[ground_effectz]

hi i have been working for a landscaping company for 5 years now and i have been buying my own tools and finally bought 2 trucks this winter i want to do everything right so i was wondering how i go about getting a buisness liscence and how i register and what you have to do for taxes and what not i would appreciate any input and would be glad to help you guys on any matters you may have i am glad to have stumbled upon such a sight and am glad to be a member now! THANKS

[Stonehenge]

Welcome aboard Ground Effects - depending on what type of biz you're running, you may need the following licenses:

Pesticide Applicator - most likely get that from your state's Ag department - check with your local county extension office.

Nursery Dealer License - also from the state, and again from the Ag department (I believe).

Business License - get this from your local municipality.

Filing business structure (Inc, LLC, etc) - through the state and federal gov't.

Your best bet might be to do the following:

Go to your local bookstore and ask for the section on starting a new business - you'll find several books that walk you through all the things you have to file and when and why.

Call your local SCORE (Service Core of Retired Executives) office. They're a helpful group of people who only want to help your business succeed. Most times their service is free.

Good luck, and I hope this helps.

[neversatisfiedj]

In MD you need a contractors lic.

[Pelican]

Welcome ground_effectz!

The first thing you ought to do is go into your profile and list your location. It will help everyone here give you answers that are more suited to your area. In this case it might get you an answer that's very specific to where you are and what you need to do.

In my area, the place to start a new business is at the County Clerk's Office.

[Bill Schwab]

Welcome:

One of the biggest attractions to moving here was that we are a licensed state, requiring to pass 150 questions pertaining to business, and 150 questions pertaining to your particular trade. Lanbdscaping is the hardest because it encompasses numerous job functions.

You are in zone 5....If in Illinois where I came from, no license required unless you are doing lawn drugs and irrigation. Irrigation contractors must be licensed plumbers. Lawn drug applicators have to have a pseticide license, even though any homeowner can go to Ace Hardware or Home Cheapo and get anything you have to have the license to apply and do it themselves.

You are best asking a person who is in your state who knows the ropes and can mentor you.....

[HardDaysKnight]

Bill, How I wish they had those requirements here in NY.
Here, you need the money for the license, proof of insurance,
a ss# and answer bogus ?s related to consumer affairs
and local politics. It amazes me that they don't qualify you
to even be capable of using a tape measure and you can be
a general contractor.

Ground effect_z - Do they have a DBA lic. program in your
area? Pelican suggested you let us know your area and I
hope everyone puts that in the profile. Anyway welcome
and best of luck, Johnny