Business Names and Entity Types
Prospective business owners register their businesses in at least two, and possibly three ways. Both a legal structure (business entity form) and a name must be registered. You may want to consult with an attorney before choosing a legal structure, particularly if more than one person will own the business. (The information on this site does not replace legal advice provided by an attorney.) The legal entity form affects the taxes paid and when and how they are reported, so the assistance of an accountant may also be needed.
Required Registration: Business names and entity types are registered with the Idaho Secretary of State’s office before engaging in business activities. If the business will be an LLC or corporation, the name is registered when the entity registration form is filed. Sole proprietorships and partnerships file an Assumed Business Name, also called a DBA (doing business as).
Business registrations are public records. Any information included on the registration form, including your name and address, will be available for public view. The Secretary of State’s website includes a tutorial on how to register your business online. You must be 18 or older to register a business.
Optional Registration: If the business will have employees, make retail sales, or provides lodging, it must also register with the Idaho State Tax Commission and possibly the Idaho Industrial Commission and Idaho Department of Labor (employers only) by filing IBRS. You do this after registering the business name and legal structure.