Important Steps to Starting a Business in the City of Huntington
This guide provides a general overview of important steps to starting a successful business in Huntington, Indiana. Use the sections below to connect with resources that can assist you in creating a business plan, registering your business name and more.
Related: To find out more about zoning, applicable permits and certificates you may need to operate your business in the City of Huntington, please click here.
Questions? Call us at (260) 356-5146 and let us know how we can help!
The City of Huntington does not offer general business licenses. You must fulfill the licensing and permitting requirements based on the nature of your business. This webpage is for informational purposes only and is subject to change. Legal advice cannot be provided by the City of Huntington.
Create a Business Plan
A good business plan looks at project startup costs, marketing strategies, demographics, products and services, financial management, and so on. Many businesses fail without a solid business plan, and banks require one prior to being considered for a loan. The business counseling organizations listed below can assist you with your business plan. • NE Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC): www.isbdc.org, (260) 481-0500
• SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) Business Plan Assistance: https://northeastindiana.score.org, (260) 422-2601
• Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC) and Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence (CEE) Business Plan Assistance: www.niic.net, (260) 407-6442
• Women’s Entrepreneurial Opportunity Center Business Plan Assistance: https://theniic.org/start/womens-entrepreneurial-center, (260) 407-6442
Register Your Business Name
All businesses are required to register the name of the business with the Recorder of the county in which the business is located. Huntington County Courthouse
201 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN 46750
(260) 358-4848
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
www.huntington.in.us/county
Determine the Legal Structure of the Business
Your choice of legal structure will affect your income taxes, personal liability and business liability. The simplest business structure is a Sole Proprietorship or a General Partnership, and most businesses start as one of these. Corporations, non-profit organizations, limited liability companies or limited/general partnerships are required to register with the Secretary of State using its online service. (317) 234-9768
https://inbiz.in.gov/
Assistance on the structure that best suits your business should be sought from the Small Business Development Center regional office (800-463-8081), an attorney or an accountant.
Select a Site and Determine Zoning Requirements
You must check with the City of Huntington Community Development & Redevelopment office to see if the type of business you plan to operate is permitted in the desired location. This office is located at 300 Cherry St., Huntington, IN 46750 and may also be reached at (260) 356-5146.Apply for Business Licenses/Permits
The City of Huntington does NOT have a general business license; however, particular businesses may require City or State licenses or permits. For assistance determining what licenses or permits your business may need, contact the City’s Community Development & Redevelopment Department (260-356-5146), the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (317-232-2980) and/or the Indiana Health Professions Bureau (317-232-2960).
Procure a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), Indiana State Withholding Number and/or Retail Merchant Certificate
Before hiring employees, businesses need to register as an employer. Other responsibilities of an employer include additional taxes; withholding, matching and submitting employee withholdings; and obtaining workers' compensation insurance. For more information, please contact: (800) 829-3676
www.irs.gov
Local IRS Office
201 E. Rudisill Blvd., Suite 110
Fort Wayne, IN 46806
(260) 458-5000
Businesses that sell tangible goods will need a Retail Merchant Certificate to make wholesale purchases and collect sales tax on goods sold. Please contact:
1415 Magnavox Way
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
(260) 436-5663
www.in.gov/dor
Federal and State Tax Information
Please contact Federal and State tax offices to obtain the correct tax forms for your business. Department of Commerce
(800) 280-0584
www.in.gov/dor/3489.htm
Federal Taxes:
Local IRS Office
201 E. Rudisill Blvd., Suite 110
Fort Wayne, IN 46806
(260) 458-5000
www.irs.gov/forms-pubs
Acquire Insurance, Legal, Accounting and/or Other Professional Services Assistance
Proper insurance coverage and professional advisors are important for your business. If you used an organization to assist you with your business plan, ask them for a referral. You can also search online for local offices that can help.Obtain Business Financing
Having the financial means to start your business is important. Check with your local bank to see what commercial loan programs they offer. The majority of banks and other financial organizations will require a business plan if the business is less than two years old.Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I obtain a business license? A: The City of Huntington does not offer general business licenses. Please check to see if a specific license or permit is required for the industry of your business by contacting Community Development & Redevelopment at (260) 356-5146.
Q: Is a business plan required in order to start my business?
A: No. However, if you anticipate applying for a commercial loan, a bank will require a business plan if your business is less than two years old.
Q: Who do you recommend for an attorney or accountant to help set up my business?
A: The City of Huntington cannot provide referrals; however, you can check local listings to find a suitable attorney or accountant for your business needs. A number of business counseling organizations may also be able to provide further assistance.
Q: I need to open a business banking account, and my bank wants a copy of my business license. Where do I go to get this?
A: There is no general business license for business in the City of Huntington and Huntington County. More than likely, your bank is wanting documentation showing you have filed your business name. A copy of your Recorded Business Name with the Huntington County Recorder’s Office or the State of Indiana should be sufficient to fulfill this requirement.