. If, answer will be yes, I will have it.

My business name is different from my name, it is AllwithTech. So, do I need DBA?

Then if, I have to get this DBA? And, what if I don't have DBA? How much DBA costs?

Why don't you actually go and do the research? A DBA in my area costs about $25 for 5 years, but doesn't say anything how much it will cost in your area.

Start small and move up, check with the requirements from your city, then county, then state. If you're still unsure, then you should contact a local account who has years of experience dealing with this stuff in your area.

 

[TimJacobs]

Ok, here is my advice. You can take it or leave it.

There is an organisation that deals with this sort of thing. It Called Score. Contact Them, They can tell you everything you need.

 

[daquigle]

I'm in Illinois myself. When I started it cost $5 to file for a DBA with the county, I don't remember how much to run the notice in the paper (maybe ~$50), and $20 a year for a local business license from the town. I imagine the closer you are to Chicago the more it's going to cost to do these things.