Start a small business or register as self-employed
Doing business under your own name makes you a sole proprietor; you may need a DBA, an EIN and licenses.
Cost: EIN: free
Time: EIN issued immediately online if approved
What you need
- Your SSN or ITIN (for the EIN)
- A DBA (trade name) registration if you use a name other than yours
- Federal, state and local licenses and permits for your activity
Step by step
- Register your DBA with the state, county or city if you use one
- LLCs and corporations: register with the state first
- Get your free EIN online from the IRS in one session
- Get the licenses and permits for your activity and location
Where to apply
SBA: register your business · sba.gov
IRS: get an EIN · irs.gov
The app helps with
Tips to get it right the first time
- The IRS never charges for an EIN: avoid sites that do.
- The online EIN form can't be saved and expires after 15 minutes of inactivity.
- Check your Secretary of State's website for state licenses.
Save the checklist in the app and tick items off as you gather them.
Reviewed on October 19, 2026 · source: sba.gov. Requirements and costs are for reference and may change without notice: confirm them with the official source before you go. We are not affiliated with any institution.