I wanted to get your openions on these subjects. First, I am starting a Internet based business(I will not be selling products per say). Should I worry about starting it as a LLC or S Corp off the bat or just start it up as a sole and see where it goes from there?

2. When getting my License and opening bank account etc. should I include the .com in the business name or just keep the straight business name without the .com for the official business stuff and letterhead etc.?

Thanks

I think your best bet is to see if your idea will fly and be profitable before you worry about some of the legal and tax issues. Success can also be short lived...

I'd also probably do without the .com on all of the other stuff. Some companies include the .COM, but it's your choice. Their are companies that use "Domain.com, Inc."

I agree with Evan. For the time being, stay as a sole proprietor. S-Corps are expensive to open, and a LOT of maintenence. Sole proprietorship is much cheaper and streamlined. You can even combine your taxes with your personal taxes at the end of the year. If/when you add employees or partners, you can then look into S-corps.

As for the .COM, I would leave it off of the business name, especially if the business name has more than one word in it. Again, it's more for simplicity and ease of use.

I too agree, especially if you're just starting out and unsure where the business will go. Setting up as a sole proprietor is very easy. All I had to do was register a trade name with my state for $8 and I was a business.

Once the business has been around for awhile and you're confident it will continue to be you can explore the options for becoming an LLC or S-Corp or any other kind of corporation.

I had the same thoughts about adding the .com to my business name, but I opted against it. I don't think it would have added anything to the business name other than the 4 exta characters.

Thanks for the advice. It was the way I was leaning but wanted to get other opinions. Thanks

Subtle point...but adding the .com to the business name could cost you down the line in ways you may have never imagined. Such as printing costs that may charge per character or something like that. OR...also, that would mean that your business name would have to be printed in a smaller font, yet take up the same space. For example, in your business letter head, business card, etc. Again, minor point, but just a thought. I ran into that issue with a previous business. My business name was too long. I wanted it to be descriptive, and it was, but it was too combersome when I wanted to print it. When I sold the business, the new owner changed the name (shortened it)...and I can't blame him! :-)

Good point Dante. I was thinking about including it myself, but decided against it. There just didn't seem to be any compelling reason to keep it as part of the busness name.

excelent point dante! believe it or not, i have also found people dont trust ".com" as much - think it's part of the .com boom and burn. it's almost viewed as a shady fly by night rather than a reputable company.