You've Got a Great Idea for a Kansas Business, Now what?

Embarking on the journey of opening a new business in Kansas is an exciting step! To help you navigate the process, here is a guide to the key state and federal registrations you'll need to complete.

1. Create a Business Plan

Before you file any documents, it's crucial to have a solid business plan. This living document will serve as your roadmap, outlining your business's goals, strategies, and how you will achieve them. A traditional business plan includes sections like an executive summary, company description, market analysis, organization and management details, service or product line descriptions, marketing and sales strategies, and a funding request if you need financing.

2. Register with the Kansas Secretary of State (SOS)

The first official step is to register your business with the Kansas Secretary of State's office. This is a fundamental step for corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and limited liability partnerships. Sole proprietors are not required to register with the SOS. You can file your Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization online, which is a faster and often less expensive option than filing by mail. The Articles of Incorporation form will require you to provide your business name, an official business purpose, your resident agent's information, and details on stock if it's a for-profit corporation.

3. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

A federal EIN, also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, is essential for almost all businesses. You will need this number to file taxes, open a business bank account, and hire employees. You can apply for an EIN for free on the IRS website.

4. Register for State Tax IDs

You will need to register with the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) to obtain the necessary state tax IDs. The Business Tax Application (Form CR-16) is the form you will use to register for most business taxes administered by the KDOR.

• Sales Tax ID: Required for businesses that sell tangible personal property or provide taxable services to customers in Kansas. There is no fee to apply for this.

• Use Tax ID: This is necessary if you purchase goods from outside of Kansas for use, storage, or consumption within the state, and you haven't paid a sales tax on them that is equal to the state and local sales tax rates.

• Payroll Tax IDs: If you plan to hire employees, you'll need to register with two state agencies. You must register with the Kansas Department of Revenue for a withholding tax account and with the Kansas Department of Labor for an unemployment insurance tax account.

  
  

Feller Financial Services, LLC can help you register for all the applicable state and federal business documents for a low fee, making this process simple and hassle-free.