Choosing to start a new company is both exhilarating and terrifying. It’s the first of many choices you’ll have to make along the path. Depending on where you reside, you may need to register your company at the state, municipal, and federal levels. This tutorial will lead you through the steps necessary to register your company in West Virginia.
West Virginia Business Registration
1. Give Your West Virginia Business a Name
Naming a new company may be a difficult job for many people. The name should be memorable, letting people know what you have to offer. A strong name, on the other hand, is much more than that. It is a branding tool that provides an inside peek into your organization’s purpose and future goals. The correct name may help you set yourself up for long-term success; the wrong name can destroy a ship before it ever sets sail.
Considering Your Name
While many entrepreneurs are inclined to speed through the name process, you should take your time and investigate all naming options. Take multiple brainstorming sessions and utilize the free internet business tools available today to assist you come up with a variety of choices, narrowing them down as you go.
West Virginia Name Lookup
To confirm that your name is available, use the West Virginia Secretary of State’s business organization search tool or do a name availability phone search. You should also ensure that your name isn’t too similar to any existing firm in your state. This will assist to prevent future misunderstanding and legal problems.
It’s time to start legitimizing your firm once you’ve chosen a name that appropriately portrays your brand. These following procedures will differ based on your company structure and the legal requirements of your state. The next section will go through the various company structures.
If you want to utilize a “doing business as” (DBA) name, also known as a trade name in West Virginia, our DBA guide will assist you in ensuring you are legally registered at the state, county, and/or municipal levels. There are several advantages to registering your business name with the state. It provides further protection against competing West Virginia firms, establishes your company’s validity, and may be needed by certain suppliers, banks, and lenders.
2. Select a Business Structure for Your West Virginia Company
Now that you’ve picked a good name for your brand, it’s time to start the legalization process. Before you begin the registration procedure, you must decide which company structure is appropriate for you. Each has its own set of perks, drawbacks, and tax advantages.
The sole proprietorship
A single proprietorship is the simplest straightforward business form. This informal corporation was created for entrepreneurs who do not want to work with others. It provides no personal asset protection but does necessitate filing with the State Tax Department.
In West Virginia, you may conduct your single proprietorship using your surname or apply to the state for a trade name. A sole proprietorship may register a DBA in West Virginia for free, and it does not need to be renewed.
Partnership
A general partnership, like a sole proprietorship, is an informal structure established for entrepreneurs who form a partnership with at least one other person. You and your partners’ surnames may be used for the firm, or you can get a DBA name. Profits and losses would be reported on your (and your partners’) personal tax return, and no personal assets would be protected.
All partnerships (including general partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships) in West Virginia are required to submit formal documentation with the state, along with a filing fee. Other partnerships must file with the Secretary of State, whereas general partnerships must file with the State Tax Department.
LLC
If you do not intend to go public in the foreseeable future, a limited liability corporation (LLC) may be the best option. It provides more freedom and protects your personal assets in the case of a lawsuit.
The state of West Virginia mandates that all limited liability companies (LLCs) choose an agent for service of process (also known as a registered agent) who will accept legal papers on their behalf. Your process server must be a qualified West Virginia person or a firm allowed to do business in West Virginia. Many new LLCs choose to use a registered agent service, which costs between $29 and $300 each year.
West Virginia also needs you to meet specific name rules and submit the Articles of Organization, which include important information about your business.
Corporation
A corporation is a kind of business entity for those who have (or want to have) shareholders. So, if you want to go public in the future, this may be the greatest alternative for you.
Corporations, like LLCs, must designate an agent for service of process to receive paperwork, compliance papers, and government communication on the organization’s behalf. Your agent for service of process, like an LLC, might be a professional service, a commercial organization, or a person.
In addition to appointing an agent to serve process, you must also submit the Certificate of Incorporation with the state.
3. Determine whether your company has to be registered in West Virginia.
Once you’ve decided on your formal company structure and registered your new business name, you need check with your state to see what the criteria are for business registration. Each state has its own set of rules, which must be strictly followed.
In West Virginia, sole proprietorships and general partnerships must be registered with the state. All organizations must apply to the State Tax Department for a Business Registration Certificate.
Furthermore, certain firms (for example, sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs with no workers) are exempt from registering and filing for a Tax ID Number, also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN), with the IRS. Even if this is not a necessity for your company, you should consider registering regardless since there are various legal and tax advantages.
Even though you are not compelled to register your firm, it is important to recognize that creating an LLC has several legal and financial advantages. Your business debts are considered personal debts if you are a single proprietorship or a partnership. This implies that in the case of a lawsuit, your personal assets might be taken. Personal protection is provided through LLCs, which legally shield your personal assets and minimize your personal liabilities.
Aside from personal protection, LLCs have various additional advantages, including:
Profit distribution, decision-making, and company management flexibility
“Flow-through” taxes permits the LLC’s revenue and costs to pass through to the owners’ personal income tax returns, with no limits on the number and type of owners.
If you don’t have the time or skills to organize your own LLC, there are a variety of trustworthy LLC filing services that may assist you. We analyzed and selected the five finest LLC registration services because we realize how difficult it can be to navigate through the thousands of accessible alternatives. Our LLC service review compares each to ensure you associate with a service that saves you both time and money.
4. Register Your West Virginia Business for Taxes
EINs are used by the IRS to identify firms for tax purposes. Every company with workers is obligated to have one. Our EIN guide will assist you in determining the EIN requirements for your company structure and will coach you through each stage of the procedure.
Once you have your EIN, you must register for employer taxes such as withholding and unemployment insurance. Businesses that sell tangible goods and/or taxable services are required to register for and collect state sales tax.
Additional state and local business taxes, such as excise taxes and gasoline taxes, may apply to your new venture. Visit the West Virginia State Tax Guide for a complete list of tax registration requirements.
5. Obtain West Virginia Business Permits and Licenses
The State of West Virginia’s licensing and permit requirements vary depending on your area and industry. A dental practice, for example, may need to apply for licensure with the state’s Board of Dentistry. The West Virginia One Stop Portal includes a comprehensive list of professional license requirements, applications, and paperwork.
Furthermore, certain businesses are governed by a federal agency and need federal licenses and/or permits. A liquor company, for example, would be subject to FDA standards and recommendations. Visit the Small Business Administration (SBA) website to learn more about federal permit requirements and costs.
