Important: Following is general information for starting a business. It is designed only to be a handy reference guide to general business requirements, and is not intended to offer legal or financial advice. We suggest that your business plan be discussed with your attorney and your accountant.
How to Get Your Business Started
Certificate of Name
Before you can select a name for your business, you should consult with your attorney, accountant and banker to determine what type of legal structure is best suited for it: sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation.
An unincorporated business may use the name of its owner, in which case there is no need to file a certificate name. If the name is other than the owner's name a Certificate of Business Name (D/B/A) must be filed with the Suffolk County Clerk . To insure that the business name you would like to use is available, you may check the Suffolk County Clerk’s website for Business Certificates and Corporations. Under no circumstances will searches be conducted by phone.
Suffolk County Clerk
County Center
Riverhead, NY 11901
(631) 852-2000
E-mail: judith.pascale@suffolkcountyny.gov
The Suffolk County Clerk maintains an online index of all business certificates, partnerships, DBA filings, and corporations on its website. The web page has over 635,000 indexed Suffolk County Records.
Incorporation
A business which is to be incorporated must file with the state:
New York State Department of State
Division of Corporations
162 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12231
(518) 473-2492
website: http://www.dos.state.ny.us/corp/corpwww.html/
Federal (Employer) Identification Number
Sole Proprietorships, partnerships, corporations (including S corporations) and non-profit organizations must have a federal identification number. Sole proprietors can use their social security number unless they pay wages to one or more employees, or are required to file pension or excise tax returns, such as those for alcohol, tobacco or firearms.
You will need to fill out Form SS-4, the application for employer identification number. To get a copy of this form, or for additional information, call 1-800-829-3676 from Long Island or 1-800-828-1040 from all other areas. For additional assistance, visit the following offices:
Internal Revenue Service
1180 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
518 East Main Street
Riverhead, NY 11901
website: http://www.irs.treas.gov/
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Some types of businesses are required by law to obtain licenses and / or permits prior to commencement. Listed below are some of the more common types of businesses requiring licenses and / or permits from agencies or departments of New York state, Suffolk County, or local municipalities.
New York State Licenses or Permits
Some businesses require specific New York State Permits. (The Governor's Office of Regulatory Reform defines a permit as any required license, registration or similar form of authorization required by New York State.) Examples of businesses that require a permit include auto repair shops, beauty shops, food establishments, real estate brokers, and day care centers. For assistance in identifying New York state permits, contact:
Governor's Office of Regulatory Reform
Governor Alfred E. Smith Office Building
P.O. Box 7027, 17th Floor
Albany, NY 12225
(518) 474-8275 or toll-free 1-800-342-3464
website: http://www.nys-permits.org
www.gorr.state.ny.us
Suffolk County Licenses or Permits
Certain occupations require licenses, such as appliance repair shops, auctioneers, contractors, electricians, plumbers, precious metals dealers and second hand dealers. For assistance or more information, contact:
The County Executive Office of Consumer Affairs
Building 340
North County Complex, Suffolk County Center
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 853-4600
Before you open or relocate a business, visit the Department of Health Services - Business Resource Center to find out what you should know about the Department of Health approval process.
For sanitary requirements for operation of food stores, food storage warehouses, meat or poultry establishments, food serving or vending businesses, mobile food vehicles, and frozen dessert establishments, contact:
Suffolk County Department of Health Services Food Control Unit
360 Yaphank Ave., Suite 2A
Yaphank, NY 11980
(631) 852-5999
Department of Health Services - Business Resource Center - Motels, Hotels, day camps, and other facilities of temporary residence, contact:
Suffolk County Dept. of Health Services Camp and Sanitation Unit
360 Yaphank Ave., Suite 2A
Yaphank, NY 11980
(631) 852-5900
All commercial and residential buildings must comply with county health codes. For more information, contact: Suffolk County Dept. of Health Services
Waste Water Management
360 Yaphank Ave., Suite 2A
Yaphank, NY 11980
(631) 852-5700
Vending, peddling or soliciting* (except selling junk or liquor) by veterans in unincorporated areas, contact:
Suffolk County Clerk
310 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901-3392
(631) 852-2000
* Necessary requirements:
- Six-month proof of residency
- Original discharge or DD214.
Businesses Requiring Municipal Licenses Village licenses: There are 30 incorporated villages in Suffolk County. According to state law, each may require a permit. Contact the village clerk in each village in which you will be conducting business to determine if a permit is required. Town licenses: According to state law, each township may require permits. To determine if a permit is required, contact the town clerk of each town in which you will be conducting business.
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Sales Tax
Businesses that buy merchandise and material for resale must apply for a resale certification to avoid paying sales tax on purchases from suppliers. In addition, a tax authorization must be obtained to collect sales tax from customers. For information on either, contact:
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
State Office Building
Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
1-800-225-5829
website: http://www.tax.state.ny.us
State Taxes
Depending on the nature of a business, it may be required to pay various taxes to New York state. Some more common state taxes are business taxes for incorporated or unincorporated businesses, personal income taxes, lottery tax, truck mileage tax, gasoline or diesel fuel tax, and miscellaneous taxes. For further assistance on state tax guidelines, contact:
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
State Office Building
Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
For information : 1-800-CALLTAX
For tax forms : 1-800-462-8100
In Suffolk County : (631) 952-6248
website: http://www.tax.state.ny.us
Federal Taxes
All incorporated and unincorporated businesses must file federal tax returns. For further information and assistance, contact:
United States Internal Revenue Service
1180 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 851-4726
website:http://www.irs.treas.gov
Property Taxes
Property taxes apply only to businesses that own real property. Each town or village regulates its own assessments. For further information and assistance, contact the Town or Village Assessor in each individual town or village in which your business owns property. Click here for a list of Suffolk County towns and villages.
Tax Information for Businesses: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/index.html
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What Employers Need to Know
Federal and state law requires that all businesses employing workers, including part-time workers, comply with all regulations involving the following:
Social Security Compliance
For more information, contact:
Social Security Administration Offices
1-800-772-1213
website: http://www.ssa.gov/top10.html
740 Walt Whitman Road
Melville, NY 11747
75 Oak Street
Patchogue, NY 11772
95 E. Hoffman Avenue
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
518-b East Main Street
Riverhead, NY 11901
Workmen's Compensation & Disability Benefits
For more information, contact:
Workman's Compensation Board
455 Wheeler Road., Suite 100
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Phone (631) 952-6000 or 952-6300
Fax (631) 952-7966
website: http://www.wcb.state.ny.us
Unemployment Insurance
For more information, contact:
New York State Department of Labor
Division of Employment
State Office Building
Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 952-6500
website: http://www.labor.state.ny.us/html/
Labor Relations
For more information, contact:
Suffolk County Department of Labor
Building 77
North County Complex
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 853-6500
website: Suffolk County Department of Labor
NYS Department of Labor
Division of Labor Standards
400 Oak Street, Suite 401
Garden City, N.Y. 11530
(516) 794-8195
website: http://www.labor.state.ny.us
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What Else You Must Comply With
Zoning and Variances
Local towns and villages have ordinances within their jurisdictions. Some of these ordinances define the procedures for obtaining permits for structural changes in existing buildings zoned for commercial and manufacturing uses, as well as in applying for variances.
Before any additions or structural renovations are made, it is advisable to submit the properly drawn plans for approval to the local municipal building department. The municipality can provide assistance in obtaining the required information.
Upon completion of renovation, a certificate of occupancy should be requested. Building permits and requests for vacancies in unincorporated areas are handled by the Building and Zoning Departments of the town.
Industrial Compliance
Laws require that industrial and manufacturing businesses comply with safety and health regulations. It is suggested that new business owners request an inspection of their premises prior to commencing business operations. For further information, contact:
United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Healthy Administration (OSHA)
990 Westbury Road
Westbury, NY 11590
(516) 334-3344
Where the operation of a manufacturing business produces industrial wastes and disposal, it is important to obtain a permit for this type of operation. For further information, contact:
Suffolk County Department of Health Services Office of Pollution Control
15 Horseblock Place
Farmingville, NY 11738
Industrial Discharge: (631) 854-2525
Hazardous Material Storage & Waste Oil: (631) 854-2540
Waste Water Management
County Center, Room 5238
Riverhead, NY 11901
(631) 852-2100
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Who Else Can Help You
If you are unsure where to call for answers to your specific question, call one of these first:
Suffolk County Department of Economic Development
100 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 853-4800
1-800-762-GROW
New York State Empire State Development Corporation
150 Motor Parkway, Suite 311
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 435-0717
website: http://www.empire.state.ny.us
For Federal Government Resources:
www.usa.gov
General Business Information & Consultation for help in developing a business plan, visit:
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http://www.allbusiness.com - offers help with website design, marketing, business plans, plus more.
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http://www.ideacafe.com - more help with grants and loans, marketing and start up information.
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http://www.chambersbiz.com - another resource site for small businesses - also lists local chambers of commerce.
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Ideavillage - The site posts information for free on products that have passed its initial screening process
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InventNet - For those still in the process of trying to sell a patent or product idea
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Inventor's Digest - For those still in the process of trying to sell a patent or product idea
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Patent Cafe - For those still in the process of trying to sell a patent or product idea
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www.Yetz.com - For those still in the process of trying to sell a patent or product idea
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http://NYLOVESSMALLBIZ.COM - NY State's new one-stop shop for small businesses looking to start or expand in New York State.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) -- A cooperative effort between the U.S. Small Business Administration and the State University of New York. It offers assistance with the preparation of business plans and technical assistance to existing and start-up businesses.
For more information, contact any of the following SBDC's:
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SUNY Stony Brook: (631) 632-9070;
website: http://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/sbdc/
Field Offices at: Southampton: (631) 287-0059/283-6000 Ext. 280
Brookhaven National Lab: (631) 344-2393
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SUNY Farmingdale SBDC: (631) 426-2765
website: http://www.farmingdale.edu/campuspages/campusaffiliates/sbdc/homepage.htm
Suffolk County Women's Business Enterprise Coalition Suffolk County Coalition of Minority Business Enterprises
c / o Affirmative Action / Minority Affairs
100 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 853-4738
EAP (Entrepreneurial Assistance Program) - The Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP) establishes Entrepreneurial Assistance Centers in local communities to provide instruction, training, technical assistance and support services to individuals who have recently started their own business or are interested in starting a business. The program's 24 EAP centers are strategically located throughout New York State.
SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)
Sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration
For locations and phone #'s visit:
http://www.scorelongisland.org/locations.html
Long Island Better Business Bureau
266 Main Street
Farmingdale, NY 11735
(631) 420-0500
Financial Assistance
Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency
100 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 853-4802
U.S. Small Business Administration
35 Pinelawn Road
Melville, NY 11747
(631) 454-0750
http://www.sba.gov
Community Development Corporation of Long Island
2100 Middle Country Road
Centereach, NY 11720
(631) 471-1215
Website: http://www.cdcli.org
Long Island Development Corporation
45 Seaman Ave.
Bethpage, NY 11714-3701
(516) 433-5000
http://www.lidc.org
Legal Assistance
Suffolk County Bar Association Referral Service
560 Wheeler Road
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 234-5577
Training and Employment Assistance
Additional Resources Online
www.hightechNY.com - lists positions open all over New York State plus upcoming job fairs.
Suffolk County Department of Labor
North County Complex, Bldg. 17
Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 853-6500
New York State Employment Office
State Office Building
Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 952-6500
Arbitration Disputes
American Arbitration Association
140 West 51st Street
New York, NY 10020
(212) 484-4000
Labor Practices, Collective Bargaining, Disputes & Unions
S. C. Department of Labor
North County Complex, Bldg.17
Veterans Memorial Hwy.
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 853-6500
National Labor Relations Board
26 Federal Plaza
Room 3614, Region 2
New York, NY 11278
(212) 264-0300
NY State Labor Relations Board
1 Penn Plaza
New York, NY 10119
(212) 564-2377
Federal Mediation & Conciliation
1633 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
(212) 399-5038
US Department of Labor
Wage and Hour Division
1400 Old Country Road, Suite 410
Westbury, NY 11590-5119
(516) 338-1890, Ext. 231 Fax (516)338-8901
Discriminatory Practices
Suffolk County Human Rights Commission
H. Lee Dennison Building
Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 853-5480
NYS Division of Human Rights
State Office Building
Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 952-6434
Ombudsman Services
Suffolk County Department of Economic Development
100 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 853-4800
NY Empire State Development
L.I. Regional Office
150 Motor Parkway, Suite 311
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 435-0717
http://www.empire.state.ny.us/
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How You Can Get Help Selling to Government Agencies
Suffolk County
Suffolk County Department of Public Works, Purchasing Division
360 Yaphank Avenue
Yaphank, NY 11980
Phone: (631) 852-5204
Fax: (631) 852-5221
Official Bid Legal Advertisements
Smithtown News
PO Box 805, Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 265-2100
Smithtown Messenger
127 East Main Street, Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 265-3500
Dodge Reports
1 (800) fwdodge/(518) 869-5374
Bid Reporter
400 Jericho Tpke, Jericho, NY 11753
(914) 472-1091
Suffolk County villages: Contact Village Clerk.
Suffolk County towns: Contact Town Clerk.
Suffolk County school districts: Contact individual School District. See blue pages in Suffolk County Phone Book.
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New York State
General Information on NY State Government Resources - http://www.empire.state.ny.us/
New York State Office of General Services
Standards and Purchase - Control Unit
Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 112242
(518) 474-3650
New York State Office of Regulatory Reform
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United States Government
General Information on the Federal Government
U.S. General Services Administration
Business Service Center
26 Federal Plaza
New York, NY 10278
(212) 264-1234
http://www.gsa.gov
Small Business Administration
Government Contract Division
26 Federal Plaza, Room 3100
New York, NY 10278
(212) 264-7756
http://www.sba.gov/
Defense Contract Management Area Operations (DCMAO)
Small Business Office
605 Stewart Avenue
Garden City, NY 11530
(516) 228-5722
Defense Contract Administration Services Region (DCASR)
201 Varick Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 337-0348
For help in accessing government contracts:
Procurement Technical Assistance Program
c / o L.I. Development Corporation
255 Executive Drive, Suite 400
Plainview, NY 11803
(516) 349-7800
http://www.lidc.org
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| Suffolk County Villages |
Village of Amityville
21 Green Avenue
Amityville, NY 11701
(631) 957-3005
www.amityville.com |
Village of Ocean Beach
PO Box 457
Ocean Beach, NY 11770
(631) 583-5940 |
Village of Lindenhurst
430 South Wellwood Avenue
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
(631) 957-7500 |
Village of Asharoken
1 Asharoken Avenue
Northport, NY 11768
(631) 261-7098 |
Village of Old Field
P.O. Box 2724
Old Field, NY 11733
(631) 941-9412
www.oldfieldny.org |
Village of Lloyd Harbor
32 Middle Hollow Road
Lloyd Harbor, NY 11743
(631) 549-8893 |
Village of Babylon
153 West Main Street
Babylon, NY 11702
(631) 669-1500 |
Village of Patchogue
14 Baker Street
Patchogue, NY 11772
(631) 475-4300 |
Village of Nissequogue
631 Moriches Road
St. James, NY 11780
(631) 862-7400 |
Village of Belle Terre
1 Cliff Road
Belle Terre, NY 11777
(631) 928-0020 |
Village of Poquott
14 Birchwood Avenue
Poquott, NY 11733
(631) 476-4043 |
Village of North Haven
355 Ferry Road
Sag Harbor, NY 11963
(631) 725-1378 |
Village of Bellport
28 Bellport Lane
Bellport, NY 11713
(631) 286-0327
www.bellport.com |
Village of Port Jefferson
121 West Broadway
Port Jefferson, NY 11777
(631) 473-4724
www.portjeff.com |
Village of Quogue
PO Box 926
Quogue, NY 11959
(631) 653-4498 |
Village of the Branch
12 Oxford Lane, Box 725
Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 265-3315 |
Village of Greenport
236 Third Street
Greenport, NY 11944
(631) 477-0248
www.greenportvillage.com |
Village of Sag Harbor
Main Street, P.O. Box 660
Sag Harbor, NY 11963
(631) 725-0222 |
Village of Brightwaters
40 Seneca Drive
Brightwaters, NY 11718
(631) 665-1280 |
Village of Head of the Harbor
500 North Country Road
St. James, NY 11780
(631) 584-5550 |
Village of Saltaire
PO Box 5551
Bay Shore, NY 11706
(631) 583-5566
www.saltaire.org |
Village of Dering Harbor
P.O. Box 3010
Shelter Island, NY 11965
(631) 749-0020 |
Village of Huntington Bay
P.O. Box 2184
Huntington, NY 11743
(631) 427-2843 |
Village of Shoreham
PO Box 389
Shoreham, NY 11786
(631) 821-0680
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Village of East Hampton
86 Main Street
East Hampton, NY 11937
(631) 324-4150 |
Village of Islandia
1100 Old Nichols Road
Islandia, NY 11749
(631) 348-1133 |
Village of Southampton
23 Main Street
Southampton, NY 11968
(631) 283-0247
www.southamptonvillage.org/ |
Village of Northport
224 Main Street
Northport, NY 11768
(631) 261-7502 |
Village of Lake Grove
980 Hawkins Avenue
Lake Grove, NY 11755
(631) 585-2000 |
Village of Westhampton Beach
Sunset Avenue
Westhampton Beach, NY 11978
(631) 288-1654
www.whbvillage.com |
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| Suffolk County Towns |
Babylon
Babylon Town Hall
200 East Sunrise Highway
Lindenhurst, NY 11757
(631) 957-3005
www.townofbabylon.com |
Riverhead
Riverhead Town Hall
210 Howell Avenue
Riverhead, NY 11901
(631) 727-3200
www.riverheadli.com |
Brookhaven
Brookhaven Town Hall
One Independence Hall
Farmingville, NY 11738
(631) 451-6300
www.brookhaven.org |
Shelter Island
Shelter Island Town Hall
Shelter Island, NY 11964
(631) 749-1166
www.onisland.com/si/ |
East Hampton
East Hampton Town Hall
15 Pantigo Road
East Hampton, NY 11937
(631) 324-4142
www.easthampton.com |
Smithtown
Smithtown Town Hall
99 West Main Street
Smithtown, NY 11787
(631) 360-7620
www.smithtowninfo.com |
Huntington
Huntington Town Hall
100 Main Street
Huntington, NY 11743
(631) 351-3026
town.huntington.ny.us |
Southampton
Southampton Town Hall
116 Hampton Road
Southampton, NY 11968
(631) 287-5740
www.town.southampton.ny.us |
Islip
Islip Town Hall
655 Main Street
Islip, NY 11751
(631) 224-5490
www.isliptown.org |
Southold
Southold Town Hall
53095 Main Road
Southold, NY 11971
(631) 765-1800
http://southoldtown.northfork.net |