Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Where do I get a sales tax number?
- Where do I get an EIN (employer identification number)?
- Where can I find information on corporations, LLC's and non-profits?
- Where can I find information on licensing?
- Where can I find information on becoming a licensed/registered repair shop, inspection station, mechanic, automobile dealer, etc?
- What do I do when I want to hire someone?
- Where can I look for labor/unemployment statistics?
- I'm working on my business plan and need general statistics on population, incomes, etc., where can I find this?
- Where do I file my D/B/A?
- Do I have to open a business checking account?
- I want to start a day care business!
- How do I become a certified minority or women owned business?
- What do I have to do to get a loan?
- Where can I get the expense numbers I need to complete my business plan? I'm starting a new business with no history.
- How can I forecast sales for my business plan when I have a new product that has no history?
- I'm getting my business plan ready to take to the bank to apply for a loan. What do bankers or loan committees look for in a business plan? What can I expect?
- I've noticed some business plan formats contain vision statements, mission statements, and objectives. What's the difference? Do I need all three?
- Do you have a list of websites that I may use to gather more information to help me with my business?
- Information for Women and Minority Entrepreneurs
Where do I get a sales tax number?
The CCBDC has forms and instructions to obtain a sales tax number. The number is NOT obtained here in the County; it is issued in Albany. Instructions are in Publication 750-P. In this publication is form DTF-17, the application for registration as a sales tax vendor. You can also go to the website www.tax.state.ny.us to print the application and publication. The state will send a tax certificate which must be displayed in your place of business. You will receive paperwork on a quarterly basis to report taxable sales and to send in the tax owed NYS. The tax for Cattaraugus County is currently 8.00%. Sales on the SNI Reservation to a sales tax exempt customer require that a copy of the tribal enrollment card must be on file to prove that the transaction was truly tax exempt. If you are ever audited by the tax authorities you will be responsible for the tax if you do not have proof of tax exempt status. This is the same if a non-profit organization, school, municipality, etc makes a purchase from you. ASK for a copy of the tax exemption certificate when conducting these sales and keep it on file.
Where do I get an EIN (employer identification number)?
Go to the IRS website at www.irs.gov and search for Form SS-4 (instructions for form SS-4). You can apply done on-line and the number is obtained immediately. The form can also be downloaded, printed and mailed in. If you don't have computer access, the CCBDC assist you with on-line access.
Where can I find information on corporations, LLC's and non-profits?
The best source of information is the NYS Dept. of State website at www.dos.state.ny.us. You can search for corporate names, obtain corporate forms, search for by-law information, etc. The most common question is "How do I register a d/b/a for my corporation?" If a corporation wants to do business under another assumed name, they must file a d/b/a. There are forms available on the website to accomplish this.
Where can I find information on licensing?
The website www.dos.state.ny.us site lists most of the licensing information that is required by NYS.
Where can I find information on becoming a licensed/registered repair shop, inspection station, mechanic, automobile dealer, etc?
The NYS DMV website has a wealth of information. The site address is www.nydmv.state.ny.us. This site contains FAQs, application forms needed to become a dealer, inspection station, repair facility, etc., and other information. There are also contact telephone numbers listed.
What do I do when I want to hire someone?
One of the best websites that outlines the obligations of an employer is www.nylovessmallbiz.com. This site has contact numbers and links for worker's compensation, disability, unemployment, notices, unemployment tax, immigration requirements, EIN numbers and information on the Healthy NY Health Insurance Program. The CCBDC also has NYS Publication 449 - "Doing Business in New York State - A Guide for Employers."
Where can I look for labor/unemployment statistics?
Go to www.labor.state.ny.us to look up statistics. Employers can also post jobs they have available and potential employees can search for jobs here.
I'm working on my business plan and need general statistics on population, incomes, etc., where can I find this?
Go to www.census.gov and pull up NYS and then Cattaraugus County. The census lists such items as income, housing, population, languages, etc.
Where do I file my D/B/A?
The Doing Business As certificate is filed with the Cattaraugus County Clerk's office at 303 Court Street, Little Valley. It costs $25 to file the certificate; $1 for a plain copy and $5 for a certified copy that will be required to open a business checking account. . Check with your bank or credit union to see if they require a plain copy or certified copy. You will need your d/b/a to open a business bank account. The d/b/a protects your business name from being used by anyone else in the County. If you are going to do business in other counties, you do NOT need to register in each county, just in the county the company is based in.
Do I have to open a business checking account?
NEVER mingle your business funds with your personal funds. If the IRS audits your business, they will most likely disallow any expenses attributed to the business, even if you have receipts. The IRS will claim that it is not clear that these were not personal expenses.
I want to start a day care business!
The best resource for home day care businesses is the ACCORD CORPORATION. They offer classes, help with the certification process and offer additional on-going training you will be required to take. Their website is www.accordcorp.org. The phone number is 585-268-7605.
How do I become a certified minority or women owned business?
New York State will certify your business as minority or women owned. Becoming a certified minority or women owned business will allow you to bid on government contracts. There is an application process that can be accessed at www.nylovessmallbiz.com. In the drop down box under Growing Your Small Business, click on Minority & Women.
What do I have to do to get a loan?
You want money to either start-up or keep your business running. We can guide you in taking the steps to apply for a loan. Read the Business Loans section for more information on the loans we offer.
Do you have a list of websites that I may use to gather more information to help me with my business?
We have a list of helpful websites in our notebook that is always growing. Read the growing list
Do you have any information assisting Minority and Women Owned Businesses?
The NYLovesBiz.com website states that New York State's Division of Minority and Women-owned Business Development (MWBD) helps the state's minority and women's business community. Check out www.nyLovesBiz.com/Small_and_Growing_Businesses/mwbe.asp for more information.