I've been thinking about starting my own business. I've checked the Secretary of State's website for information on incorporating myself but no one there has been able to talk in a way that I can understand them. I've even went to legalzoom to try and get the necessary forms but it has stock certificates and other stuff I don't think I need.

My question is this: If I want to incorporate myself what am I required to do in the state of North Carolina? It's just going to be me and I'm going to work temporarily out of my home. Do I need the stock certificates and such?

Why do you feel you have to incorporate yourself for a small business from your home ? There is some expense involved in doing so. Just get a business license at first to see how successful you are.

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I hadn't really thought about a business license. Every professional I have asked said to incorporate myself.

My husband incorporated years ago because he new from the start his volume of business and income was going to, and did, expand immediately. I have had a couple of small home based business and didn't incorporate but got all the necessary licensing because I had invoicing to do and had to charge appropriate taxes here in Ontario.

Disadvantage is when you incorporate your small business, you'll have to file two tax returns each year, one for your personal income, and one for the corporation. This, of course, will mean increased accounting fees. Unlike a sole proprietorship or partnership, corporate losses can't be deducted from the personal income of the owner.



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Where exactly do I go to get a business license? I've heard the local tax office and the chamber of commerce. I can't find anything on my local or state websites.

You were on the right track. This information is from the website 'myownbusiness.org'

Where do I go to get a license?
The best place to start is your local city hall or courthouse. See the city clerk, who should be able to direct you. You can also phone the city or county clerk's office with questions, or look in your local phone book under municipal government offices. Try a search online for "Your city hall" on Google or Yahoo local searches to find the Web site for your local city hall.

Business License, Permits, and Business Names - How to get a business license

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