Ok..not sure if I'm starting this question on the right thread but....I need help; I took the day off from my full time job to get my REVA business filed however; I'm completely in the blind on how to do this. I don't even know if VA's do get their business filed? Sorry if I sound stupid but, this is not my cup of tea I have no idea where to begin.

Do I file solo? I am married but, I don't want my husband filed with the business if he don't have to be.

Do I file with a LLC?

Do go to the State, Township I live in, or County?

Below is what the State sent me with limited information so I'm not even sure if this is something I need to file.

Ifyou are trying to form a limited liability company with the State of Michigan, you would needto complete Articles of Organization, BCS/CD 700, and submit it with the $50.00filing fee. If you would like to incorporate a corporation, you wouldneed to complete, Articles of Incorporation, BCS/CD500, and submit the formwith the applicable fee. I have included the forms for your possibleuse.

Help!!!! Thanks in advance!

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Tricia Rivard~REVA
GR Realtor Assistant

Hi Tricia, you do need to register your business legally in your state. You'll need to pay small business taxes to your state either yearly or quarterly, depending on how they do things. You can get all of this information from your Secretary of State's website. Some states have numbers you can call to ask questions, etc. - this is a great resource if available because I know the forms can seem complicated, etc.

As to your county and city, you'll need to get in touch with your county clerk's office as well as the administrative offices for your city (usually there is a department devoted to small business registration/zoning, etc.) to find out if you are required to register with them as well.

It sounds like you have already gotten in touch with your SOS and they sent you the form names and filing fees you need to send them to register your business so that's a great start.

As to which business entity to register as most VAs are sole proprietors or LLCs but only you can decide which best suits your situation. Try reading through some of the conversations in the General Legal Issues section of VAF for more information on that.

I hope that helps!

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The type of business you want to run is up to you. I filed as a sole proprietor and will take a look at my business model in another and if things are going well I may just switch to an LLC because it provides better liability protection. If you're confused about filing you may want to consider using LegalZoom.com. For an extra fee they'll file your paper work for you.

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Paulette R.
Rhythm Virtual Solutions | Alpha & Beta Translations

Great question & info. I have been wondering the same and would really like to be legit. Thanks to this thread, this item of business has moved to the top of my list!!

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Tai E. Coleman
Founder & Lead Virtual Assistant | Everything Administrative Solutions

Okay, Maybe you guys can help. I have the same question, yet when I called the Secretary of State (Iowa) she acted like I was asking stupid questions. She said she wouldn't know what to tell me since I will be primarly online...

So... how do I register with the state?

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I am in California and I contacted the Small Business Administration's SCORE program. It is a mentoring program they provide as a free service. I have been contacted by a member and will be meeting with him to discuss in more detail what is needed to become a legitimate business. He did provide me with a useful spreadsheet and if this forum would let me, I would upload it, but I have problems everytime I try to upload an attachment.

But utilize your SBA...they have a wealth of information and resources.

Tricia every state has its regulations. You should contact your specific city or county. They should have a website with all the information. SCORE is an awesome program with the small business administration. They do work with you for free mentoring you while and after you set up your business. Like Paulette suggested, LegalZoom.com is a good place where you research and can see what type of business set up fits your lifestyle best.

I was trying to figure out what I need to do as well. Do you necessarily have to form a corp or LLC if you're getting all of your work through an online platform? For example, I am hired through an online platform company who facilitates the payment, etc. So technically it's like I'm employed by them...I'll get a tax form at the end of the year from them.

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Chelsey Washington
Payton Jade Productions, www.paytonjade.com

I do realize that I started my business as an LLC. Protecion I was told. I dont have any clietns coming to me, but I do deal with sensative materials for clients at times and computers are not infalable. So I wanted to have that extra protection, incase someone down the line is a "Lawsuithappy" sort of person. They cannot go after your personal assets if you are an LLC.
Also, if you have the business set up in your home, make sure you find out from your homeowners insurance if they cover that. If they do not, you may need to take out a "retainer" to allow for a buisness inside your home. This enables you to take a percentage of the usage of electricity and water and gas and heat and mortgage a write off on your taxes also.

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