Editing Openai/6973b034-6920-8013-9cfc-1d3ff57e3826 (section)

=== Assistant: Starting a business in Utah is actually pretty straightforward Utah is very business-friendly 👍. ===
Starting a business in Utah is actually pretty straightforward (Utah is very business-friendly 👍). Here’s a clean, step-by-step roadmap so you don’t miss anything.

==== 1️⃣ Choose your business idea & structure ====

First, decide what you’re doing and how you’ll structure it.

Common structures in Utah:
* Sole Proprietorship – simplest, no separation from you personally
* LLC (most popular) – liability protection + simple taxes
* Corporation (S-Corp or C-Corp) – better for larger or investor-backed businesses
* Partnership – two or more owners

👉 Most small businesses choose an LLC for protection + flexibility.

==== 2️⃣ Pick a business name ====
* Must be unique in Utah
* For an LLC, must include LLC or Limited Liability Company

Check availability here:
🔗 Utah Division of Corporations (business search)

You can also reserve a name if you’re not ready to file yet.

==== 3️⃣ Register with the State of Utah ====

File with the Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code.

What you’ll need:
* Business name
* Registered agent (can be you or a service)
* Business address
* Owner/member info

💵 Cost:
* LLC or Corporation: $54

Once approved, your business is officially created 🎉

==== 4️⃣ Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) ====

Think of this like a Social Security number for your business.
* Required if you: - Have employees - Open a business bank account - Want to keep things clean (highly recommended)

✅ Free from the IRS
⏱ Takes ~5 minutes online

==== 5️⃣ Open a business bank account ====

Do this early. It keeps your finances clean and protects you legally.

Bring:
* EIN
* Articles of Organization
* Operating Agreement (for LLCs)
* Photo ID

==== 6️⃣ Get Utah licenses & permits ====

This depends on what kind of business you’re running.

===== Most businesses need: =====
* Utah OneStop Business Registration - Registers you for: - Sales tax - Withholding tax - Unemployment insurance

===== You may also need: =====
* Local city or county business license
* Professional licenses (contractors, fitness, real estate, etc.)

==== 7️⃣ Understand Utah taxes ====

Utah taxes are pretty reasonable:
* State income tax: flat 4.65%
* Sales tax: if selling taxable goods/services
* Employer taxes: if you have employees

LLCs are usually pass-through taxed unless you elect S-Corp status.

==== 8️⃣ Get insurance (strongly recommended) ====

Common types:
* General liability
* Professional liability (if giving advice/services)
* Workers’ comp (required if you have employees)
* Commercial auto (if using a vehicle)

==== 9️⃣ Create basic agreements (don’t skip this) ====

Even for small businesses:
* Operating Agreement (LLC)
* Contracts for clients/customers
* Independent contractor agreements

This protects you when things go sideways.

==== 🔟 Set up bookkeeping & accounting ====
* Use software like QuickBooks, Wave, or Xero
* Track income, expenses, mileage
* Set aside money for taxes (seriously)

==== Bonus: Utah-specific advantages 💪 ====
* Fast approvals (often same-day)
* Low fees
* Pro-business regulations
* Great for: - Construction - Fitness & coaching - Online businesses - Real estate & services

===== Want this tailored? =====

If you tell me:
* What kind of business
* Solo or partners
* Online or physical location
* Side hustle or full-time

I’ll give you an exact checklist + tax setup that fits you in Utah.