Openai/6973b034-6920-8013-9cfc-1d3ff57e3826

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gpt-5-2

User: How to start a business in Utah

How to start a business in Utah

Assistant: Starting a business in Utah is actually pretty straightforward Utah is very business-friendly 👍.

Starting a business in Utah is actually pretty straightforward (Utah is very business-friendly 👍). Here’s a clean, step-by-step roadmap so you don’t miss anything.

1️⃣ Choose your business idea & structure

First, decide what you’re doing and how you’ll structure it.

Common structures in Utah:

• Sole Proprietorship – simplest, no separation from you personally
• LLC (most popular) – liability protection + simple taxes
• Corporation (S-Corp or C-Corp) – better for larger or investor-backed businesses
• Partnership – two or more owners

👉 Most small businesses choose an LLC for protection + flexibility.

2️⃣ Pick a business name

• Must be unique in Utah
• For an LLC, must include LLC or Limited Liability Company

Check availability here: 🔗 Utah Division of Corporations (business search)

You can also reserve a name if you’re not ready to file yet.

3️⃣ Register with the State of Utah

File with the Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code.

What you’ll need:

• Business name
• Registered agent (can be you or a service)
• Business address
• Owner/member info

💵 Cost:

• LLC or Corporation: $54

Once approved, your business is officially created 🎉

4️⃣ Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Think of this like a Social Security number for your business.

• Required if you: - Have employees - Open a business bank account - Want to keep things clean (highly recommended)

✅ Free from the IRS ⏱ Takes ~5 minutes online

5️⃣ Open a business bank account

Do this early. It keeps your finances clean and protects you legally.

Bring:

• EIN
• Articles of Organization
• Operating Agreement (for LLCs)
• Photo ID

6️⃣ Get Utah licenses & permits

This depends on what kind of business you’re running.

Most businesses need:

• Utah OneStop Business Registration - Registers you for: - Sales tax - Withholding tax - Unemployment insurance

You may also need:

• Local city or county business license
• Professional licenses (contractors, fitness, real estate, etc.)

7️⃣ Understand Utah taxes

Utah taxes are pretty reasonable:

• State income tax: flat 4.65%
• Sales tax: if selling taxable goods/services
• Employer taxes: if you have employees

LLCs are usually pass-through taxed unless you elect S-Corp status.

8️⃣ Get insurance (strongly recommended)

Common types:

• General liability
• Professional liability (if giving advice/services)
• Workers’ comp (required if you have employees)
• Commercial auto (if using a vehicle)

9️⃣ Create basic agreements (don’t skip this)

Even for small businesses:

• Operating Agreement (LLC)
• Contracts for clients/customers
• Independent contractor agreements

This protects you when things go sideways.

🔟 Set up bookkeeping & accounting

• Use software like QuickBooks, Wave, or Xero
• Track income, expenses, mileage
• Set aside money for taxes (seriously)

Bonus: Utah-specific advantages 💪

• Fast approvals (often same-day)
• Low fees
• Pro-business regulations
• Great for: - Construction - Fitness & coaching - Online businesses - Real estate & services

Want this tailored?

If you tell me:

• What kind of business
• Solo or partners
• Online or physical location
• Side hustle or full-time

I’ll give you an exact checklist + tax setup that fits you in Utah.