Becoming A Clevo Reseller

Since I've never started a business before, I'm a little lost. The business is going to be located in New Jersey (US). What forms do I need to become a certified business? Do I have to collect state tax from customers (I know that some resellers don't)? Can I get all of the forms and permits I need for free? Am I missing anything?

I just want to look over everything I need to get. I'm not even close on deciding on a name yet.

 

When I created my business, I started here:

http://www.sba.gov/

There are counsolers in each state that you can meet with for free to start planning your business. They will explain everything for you easily. Each state and city have their own laws and requirements.

 

You really should get some basic advice from a business attorney or an accountant, both licensed to practice their respective professions in NJ, before you get yourself into any tight spots; however, just as a starting point, and not by way of advice, start with the NJ Business Registration Package, which you can download from the NJ Division of Revenue on this webpage or directly (as a pdf) using this link. You should also go through the other forms and publications on the Division's webpage to see what else is applicable.

In terms of sales tax collections, assuming that your only place of business will be located in NJ, and that you won't be conducting any business activities in another state, you'll be required to collect NJ sales tax on any sales you make to residents of NJ, but not NJ sales tax on sales you make to residents of other states; further, as a general matter, based solely on my assumed facts, no other state should be able to force you to collect that other state's sales tax on any sales you make to residents of that other state.

 

What if I do business in NJ and other states, would I have to still collect taxes in NJ?

 

Yes - because you're doing business in NJ, which gives NJ jurisdiction over you and your business and thus the power to compel collection of sales tax; however, as a general matter (I haven't read through the NJ sales tax statutes), NJ sales tax only applies to sales made in NJ, which typically means that the buyer received the goods from you in NJ. For example, if you have a store-front and someone who resides in NY walks in and buys a system from you, that sale was made in NJ and is subject to NJ sales tax; however, if someone who resides in NY logs onto your website and orders a system to be delivered to that person's NY residence, that sale was not made in NJ for purposes of sales tax collection (again, as a general matter, not as a matter of specific legal advice) and would not be subject to NJ sales tax. Finally, unless you had a physical presence in NY, NY could not compel you to collect NY sales tax on either sale.

CYA Notice: Just to C my A, please note, this does not constitute legal advice or the formation of an attorney/client relationship, and nothing posted herein can be relied on in any way without further consultation with an attorney who is licensed to practice law in the State of New Jersey. Sorry, gotta do that if we get too close to the brass tacks.

 

You could also go into your local chamber of commerce. There is a ton of information that they could provide as well as being a good place to make contacts.

 

here you go: http://www.state.nj.us/njbusiness/index.shtml