First Steps to Set Up Your Online Business in South Dakota

If you’re setting up an online shop in South Dakota (and we think it’s the best place to base your business!) there are a few key steps to take before you go live and start shipping purchases to customers.

A few basics:

1. If you plan to hire employees or if your business will operate as a partnership or corporation, you’ll need a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). Learn more here.
2. If you’re operating a partnership or sole proprietorship and are using a fictitious name, you’ll need to register your business with your county Register of Deeds office. Limited partnerships, corporations and LLCs must register with the South Dakota Secretary of State’s office. Start the process by visiting this site and this site.
3. Get a South Dakota sales tax license. It’s easy and free! Apply online here.
4. Depending on what you’re selling, you may need other South Dakota licenses. The Governor’s Office of Economic Development has compiled a handy list of some of the state agencies that require licenses. View the list here.

 
Selling online means the whole world can visit your store without taking a single step – but if you want to get off on the right foot, be sure you take those key first steps!