How to Start a Business in Utah

From licenses and permits to taxes and insurance, learn what you need to do to start a business in Utah.

By , Attorney
Updated By Christine Mathias, Attorney · Penn State Dickinson School of Law

Here's an overview of the key steps you'll need to take to start your own business in Utah.

1. Choose a Business Idea

Take time to explore and research ideas for your business. At this stage, take into consideration your own interests, skills, resources, availability, and the reasons why you want to form a business. You should also evaluate the likelihood of success based on the interests and needs of your community. Read our article for more tips on how to evaluate business ideas.

After you select an idea, consider drafting a business plan to determine your chances of making a profit. When you create a plan, you will have a better idea of the startup costs, your competition, and strategies for making money. Investors and lenders will want to review your business plan before providing financial assistance, and you can be prepared by drafting a plan before you start soliciting funding.

2. Decide on a Legal Structure

The most common legal structures for a small business are:

  • sole proprietorship
  • partnership
  • limited liability company (LLC), and
  • corporation

There also are special versions of some of these structures, such as limited partnerships and S corporations. You'll want to consider which business entity structure offers the type of liability protection you want and the best tax, financing, and financial benefits for you and your business. Read our article for information on how to choose the best ownership structure for your business.

3. Choose a Name

For LLCs and corporations, you will need to check that your name is distinguishable from the names of other business entities already on file with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code (DCCC). You can check for available names by doing a business name search on the DCCC website. You can reserve an available name for 120 days by filing an Application for Reservation of Business Name form with the Utah DCCC. There are certain name requirements for LLCs and corporations (like including a word such as "LLC" for LLCs or "Company" for corporations). See How to Form an LLC in Utah and How to Form a Corporation in Utah for more information.

Is your business is a sole proprietorship or partnership that uses a business name that is different from the name of the business owner (for a sole proprietorship) or names of the individual partners (for a partnership)? If so, you must register that name with the DCCC. You can register online or on paper.

If you plan on doing business online, you may want to register your business name as a domain name. See Choose and Register a Domain Name for more information. In addition, to avoid trademark infringement issues, you should do a federal and state trademark check to make sure the name you want to use is not the same as or too similar to a name already in use. See How to Do a Trademark Search for more information.

4. Create Your Business Entity

5. Licenses and Permits

Almost anyone doing business in Utah must register with the state. You should use Utah's OneStop Business Registration for this purpose.

Tax Registration. If you will be selling goods in Utah, you must apply for a sales and use tax license. If you will have employees in Utah, you must register for employer withholding tax. You can register for both types of tax at the state's OneStop business registration website.

EIN. If your business has employees or is taxed separately from you, you must obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Even if you are not required to obtain an EIN, there are often business reasons for doing so. Banks often require an EIN to open an account in the business's name and other companies you do business with may require an EIN to process payments. You can get an EIN by completing an online application on the IRS website. There is no filing fee.

Regulatory licenses and permits. These cover areas such as:

  • health and safety
  • the environment
  • building and construction; and
  • specific industries or services.

Utah's OneStop online system allows you to register simultaneously with all of the following state agencies:

  • Utah State Tax Commission
  • Utah Labor Commission
  • Utah Department of Commerce
  • Utah Department of Workforce Services, and
  • Utah Department of Environmental Quality.

For information about local licenses and permits, check the websites for any cities or counties where you will do business.

Professional and occupational licenses. These cover people who work in various fields. Utah's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) is the umbrella agency for nearly all of the state's regulatory boards and commissions for licensed professions and occupations. The Select Profession/Occupation section of the DOPL website lists the professions and occupations DOPL handles.

6. Pick a Business Location and Check Zoning Regulations

You'll need to pick a location for your business and check local zoning regulations. Before you commit to a location, take time to calculate the costs of running your business in the desired spot, including rent and utilities. You can refer back to your business plan to evaluate whether you can afford your desired location during your company's early months. You should also be sure to verify that the spot is zoned for your type of business. You might find zoning regulations for your town or city by reviewing your local ordinances and contacting your town's zoning or planning department. Read our article for more tips on picking a location.

One alternative to opening your business at a new location is running your company out of your home. If you decide to run a home-based business, again check your local zoning laws. In addition, review your lease (if you rent your home) and homeowners association rules (if applicable), either of which might ban some or all home businesses.

7. Review Your Tax Registration and Reporting Requirements

Utah taxes every kind of business. See Utah State Business Income Tax for more information on state business taxes in Utah.

Sole proprietorships. Pay state taxes on business income as part of their personal state income tax returns (TC-40).

Partnerships. Partners pay state taxes on partnership income on personal tax returns. In addition, most Utah partnerships also must file Form TC-65, Utah Partnership/Limited Liability Partnership/Limited Liability Company Return.

LLCs. Members pay state taxes on their share of LLC income on personal tax returns. In addition, most LLCs themselves have to file an additional state tax form. The specific form used will depend on how the LLC is classified for federal tax purposes. LLCs classified as corporations for federal tax purposes must pay Utah's franchise tax. In addition, Utah LLCs must file an annual renewal with the Utah DCCC. See Utah LLC Annual Report and Tax Requirements for more information.

Corporations. Shareholders must pay state taxes on their dividends from the corporation. A shareholder-employee with a salary also must pay state income tax on his or her personal state tax return. Moreover, the corporation itself is subject to Utah's franchise tax. Finally, corporations must file an annual renewal with the DCCC.

If you have employees, you must also deal with state employer taxes.

And, apart from Utah taxes, there are always federal income and employer taxes. Check IRS Publications 334, Tax Guide for Small Business, and 583, Taxpayers Starting a Business.

8. Obtain Insurance

Business insurance can protect your business and your personal assets from the fallout of unexpected disasters, such as personal injury lawsuits and natural catastrophes. An insurance agent can help you explore the different coverage options for your business, which might include general liability insurance to protect you against claims relating to bodily injury or property damage, or cyber liability insurance to cover litigation and settlement fees following a data security breach. To learn more, see Nolo's article, What Types of Insurances Does Your Small Business Need?

9. Open a Business Bank Account

No matter the type of business you form, you should consider opening a separate business account to make it easier to track your income and expenses. If you own a business with limited liability, such as an LLC or a corporation, you must open a separate bank account to maintain your liability protection. To learn more, see Opening a Business Bank Account.

Find the business structure that fits your business. Take our business formation quiz for help deciding the best structure for your business.

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