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Starting A Business in Mercer & Middlesex Counties
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FAQ's
1. How do I register a trade name?
2. What certificates do I need for a Corporation, LLC, Partnership, etc?
3. Who do I contact to register a business with the State of New Jersey for tax and employer purposes?
4. How do I reserve a business name?
5. Is a business license needed?
6. How much do I need to start my business?
7. Where can I find some links to general resources?
8. What kind of forms are there?
9. Where can I do some general research?
1. How do I register a trade name?
If the business name is your name, registration is advisable but not required. If the business name is not your name, registration is required. Registration of your trade name generally protects your trade name from use by any other business in the county. However, if you are not incorporated your business name may not be protected.
Your trade name certificate must be purchased at your local stationary store or obtained at the County Clerks Office.
Bring four (4) completed and notarized copies to your local County Court House.
To register a sole proprietorship or general partnership under a trade name or a name including "and Company" or "& Co.", contact the County Clerk in the county or counties where business will be conducted:
Mercer County Annex
100 Court House
Trenton, NJ 08608
609-989-6470
www.mercercounty.org/_private/cc%20bus%20trade.htm
Middlesex County
75 Bayard Street
New Brunswick, NJ
732-745-3827
2. What certificates do I need for a Corporation, LLC, Partnership, etc?
For corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships or limited liability partnerships, a Certificate of Incorporation or Business Certificate must be filed with the State of New Jersey. Certificates have a $100 filing fee.
NJ Department of the Treasury
Corporate Filing Unit
225 West State, 3rd Floor
Trenton, NJ 08608
609-292-9292
Or you can file online or download the New Jersey Complete Registration Package from the New Jersey website at www.state.nj.us/njbgs
3. Who do I contact to register a business with the State of New Jersey for tax and employer purposes?
All business must register with the New Jersey Division of Revenue 15 days prior to the day business opens. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships with no employees file business taxes under their social security number. All businesses with employees must file business taxes under a federal tax identification number.
To register, contact:
Client Registration Bureau
NJ Division of Revenue
PO Box 252, Trenton, NJ 08625-0252
(609) 292-1730
Go to www.state.nj.us/njbgs to register online or to download the New Jersey Complete Registration Package.
4. How do I reserve a business name?
You can check availability
and reserve a business name online from www.state.nj.us/treasury/revenue/busname.htm
and clicking Online
Services or by contacting:
Division of Revenue Business
Services
NJ Department of the Treasury
PO Box 308
225 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625-0308
(609) 292-9292
Names for in-state or domestic companies can be reserved for 120 days; out-of-state or foreign companies for one year.
5. LICENSING: Is a business license needed?
Occupations and business activities may require some form of registration, license or certification by the State of New Jersey. The New Jersey License and Certification Guide can be downloaded from the NJ website. Or call the NJ Commerce and Economic Growth Commission, Licenses and Certification Hotline at (609) 777-2642 or (800) 533-0186.
Municipal and County regulations may also apply, making it prudent to contact your local authorities on regulations and permits applicable to your business.
NJ Online license and registrations Inquiry page click here
State Registration Forms
- NJ State Business Gateway
- Professional and Occupational Licensing Boards
- For accountants, Architects, Cemetaries, Cosmetology, Elecectrical Contractors, Fire/Burglar alarms, Home Inspectors, Master Plumbers, Mortuary Science, Real Estate Appraisers, Engineers,
6. How much do I need to start my business?
7. General Resources
8. Forms
9. Start Up Business Research
For more information about the center, e-mail us at sbdc@tcnj.edu.