what is a "business"?

[Jerboy]

I have heard people naming their online store with their own ficticious name and call it a business, but never listed in Department of State record. Do you have to be registered with Dept. of State when you work for yourself running your own business and what constitutes as business?

i.e.


lightworkz.com - Custom Built Computers is a Florida based company(or hobby trader) that builds computer systems. Not a single result from Google and it is not on file with State of Florida, Dept. of State.

So let's say I start an online business like that one above.. Do I have to be licensed as to conduct business and register with the state Secretary of State?

 

[aphex]

WOohooo, free advertising.... j/k

The reason im not registered is because im still in the process of setting up everything for my business. Ive only built about 15-20 computers so far all for family, friends, and friends of friends. As of now im not taking orders for computers through the business, so Im not really 'open' for business yet, therefore i dont need to be registered. I do plan on registering the business as soon as i get the website completed. Im pretty sure all businesses have to be registered for tax purposes and whatnot. As for google, i didnt want to add it until the site was done My sister in law also has an online 'business' (http://www.bijouxdenature.com) and hers is registered with the state.

 

[Smaulz]

I think technically, yes, it has to be registered with the Sec. of State's Office. You also have to fill out and mail-in/fax the SS-4 form for an EIN from the Federal Gov't. Not to mention contact the SSA for information regarding tax payments and what-not. This is the stuff I'm currently working on. Don't know about other states, but to register in NE, the fee is $100. (Be sure to write/email them checking on the availability of the name. If you pay the filing fee, and the name is taken... yer screwed. Nice eh?) The EIN is, I believe, around $100 also. (Not sure, just got the paperwork) Anyway, if a biz isn't registered with the state, I'd seriously reconsider dealing with them, for your own safety.

Another page that's gonna come in handy is
This One

 

[Hammer]

Depending on the state you live in, you probably don't have if its just a sole proprietorship. Of course, in a business like that its probably a good idea to incorporate.

 

[Jerboy]

<< WOohooo, free advertising.... j/k

The reason im not registered is because im still in the process of setting up everything for my business. Ive only built about 15-20 computers so far all for family, friends, and friends of friends. As of now im not taking orders for computers through the business, so Im not really 'open' for business yet, therefore i dont need to be registered. I do plan on registering the business as soon as i get the website completed. Im pretty sure all businesses have to be registered for tax purposes and whatnot. As for google, i didnt want to add it until the site was done My sister in law also has an online 'business' (http://www.bijouxdenature.com) and hers is registered with the state. >>



Fictitious Name List


Fictitious Name Address City State County Status
BIJOUX FEMME DESIGNS 3575 N.E. 207 STREET NORTH MIAMI BEACH FL DADE E
BIJOUX GABRIELLE 3600 S. STATAE RD 7 MIRAMAR FL BROWARD A
BIJOUX JEWELERS 27001 U.S. HIGHWAY 19 NORTH, SUITE 1030 CLEARWATER FL PINELLAS A
BIJOUX JEWELRY 5700 OKEECHOBEE BLVD. WEST PALM BEACH FL PALM BEACH E
BIJOUX JOHANNE MARIE 9551 FONTAINE BEACH BLVD MIAMI FL DADE E
BIJOUX LADY 16445 COLLINS AVE MIAMI FL DADE E
BIJOUX LADY 17100 COLLINS AVENUE MIAMI BEACH FL DADE E
BIJOUX LADY OCEANIA 11 CONDOMINIUM MIAMI BEACH FL DADE E
BIJOUX MICHAEL 22017 PALMS WAY BOCA RATON FL MULTIPLE E
BIJOUX SHELAMI 30 NE 1ST AVENUE HALLANDALE BEACH FL BROWARD A
BIJOUX UNIQUES 3918 CINDY AVE NAPLES FL COLLIER A


um... I don't see it... you sure she's registered?

 

[aphex]

<<

<< WOohooo, free advertising.... j/k

The reason im not registered is because im still in the process of setting up everything for my business. Ive only built about 15-20 computers so far all for family, friends, and friends of friends. As of now im not taking orders for computers through the business, so Im not really 'open' for business yet, therefore i dont need to be registered. I do plan on registering the business as soon as i get the website completed. Im pretty sure all businesses have to be registered for tax purposes and whatnot. As for google, i didnt want to add it until the site was done My sister in law also has an online 'business' (http://www.bijouxdenature.com) and hers is registered with the state. >>



Fictitious Name List


Fictitious Name Address City State County Status
BIJOUX FEMME DESIGNS 3575 N.E. 207 STREET NORTH MIAMI BEACH FL DADE E
BIJOUX GABRIELLE 3600 S. STATAE RD 7 MIRAMAR FL BROWARD A
BIJOUX JEWELERS 27001 U.S. HIGHWAY 19 NORTH, SUITE 1030 CLEARWATER FL PINELLAS A
BIJOUX JEWELRY 5700 OKEECHOBEE BLVD. WEST PALM BEACH FL PALM BEACH E
BIJOUX JOHANNE MARIE 9551 FONTAINE BEACH BLVD MIAMI FL DADE E
BIJOUX LADY 16445 COLLINS AVE MIAMI FL DADE E
BIJOUX LADY 17100 COLLINS AVENUE MIAMI BEACH FL DADE E
BIJOUX LADY OCEANIA 11 CONDOMINIUM MIAMI BEACH FL DADE E
BIJOUX MICHAEL 22017 PALMS WAY BOCA RATON FL MULTIPLE E
BIJOUX SHELAMI 30 NE 1ST AVENUE HALLANDALE BEACH FL BROWARD A
BIJOUX UNIQUES 3918 CINDY AVE NAPLES FL COLLIER A


um... I don't see it... you sure she's registered? >>



Yes, it is fairly recent (within a week or two) so all the paperwork might not be through yet. But in order for her to participate in the local and regional craft fairs (which she has been already doing), she has to be registered. Do you have a purpose in all of this may i ask?