Starting a business in the United States is no easy feat; not only does it require you to have a business mindset, but there are also a fair number of important regulations you must adhere to to keep your business legal and successful. When it comes to starting your own business, having all the necessary information is your strongest asset in helping you get your feet off the ground. As such, we have compiled this article on eight of the most important regulations to keep in mind, alongside business-specific examples, to see your business thrive in 2025.
Number One: Know the Regulations for your Niche
Before we dive into the regulations that surround the legal landscape of starting a business, you must take a moment to consider if your business falls into a niche that might have additional regulations on top of the ones stated in this article. One of the most common examples of this is the rapidly growing world of cryptocurrency. Suppose you are looking to incorporate crypto into your new business. In that case, you will not only need to follow the generic regulations for starting a business, but also the specific regulations that surround crypto itself.
For example, crypto casinos must follow strict crypto regulations to ensure that they actively work to keep their customers safe and satisfied. In following crypto regulations, these sites can offer impressive transaction speeds to their customers as well as all of the additional security and privacy benefits that crypto users expect (source: cryptocasino.guru).
Number Two: Naming Regulations
To get started with your new business, you will need to name it. This might seem simple on the surface, but there are quite a lot of legal considerations you will need to take into account before settling on your name. Firstly, the name must not be the same as other businesses that have claimed copyright on it. There are millions of businesses across the globe, so you must do your research before settling on a particular name.
On top of this, there are a number of additional regulations in place for different states across the US, and all will require you to register your business name with them and comply with any naming requirements they have. Although this is usually done in the formation process, if you have an idea for a unique business name that you want to keep safe, you can often reserve it. For example, if someone intends to open a novelty cake shop in the future, they might want to secure a specific pun that relates to their business and reserve this as their name.
Number Three: Registering a Trademark
While registering your business name, it’s also a good idea to secure a trademark for that name, alongside one for your brand logo, slogans, products, and services. This will ensure that your business is protected and cannot be replicated either accidentally or intentionally by other emerging businesses. For example, the catchphrases associated with big brands such as Nike’s ‘Just do it’ and McDonald’s’ I’m lovin’ it’ are trademarked, meaning no other business can use them. In America, trademarks are registered with the U.S Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Number Four: Registering With Your State
After your business name has been approved, you will then need to register your business with the state in which it will be located. By doing this, you can ensure not only that your business remains legal but that it falls under the jurisdiction of the state, giving your personal assets protection alongside providing tax advantages and better credibility for your business as a whole.
For example, a restaurant business that is not only customer-facing but also provides its clientele with food will not see much footfall if they are not registered with the state. Such a thing would give them no protection and no credibility as a business, which would act as a massive deterrent for customers.
Number Five: Acquiring a Registered Agent
In order to comply with legal regulations, your business will need to acquire a legal agent while in the formation stage. This agent must be based in the state where you plan for your business to operate, and if you would like the business to be present in other states, more agents from each state would need to be employed. This agent will aid your business by receiving important legal and tax documents on behalf of your business. However, it is important that any appointed agent meets the appropriate criteria relating to whichever state they are operating in, and that they are registered as an agent in an official capacity.
For example, if you were looking to set up a family-owned retail business selling clothes, and wished for a relative to run a store in another state while you ran the one in your home state, a separate agent would need to be obtained for said relative to work with.
Number Six: Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Almost every business in the United States that employs individuals will need to have an Employer Identification Number, also known as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). Requests for this number can be made to the IRS, and once obtained, you must use it as a way to identify your business on tax filings and other tax-related documents. It’s a good idea to think of this number as your business’s Social Security Number, as it will also be required for correspondence with banks, credit card issuers, vendors, and other financial institutions.
Number Seven: Registering for a State Tax ID
If you plan for your business to sell to customers, whether that be goods or services, then you’ll likely need to apply for a sales tax ID number and register with your state’s Department of Revenue. The procedure regarding this differs from state to state, so it is important that you do your research first and ensure you find and adhere to whatever requirements are needed in your location.
Number Eight: Obtaining a Business License or Permit
The vast majority of businesses in the US need an official license or permit to operate. To obtain a license for your new business, you will need to refer to your local government website and seek information on general business licenses. There are some additional licenses that you will have to apply for if your business deals with certain restricted goods such as alcohol, tobacco, firearms, or medicines.
Wrapping Up
These are some of the most important regulations to keep in mind when starting a new business, but this is by no means an exhaustive list. Once this criterion has been met, you’ll also need to delve further and look into DBAs, zoning regulations, business insurance, legal employer responsibilities, and foreign qualification. We know it’s a lot, but coming to terms with these regulations is the best thing you can do to give your business a head-start in a very competitive market, and doing so will ensure that, when you do open, you are legally compliant and protected.