Your initial job is to figure out what you would like to initially sell (you can always add products later)
*** source your vendors and figure out their requirements to do business. Usually a tax certificate showing you're a retailer. Try to avoid subscription services as they are flooded with businesses that are "in the business" of subscriptions i.e. their prices suck, their products don't move...YOU are their revenue.
THEN, since you have a background in programing we will assume you have that part handled for now and move toward something i can actually speak on...corporate formation.
1st decisions - on this are relevant to taxation. Do you wish to create a domestic or foreign corporate entity. A foreign corporation could be one based outside this nation or outside the state in which you do business. We will assume since you are a "mom & pop" startup w/o significant legal or accounting resources that you will opt to create your corporation as a domestic entity within the state in which you reside (simplest solution) Now you must decide how you wish to structure your corporation. Simply put you will probably either be a sole proprietor or an LLC. An llc gives you a certain buffer between your personal and business assets. You should consult an attorney or do research if the limits to that protection are of a major concern to you. A sole proprietor is just you and a fictitious name or DBA. Basically you are the company...no real wall of separation. In modern business that can prove dangerous depending on the products you plan to market. And then their are S corporations and C corporations etc etc I believe that Wikipedia has a good general write up that is quick to read and very informative. Their article will answer any questions that are relevant to get you past this point.
OK NOW..you're actually ahead of the game.
A) Google "start a business in (your states name)" More than likely this will yield you a checklist or other resources provided by your states Dept. of State (often times having a business division). Now, don't just assume you may have any name as some states like North Carolina have programs to reserve names to keep others from using them. It's becoming a more common trend that helps business owners protect corporate branding investments while eliminating confusion at the gov't level (and yes charging fees). If there are name restrictions the Dept. of State will let you know. Also they will have contact numbers in case you get stuck. Don't worry, they get "dumb" questions all the time...it's why they're their...to help you obey the law.
Can't use your residential address for business??? Fedex mailbox. Cost..I forget..$60-100 maybe less. You use their address and your box number is your "suite number" get it???
----to this point you have...A name you love that is available, you know how you wish to set up your company & you're company has it's own address..you're doing great!
NOW..time to get some isht DONE!
1) go to the IRS site - Apply for an EIN or FEIN (exact same thing). You can do it online and it takes 10-15 minutes even for an uber noob. Any questions and the IRS has the best customer service in the world if you can stand the wait time. YOU are the principal member and will enter your SSN or ITIN depending on which you have. You will enter the fictitious name you wish to name your company. You will enter the type of tax structure you wish to use (remember llc and sole proprietor? Thats why I had you do that first so you don't get stressed here)
-----Now you have a Federal tax id for your business...Gas used? $0.00---------
2) Fictitious name registration - Most jurisdictions still require this posted publicly. If this is the case, call your local newspaper. Tell them what you want to do, they will ask all the questions and get the ad up for you. Ask for a proof and an reciept emailed to you. Done.
2) Dept of State - More than likely you can't do this online. In your checklist they should've mentioned forms that will need to be completed, notarized and submitted. I will speak on what is common, always refer to your state or local site for exact instruction. Even states like Alabama have the necessary forms that can be emailed or downloaded to you. Usually, stuff like "minutes" of meeting etc etc It sounds more intimidating that it really is. Print a couple copies, follow instructions...call them if you hit a snag. 95% of it is all A to B simple.
2a) Notarization - Have a bank account??? Most larger reputable banks will do free notarization for account holders. Bring your ID with you. You're probably already heading their to open a corporate bank acct anyway so kill two birds with one stone. Oh and remember, their drive thru is a great place to ask for free rubber bands. Seriously, they get stuck with a Sh*tload of them.
2b) Depending more on how municipal corporations and local vs. state taxes are set up in your State of residence you may be required to drive to the courthouse in the county in which you do business in (located in the county seat) with your notarized documents. SPECIAL NOTE: Your notorized documents may have to be in duplicate or triplicate depending on procedures. One copy will be mailed to the state after being stamped (sealed) as recorded by the county. Another copy may either be held or photocopied by the court...again depending on procedure.
3) State Dept of Revenue - These are the guys who are going to issue you your resale certificate that is going to allow you to buy wholesale goods without paying taxes (taxes on retail items are an end user or "consumer" issue) Depending on the laws of your state for retail this may be required prior to step 2 but not likely. Also, The Dept of Revenue is one of the State Depts most likely to allow you to apply and pay online. Once you receive your ID number you're in business (for real). Also, often times they may opt to send you your number and receipt via email as to take your money they need to create an account for you so no need to wait on the physical certificate with will come in a few days to 2 weeks depending.
-----What you have now fully formed legal entity as far as the state is concerned -------
What I am excluding from this is business at the city/county level. All cities/counties will require an occupational license of some sort and the fee will be industry specific plus issuance fee. Many base it on income. Since you haven't made income yet yours will be based on estimate. Chose the cheapest option..if you go over they have a procedure for that.
Some cities require a site inspection --- Be sure you know what the rules are for home based business. You may have to call first with the "what if I did this" questions and then call later with a revised plan. Perhaps you're a retail consultant as far as they are concerned requiring nothing but a business certificate, if being a "retailer" levys too many restrictions or obstacles. get it???
****homework after the fact***
Researching tax laws is a wise thing for any proprietor to do..but lets face it..you're under the gun to produce buddy. Initiate a relationship with an accountant and realize that come tax time this is going to be a couple hundred dollars to save a massive headache and learning curve.
Better investment of your time is using your skills to assess how much of your website you can do on your own, what you need to outsource, possible intergation issues. In your downtime for those activities research online payment processors. Since this is going to be the core of your business..the flow of money...you need a vendor that is reputable, flexable and who you feel comfortable with. A vendor who can accept multiple payment systems would be excellent as some people have a bitter hatred of paypal and all thing ebay dominated.
Even for all the BS I've encountered on this site... I would still recomend you ask the BHW audience via a thread which payment processors would best suit your needs. I don't have experience in this to recomend anyone. But if there are any common sense questions that you or I aren't thinking of...these guys will ask you..then they will make their recomendation. The ONE thing I do have faith in on this site is the solid fact that those people here who are FOR REAL making the money...have extensive knowledge on how to collect, what & who works the best and what you should expect from your relationship with that vendor.
Hope any of that helps
