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How to Start a Business in Utah Checklist:
Download our free checklist for how to start a business in Utah in PDF format.
Download NowHow to Start a Business in Utah:
Utah provides excellent resources for new business owners, making the process of starting a new business easier. The online portals available for registering your new business work quickly and there are instructions included on every form that needs to be submitted.
Form your business.
Review Utah formation options.
Utah offers 4 ways of forming your business, which we cover in detail below. Review these closely and pick the one that fits your business best.
Name your business.
When you are coming up with name ideas, you should research Utah's naming conventions and ensure that your name is suitable.
If you need help finding a business name, be sure to check out NameSnack's free business name generator.
Perform a business name search to see if your name idea has been registered in the state already.
Search the USPTO trademark database to see if your name idea has already been trademarked.
If you would like to reserve a name for 120 days you can do this through the state.
Register your business name with the state to secure it.
Get an employer identification number.
Nearly all businesses will need to register for federal taxes by applying for an employer identification number.
Register your business in Utah.
All businesses can register online with a maximum processing time of 7 days.
To register as a corporation, you will need to file Articles of Incorporation. The processing fee is $70.00 and online filings take up to 24 hours to process.
To register as a general partnership you will need to file a Statement of Partnership Authority. The process takes up to 7 business days and there is a $22.00 processing fee.
To register a limited liability company you need to file a Certificate of Organization. Online applications take up to 24 hours to process and the processing fee is $70.00.
To register a limited liability partnership you will need to file a Statement of Qualification. The processing fee is $22.00 and online applications take up to 24 hours to process.
To register as a limited partnership you will need to file a Certificate of Limited Partnership which costs $70.00 to process. Online applications take up to 24 hours to process.
Sole proprietorships and partnerships will need to file a DBA Application to use a business name that is not the legal name of the owner(s). The filing fee is $22.00.
Obtain necessary permits and licenses.
Utah does not require businesses to have a general business license, but there may be local permits required.
You can contact your local municipality to check if you require a municipal business license.
You can refer to the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing to check if you require a professional license.
Register your business for taxes.
Register for employer taxes.
As an employer, you should always register for an EIN.
You will need to register for taxes with the state.
File witholding tax using Form TC-941.
Register for sales and use tax.
If your business sells goods in Utah you will need to file for sales and use tax by filing Form TC-69.
Register for corporate income tax.
Businesses that earn an income need to file for Corporation Franchise and Income Tax. You will need to file Form TC-20.
Hire employees and report them to the state.
Complete form I-9.
Have employees fill in form I-9 to verify that they are eligible to work in the U.S.
Complete a withholding tax certificate.
Have employees complete a withholding tax certificate (Form W-4) to let you know how much money to reserve for them.
Get workers' compensation insurance.
Employers can apply for workers' compensation insurance through the Labor Commission.
Research required workplace posters.
Look up which posters you need to display on the Utah Labor Commission website.
Utah Business Types:
1. Corporation.
Corporations are formed as separate entities to the business owners, called shareholders. The shareholders elect a board that makes executive decisions for the business, and the board hires officers to manage everyday operations.
The benefit of incorporating is that your business can sell shares and changing ownership is easier than other businesses. One big drawback is that these businesses are taxed twice: once on corporate income and then again on shareholder dividends.
2. Sole Proprietorship.
As the name suggests, this business typically has one owner who assumes all profits, debts, and liability. As such, the owner only pays income tax as the owner's assets and the business's assets are considered to be one entity.
3. Partnership.
A partnership is formed by two or more partners who can form the partnership in one of two ways: a Limited Liability Partnership or a Limited Partnership.
A limited liability partnership is a partnership between two professionals who want to avoid personal liability for the other partner. This type of business is commonly used for professionals like doctors or lawyers who can be sued for malpractice.
A limited partnership consists of one general partner and one limited partner. The general partner takes on the liabilities of the business and manages it. The limited partner has no liability and is not responsible for any debt.
4. Limited Liability Company (LLC).
An LLC is a corporation where the owners can elect to be personally liable for any debts incurred by the business, or they can choose to have a structure more similar to a corporation. In the event that owners accept liabilities personally, they can pay individual income tax instead of corporate income tax.
Utah Business Registration Fees:
Filing Type | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
Articles of Incorporation (Corporation) | $54.00 |
Article of Incorporation (Non-profit) | $30.00 |
Certificate of Organization (LLC) | $54.00 |
Limited Liability Partnership and Limited Partnership | $70.00 |
General Partnership | $27.00 |
Name Reservation | $22.00 |
Assumed Name Reservation | $22.00 |
