A business entity is any organization created for the purpose of business development. A business entity can include a partnership, limited liability company (LLC), corporation, or sole proprietorship.
Starting a Business in Pennsylvania
To start a business in Pennsylvania, you must confirm that the business name you have chosen is available for use. If the name is available for use, then you must register the business with the Pennsylvania Department of State. After registering the business, you must obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax reporting purposes. Depending on your industry and type of business, you may also need a Pennsylvania business license.
If you are not yet ready to register the business but would like to reserve the business name, you can do so by submitting a name reservation form and paying a $70 filing fee.
Forming an LLC in Pennsylvania
To form an LLC in Pennsylvania, you must first confirm that the business name is available by conducting a business entity search. You then file the Certificate of Organization for a Pennsylvania Limited Liability Company with the Pennsylvania Department of State. You must also pay a $125 filing fee when you register the LLC.
If you plan to use a fictitious name (ie, trade name or DBA), you register this name by completing the applicable form and paying the $70 filing fee with the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Bureau of Corporations and Charities.
