3 things to consider before starting an e-business
Starting an e-commerce business is, for the most part, no different that starting any other business. However, taxes and trademark matters can have different legal consequences.
Business Entity
The type of structure you choose for your business requires the same analysis you would go through for any business. First, do some research into the various forms of legal and tax business structures available. Your business can be a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a limited liability partnership, an LLC, or an S or C corporation. Each has different legal and tax consequences that you should be sure you understand. You can talk to an accountant and a lawyer, or you can take the risks of doing the research and formation on your own and then fix mistakes later when your business has enough revenues.
Sales Taxes
The revenue collection agencies in most states now have some kind of formal position on e-commerce sales. Most treat the sales in the same way they treat mail-order sales; however, you should contact your state tax agency and ask for help and information with regard to your particular business to be sure
Trademarks
Because your domain is such a big part of your e-commerce business, you'll want to be sure to protect it. The best way to do that is through trademark law. A trademark is a word or symbol used to identify the source of goods or services to consumers.
|