Registering your business feels way too complicated
Get Legit is a 100% free, expert-approved, plain-language guide to making your solo service business “official” in the eyes of the local, state, and federal government.
Maybe you’ve started making a little extra money through a side hustle and you’re ready to make it a legitimate business so you can focus on growing your income.
Or maybe you’re waiting to bring in that first dollar because you’re unsure about the legal rules and regulations, and don’t want to mess it up for fear of a government nastygram at some point in the future.
That “not wanting to mess it up” thing? That’s real.
Especially if it’s your first time establishing a business and walking the halls of government and financial compliance, the steps are not obvious and the process is anything but transparent.
What do all of the terms mean? Which forms are actually relevant to a one-person small business like yours? And how can you know if you did all the steps correctly, and in the right order?
What happens if you make a mistake and how do you fix it!? 😭
Even with access to experts and resources, you still need to understand the jargon and know what help to ask for.
That’s why we worked with those experts to create this guide: to help you get organized and build your confidence.
Even if you’ve already launched your business, you can use this guide to make sure you didn’t accidentally miss any steps that could cost you in the future!
A single checklist to complete
All of this advice is elsewhere online, but scattered across various government websites. Get Legit Philly pulls it together and organizes it in a way that makes crossing the finish line an easier lift.
Along the way, we made sure Get Legit explains the reason behind every step. You learn why these steps are the essentials, help you understand all the confusing jargon, and help you feel confident about what “complete” actually looks like.
The steps in this guide include:
- Choosing a business name
- Getting a designated address
- Finding a trustworthy Lawyer and Accountant
- Choosing your kind of legal entity
- Registering your entity and getting an EIN
- Creating an operating agreement
- Opening a business bank account
- Getting a Philadelphia Tax ID Number
- Getting a Philadelphia Commercial Activity License
- Creating a Master Services Agreement
Hundreds of hours went into researching this process, and we’re giving it away for free.
Launching in Spring 2023
The first version of Get Legit is technically complete, we're just waiting on final approvals from our legal and tax advisors, including the city government.
For the earliest access to the guide, drop your email address in the box below. We'll let you know as soon as "Get Legit" is ready!
Does your business or organization help individuals through this process? Contact us to discuss potential collaborations and partnerships that help more people access this guide!
