New business setup in Tampa
The decisions you make when you start a business decide how it's taxed for years. Getting the entity, registrations and books right on day one is much cheaper than fixing them later.
Questions we help answer
- LLC or corporation?
- Should I elect S corporation status?
- Do I need to collect Florida sales tax?
- How should I pay myself?
- What do I need before I hire?
What's included
Entity choice
Comparing LLC, S corporation and C corporation for your income and plans.
Formation
Filing with the Florida Division of Corporations on Sunbiz and getting an EIN.
S corporation election
Filing Form 2553 on time, if it makes sense for you.
Registrations
Florida sales tax, reemployment tax and local business tax receipts.
Books from day one
A bookkeeping system set up before the first transaction.
What affects the price
- Entity type and number of owners.
- State and local registrations needed.
- Whether payroll and bookkeeping are set up too.
Every engagement starts with a flat quote, before any work begins.
Starting a business in Hillsborough and Pasco
Most new Florida businesses register on Sunbiz, get a local business tax receipt from their county and, if they're in a city like Tampa or Temple Terrace, from the city too. Every LLC and corporation then files an annual report on Sunbiz between January 1 and May 1 each year.
Common questions
Should I start as an LLC?
For most small businesses an LLC is a good starting point. Whether to elect S corporation tax treatment depends on how much profit you expect.
When is the S corporation election due?
Generally within two months and 15 days of the start of the tax year you want it to apply to.
Do I need a business bank account?
Yes. Keeping business and personal money separate protects the LLC and makes bookkeeping far simpler.
What does Florida require every year?
An annual report on Sunbiz by May 1, plus sales tax, tangible property and payroll filings if they apply to you.
Related services
Areas we serve
New business setup across Tampa and these nearby communities: