| While it's possible to just go online and start selling on eBay, if you're running a business you probably have to register with your local government. A good attorney or accountant can fill you in on what specifically you need to do where you live, as can the staff at your county clerk's office or chamber of commerce. Many states, counties, and cities require that you register any new business with them. Some locales require you to obtain a permit or license for your activity; you should also check to see if your location is zoned for the type of business you plan to conduct. tip  | For a state-by-state list of where to obtain business licenses, check out the Where to Obtain Business Licenses page on the SBA Web site (www.sba.gov/hotlist/license.html). |
As we'll discuss next , you'll also need to collect, report, and pay sales tax on all sales you make to residents of your state. That means obtaining a tax license and number from the state, and possibly a sales permit or reseller license from your local government. Your sales tax number also functions as a resale certificate . You can present this number to any wholesalers you work with, which saves you from paying sales tax on the goods you purchase.  | eBay makes it relatively easy to collect sales tax on your in-state sales. All you have to do is check the appropriate item on the Sell Your Item listing form; see Chapter 11, "Creating Item Listings," for more information." |
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