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Forming a business entity in New Jersey

1. REVIEW THE “STARTING A BUSINESS CHECKLIST”

Click on the Business Checklist tab on the left. This is a two page tutorial Starting a Business Checklist.

2. CHECK BUSINESS NAME AVAILABILITY

Go to www.nj.gov/njbusiness/. Click on Name Search tab on the top left, and then Browse Names Online to see if the name you want is available.

3. FILE CERTIFICATES OF FORMATION in New Jersey

Go to www.nj.gov/njbusiness/. Click on Business Registration & Records tab on the top right, then click on Registering a New Business, and then click on the link Filing Certificates of Formation. This step costs $125. When the step is completed the entity is formed.

4. REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS WITH THE IRS

Visit the www.IRS.gov website where you will fill out Form SS-4. By completing this form you will receive you Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN or FID). Hint: use no punctuation in filling out this form.

5. COMPLETE THE NEW JERSEY BUSINESS REGISTRATION APPLICATION

Filing Form NJ-REG ensures that your business is registered under the correct tax identification number and that you will receive the proper returns and notices. Normally, you will use your federal identification number (FEIN) as the New Jersey tax identification number. A business with employees must obtain a FEIN. If you do not have a federal identification number for your business, you may apply for one as you fill out the online NJ-REG or you may apply directly to the IRS online.

By completing this form, you will now be registered with the State of New Jersey.

Congratulations, you are now a legal entity and ready to start business in the great State of New Jersey.