How to Start a Painting Business In Michigan
There are some important steps to take to start a painting business in the state of Michigan. Whether you will be doing residential house painting, commercial painting, or some other type of painting business, the links below will help you get registered.
Getting started- The state of Michigan has a website about starting a business in Michigan here: http://www.michiganbusiness.org/start-up/business-assistance/#guidance
1. Register your painting business name.
You need to register your painting business name. Check for name availability here: Name Availability
If you need help selecting a name for your painting business: Choosing a Painting Business Name
2. Select your business structure.
Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.
3. Register your painting business.
You can register your new painting business with the state of Michigan here: http://www.michigan.gov/taxes/0,4676,7-238-43519_43521_69027_69032-155361–,00.html
4. Open a Business Checking Account.
You will need to open a separate bank account for your painting business with your new business name.
5. Find out about taxes and hire an accountant.
You may want to have an accountant do the work. More info about taxes here: http://www.michigan.gov/taxes/ and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business
6. Get Liability Insurance.
We work with Contractors Liability because they’re the one-stop-shop for Painting Contractor Liability insurance and are able to get online quotes in all 50 states. Get a Free Quote Now >
Find out more about liability insurance here: Painting Business Liability Insurance
7. Register as a Contractor.
Find out if you need to register as a licensed contractor in the state of Michigan here: http://www.michigan.gov/statelicensesearch/0,4671,7-180-24786_24809-81004–,00.html .
8. Worker’s Compensation.
The insurance agency that provided your liability insurance should be able to help with this. You don’t need Worker’s Compensation unless you have employees. Get a Free Quote Now >
9. Get Health Insurance.
Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance. If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.
10. City License.
You may be required to obtain a license to do business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.