Hi MyersBusiness, Check out these pages in Business.gov to get a better understanding of how to start an online business: Starting an Online Business 10 Steps to Starting a Business These links should help you get your business started. If you have any more questions, feel free to post them! BriaS

You need a sales tax license and must collect sales tax for anyone in your state purchasing from you if your state has sales tax. As far as a business license, no. Just keep excellent records for any state income tax and federal income tax. China Buying ---This post was edited to remove a commercial link. Read our discussion policies for more Community best practices.

You didn't mentioned where you are located, but in a couple major cities (like Los Angeles) a business license is required... even if you just have a blog and don't sell anything. It's not fair in my opinion, but the cities want their money. I know Los Angeles county you need a license for sure - for any online business - and I have heard NYC has a similar requirement but I could be wrong on that. Wherever you live, check with your city business tax board to find out for sure.

This is not for all the cases. But you have to follow below Instructions1. Go to your local county clerk's office and ascertain the licenses you need to operate your online store. Complete the forms to obtain a Doing Business As (DBA) certificate and other licenses required to effectively start and run your online store. Pay the necessary fees for the service. The fees you pay depend on your local county and differ from one county to the next.2. Log on to your state comptroller's website or call its office to see if the state requires you to obtain any license for your store. Complete all necessary forms online where available or mail them to the addresses provided and obtain the needed licenses. Be careful not to omit needed information.3. Go to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website and complete the form to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN). See Resources below for additional information. This is essential if you will hire employees. If you have a very small business then make sure, you pay taxes and have good payment gateway.

I can recommend these pointers as well. The rule of thumb would be to comply with whatever legislation is applicable to your business base and country of incorporation. There are international compliancies required as well most of the time - so do yourdue diligence and researchwell.