Registering your shelf corporations business can be a daunting task. There are so many different forms to fill out and the smallest mistake can lead to huge headaches down the road.

Registering your business is a critical first step to becoming a legal entity. It also provides credibility and gives your business a sense of legitimacy.
1. Not Choosing the Right Entity

When you first start your business, it’s important to choose the right entity. This will determine how you register your business, the taxes you pay, and the protections offered by your business structure. There are several different types of business structures, and each state has its own requirements and registration processes. So, it’s important to check with your local and state government agencies to find out what’s required in your area.

In addition to choosing a business structure, you’ll also need to select a name for your company. It’s important to choose a name that’s unique and easily recognizable in your industry. You’ll also want to make sure that the name is available for web domains and that it complies with any restrictions set by your state. For example, in New York, you can’t have certain words like “trust” or “corporation” in your company name.

Once you have your business structure and name selected, you’ll need to file a “doing business as” (DBA) with your city or state. You’ll also need to get an employer identification number (EIN), which is a federal tax ID number that identifies your business. Finally, you’ll need to get any licenses or permits required by your business structure and location. It’s also a good idea to separate your personal and business bank accounts, which can simplify bookkeeping, reduce the risk of commingling assets, and help you build credit history for your business.
2. Not Having a Registered Agent

Depending on your state, you can appoint yourself or someone within the business to be your registered agent. However, it’s important to note that the person or company must have a physical address in the state of registration and be available during normal business hours to receive legal documents and paperwork on behalf of the business. You can also use a service, like LegalZoom or Rocket Lawyer, as your registered agent, so you can skip the time-consuming process of finding an individual and filling out forms.

Choosing the wrong registered agent can lead to serious problems for your business. For example, if you don’t have a registered agent and you’re sued, it could mean that papers are served to you in front of your clients or customers, which is definitely not good for business. It can also prevent you from meeting certain state requirements, such as filing deadlines, so you may end up being subject to fines or losing your business status.

A professional registered agent will take care of all official mail and provide timely notifications about upcoming deadlines and actions that you need to take. And, if your business is growing quickly, they can help you keep track of compliance by creating a calendar or alerting you about upcoming changes to state laws. This can save you a lot of headache in the long run. Plus, the cost of a registered agent is much cheaper than paying hefty fines or losing your business status.
3. Not Having a Business License

When registering your business, you’ll need to determine what type of licenses and permits you need to operate. This will depend on the industry you’re in and state regulations. For example, if you’re opening a restaurant, you’ll need a food safety license to ensure the restaurant is safe for customers. Likewise, doctors and lawyers must have a professional license to practice. And, businesses that are highly regulated, such as creating new drugs or transporting nuclear waste, must be licensed by a government agency.

When starting a business, you should also consider whether the name you want to use is available. Having the same name as another company can lead to confusion and may cause legal problems. It’s best to do a search for your business name before registering it. It’s also important to understand the different types of business structures, as each has pros and cons for certain situations.

Before you decide which structure to choose, it’s wise to consult a tax expert or lawyer to avoid any mistakes. They can help you decide what type of entity is best for your business and help you file the proper documents with local and state agencies. Then, you can focus on growing your business.
4. Not Having a Website

A business website is one of the most important tools for a new business. It allows businesses to share information about their products and services, connect with customers, and provide a global presence. Unfortunately, many small businesses don’t have a website, which is a huge mistake. While social media can be a good way to promote your business, it cannot offer the same level of marketing or consumer access that a website does.

Not only can a website help you compete with businesses that don’t have one, but it can also increase your revenue. This is because consumers are increasingly using the Internet to research before making a purchase, and they’re more likely to purchase from a business with a website than a competitor without a website. Additionally, a website can serve as an online store, which can make it easier for consumers to buy your product. Finally, a website can also be used to communicate with customers, such as by publishing announcements and hosting clearance sales. This can boost customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
5. Not Having a Bank Account

Separating your business and personal finances is a must, regardless of how small or large your business is. This will protect your personal assets; help you keep track of business spending and income; and make tax time easier. It will also help you build business credit.

Whether you're a sole proprietor or an LLC, or even a corporation, you should open a dedicated bank account for your business. Having a separate account will make it much easier to keep track of your spending and receipts, and it will help you establish business credit. Additionally, if you are incorporated, the bank will want to see your articles of incorporation or your business license as proof that you are a legally registered business.

If you're a sole proprietor, the bank may accept your driver's license or passport as proof of your identity. However, it will still require your social security number (or federal tax ID) because this is how they'll verify that you are running a legitimate business. If you don't have an EIN, it's easy to apply for one on the IRS website.