The four layers most beginners must separate
Federal
Federal tax identification, federal taxes, employment rules, and industry-specific federal regulation may apply. An EIN is a federal tax identifier; it is not a general business licence.
State
Entity formation, foreign qualification, state tax registration, sales tax permits, professional licensing, annual reports, and assumed-name rules often sit at state level.
County and city
Local business licences, zoning, home-occupation rules, building and fire requirements, signage, health permits, and local taxes can apply even when the entity was formed by the state.
Industry
Food, construction, transportation, childcare, health, finance, alcohol, agriculture, imports, and other regulated fields may require separate approvals.
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U.S. startup guide map
Start a business in the USA
A decision-by-decision overview.
StructureU.S. structures
Sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations.
Federal IDEIN explained
What it is, what it is not, and where to apply.
PermissionLicences and permits
Federal, state, county, city, and industry layers.
Tax conceptSales tax basics
Nexus, registration, collection, records, and marketplace questions.
Cross-borderNon-resident owners
Formation is only one part of a cross-border setup.