Why a state license is required?

[TheChosenOne]

I filed my LLC online and got a tax ID number online for my new business. I went to get my city license and it says I need a state license and requires a state license number.

 

 

Im confused. The city I live in never asked for a state license when I applied. Is that because it was a sole prop? Why do you need a state licence, LLC AND a city license? seems like overkill and just another way to get money from you.

 

Help anyone?

[greywolf]

To get your Town license, you need to get the state. Think of it this way: in order to do business in your town/city, you have to be doing business in the state.

 

Yes, they do get a fortune from you in various filing costs. My business fees, are about $200 yearly to maintain status, but that is fairly low compared to other states. CA is probably the worst state to incorporate in.

[TheChosenOne]

To get your Town license, you need to get the state. Think of it this way: in order to do business in your town/city, you have to be doing business in the state.

 

Yes, they do get a fortune from you in various filing costs. My business fees, are about $200 yearly to maintain status, but that is fairly low compared to other states. CA is probably the worst state to incorporate in.

 

 

ok, thanks grey. It wouldnt be a big deal if i could even find the form for state license on the georgia website.

 

So ya any more surprise things i gotta file? Already took care of the EIN, LLC, and I have the city license filled out and ready to be sent in as soon as i get a state license number. Anything else you have to get for an LLC auto shop?

[greywolf]

You might need some kid of EPA certification for an auto shop, but that isn't something I would know much about.

 

You should also register for your DUNS now, so you will have some age on your file when you go to apply for credit.

[TheChosenOne]

You might need some kid of EPA certification for an auto shop, but that isn't something I would know much about.

 

You should also register for your DUNS now, so you will have some age on your file when you go to apply for credit.

 

Already did the DUNS that was at the top of my list.

 

Ill have to look up about the EPA cert. Thanks again.

[greywolf]

So, what kind of auto shop are you opening? Juffy-lube type, or is it going to be... not sure what the word is I am looking for here... advanced/full service?

[TheChosenOne]

So, what kind of auto shop are you opening? Juffy-lube type, or is it going to be... not sure what the word is I am looking for here... advanced/full service?

 

Well I was going to open a full service auto repair shop that specialized on german autos but apparently you can't open a mechanic shop without being a mechanic yourself. I already have 1 mechanic ready to work for me but ...???

 

Im reading a lot of confusing things on the web. I may have bitten off more than I can chew this time. I just wanted to open up a shop and have mechanics work for me but thats looking like its hard to get a biz license for.

[greywolf]

I used to drive an Audi A4, thing was a total mouse to get repaired... That's when I went American only.

 

I imagine it would be easier if you had a partner that was a mechanic with an interest in the business. If you 'employ' someone, that person has very little stake in the business. If someone has a stake in the business, they are more apt to contribute more and work harder, since it is in their own best interest for the business to succeed.

 

The only thing I know about the auto repair business is that if someone has a car, and it needs fixin' you can charge what ever you damn feel like charging them to get it fixed, especially in the exotic market. Cost me $3600 to get an air conditioner replaced in my brand new A4 like six years ago. I think the guy just took one off an Accord and smashed into the dash... It supposedly had to be hand made in Germany.

 

It probably would help if you knew more about the business you were choosing to own, just as a general rule. It isn't that hard, not too unlike the restaurant business. The basic principals are the same, you buy something, you do some service, and the customer pays you. Instead of food though, you are selling mufflers (or whatever).

[TheChosenOne]

I used to drive an Audi A4, thing was a total mouse to get repaired... That's when I went American only.

 

I imagine it would be easier if you had a partner that was a mechanic with an interest in the business. If you 'employ' someone, that person has very little stake in the business. If someone has a stake in the business, they are more apt to contribute more and work harder, since it is in their own best interest for the business to succeed.

 

The only thing I know about the auto repair business is that if someone has a car, and it needs fixin' you can charge what ever you damn feel like charging them to get it fixed, especially in the exotic market. Cost me $3600 to get an air conditioner replaced in my brand new A4 like six years ago. I think the guy just took one off an Accord and smashed into the dash... It supposedly had to be hand made in Germany.

 

It probably would help if you knew more about the business you were choosing to own, just as a general rule. It isn't that hard, not too unlike the restaurant business. The basic principals are the same, you buy something, you do some service, and the customer pays you. Instead of food though, you are selling mufflers (or whatever).

 

Well ya I could make him a partner but then again ive put all the money and credit on the line for the lease and will be for the biz loan also. I feel like just because somebody is a mechanic doesnt really give them the same value of tens of thousands of dollars put down upfront.

 

I signed the lease yesterday, total of lease is $72k over 3 years. If I cant get a license for an autoshop, I sure hope the landlord is ok with me puttin blinds up in the windows and living out of the damn thing or letting me out of the lease. Technically my agent hasnt given him the lease or the cert check for over 3k yet. Maybe I should call up my agent and have him tear up the contract and give me my money back. Eh, I dont know. I guess I wont know anything until I call around on Monday to find out how the hell im supposed to make business from a 3k square foot garage now.

 

ETA: Another reason why he doesnt need to be partner is his credit is awful. He would scare any and all lenders away. I have known him personally for a long time. He is not the responsible type either (to handle biz loan funds).

Edited November 15, 2009 by TheChosenOne

[greywolf]

I don't think most mechanics are responsible/honest people to begin with, never mind as business partners

 

Why do you want to open this business so much? It is a LOT of work, and is not for the lighthearted. Seems like you aren't even sure what business you want to start, you just want to open a 'business'. Most people start a business in their chosen profession, ie a Doctor opens a Doctor's office, an accountant opens an account firm.

 

Opening a business, that you have no prior knowledge of is probably not the best idea. Is there something you like/know about that would be suitable for a business? Almost any idea can be made into a successful business if the right person is running it. Even a chocolate salesman does well during planting season

[TheChosenOne]

I don't think most mechanics are responsible/honest people to begin with, never mind as business partners

 

Why do you want to open this business so much? It is a LOT of work, and is not for the lighthearted. Seems like you aren't even sure what business you want to start, you just want to open a 'business'. Most people start a business in their chosen profession, ie a Doctor opens a Doctor's office, an accountant opens an account firm.

 

Opening a business, that you have no prior knowledge of is probably not the best idea. Is there something you like/know about that would be suitable for a business? Almost any idea can be made into a successful business if the right person is running it. Even a chocolate salesman does well during planting season

 

Things Im good at would be only profitable when applied to starting my own business, which is why im going ahead and starting one. I mean I could start a business doing what Ive done at past jobs but I dont see it being successful and it doesn't excite me. Im at the age where I feel its "fish or cut bait". Either I make a great success out of a brick and mortar business or I fail but at least I can say I tried.

 

btw, this is my 3rd business Ive started. I usually have a partner because they bring to the table something I can market, then I market it, I web design, logo design, and handle the financial end. I kinda do everything to get the business off its feet and make it successful except for providing the service or product, and in one of the businesses I actually was the one providing that too (my sole prop biz). None of the past businesses have I ever put my own money on the line like im doing with this one.

[TheChosenOne]

Just so theres no misinformation from this thread to confuse business newbs like me...

 

Ends up theres no state licence required in the state of georgia for an auto shop. Just county/city and from what i hear you just have to pass zoning/inspection and its not all that hard. Turns out you can open a shop and just be an owner and hire people.

 

A load off my mind and another reminder that while the internet is full of useful info, there is also a bunch of bogus information. Why people put misinformation out there is beyond me, but its very annoying...

[greywolf]

You still need a state business license, as far as I know. How would you collect sales tax without a license, or is this a separate type of license?

[aeromaks]

You still need a state business license, as far as I know. How would you collect sales tax without a license, or is this a separate type of license?

 

You just need a sales tax id number, from the state treasurer.

[TheChosenOne]

You still need a state business license, as far as I know. How would you collect sales tax without a license, or is this a separate type of license?

 

I asked the county if there was anything else I would need to file to be in business at that location and she said no. I also had this confirmed by my real estate agent who had 2 different auto shops opened with his help and he said neither one needed a state license.

[greywolf]

CT must be different than GA. Here, you have to have a business license to collect sales tax.

[Tommy The Cat]

Just so theres no misinformation from this thread to confuse business newbs like me...

 

Ends up theres no state licence required in the state of georgia for an auto shop. Just county/city and from what i hear you just have to pass zoning/inspection and its not all that hard. Turns out you can open a shop and just be an owner and hire people.

 

A load off my mind and another reminder that while the internet is full of useful info, there is also a bunch of bogus information. Why people put misinformation out there is beyond me, but its very annoying...

You can also expect a visit from your local EPA (GEPD) to see if you have the proper filtering and disposal capabilities for hazardous waste. if you flunk this test, they will not only fine the BeeJesus out of you, they will close you down.

 

If you are leasing the property, best get your Landlord to show you he has complied in the past otherwise he will get served a close down on his property. If he has not, or you have not, the cost to cleanup, hire an environmental permitting company to study and report, and to restage the property can be thousands of dollars very easily.

 

[Tommy The Cat]

CT must be different than GA. Here, you have to have a business license to collect sales tax.

Not exactly. You can collect the tax...you have no method to pay the tax.

 

Around Atlanta, the business licensing is usually at the municipal level as well.

Edited November 23, 2009 by Tommy The Cat

[Tommy The Cat]

I signed the lease yesterday, total of lease is $72k over 3 years. If I cant get a license for an autoshop, I sure hope the landlord is ok with me puttin blinds up in the windows and living out of the damn thing or letting me out of the lease. Technically my agent hasnt given him the lease or the cert check for over 3k yet. Maybe I should call up my agent and have him tear up the contract and give me my money back.

And hurry up, don't wait another nanosecond.

 

Any decent RE Agent would have placed in the Lease Agreement a clause requiring the Landlord to make or show suitability of use (auto shop) and meet any legal criteria (waste disposal for one, fire for another) as required by municipal, county, statutory of Federal code.

 

There are several other nonnegotiable things that a solid commercial RE would include, I suggest you dump this bozo and get yourself proper representation.

Edited November 23, 2009 by Tommy The Cat

[TheChosenOne]

I signed the lease yesterday, total of lease is $72k over 3 years. If I cant get a license for an autoshop, I sure hope the landlord is ok with me puttin blinds up in the windows and living out of the damn thing or letting me out of the lease. Technically my agent hasnt given him the lease or the cert check for over 3k yet. Maybe I should call up my agent and have him tear up the contract and give me my money back.

And hurry up, don't wait another nanosecond.

 

Any decent RE Agent would have placed in the Lease Agreement a clause requiring the Landlord to make or show suitability of use (auto shop) and meet any legal criteria (waste disposal for one, fire for another) as required by municipal, county, statutory of Federal code.

 

There are several other nonnegotiable things that a solid commercial RE would include, I suggest you dump this bozo and get yourself proper representation.

 

Tommy,

 

Thanks for the advice but unfortunately its too late get out of the contract now. However, I will pay special attention to the EPA/disposal standards and meet them. I knew going in that it would be important and I would need to pay whatever money needed to be paid to buy whatever needed to be bought to have it pass all inspections.