We've compiled links to state Web sites for taxes information, refund status, Secretary of State, state societies for CPAs, and business licenses. Simply click on the topic next to the state. See the discussion below for more information on these links and on some additional valuable links to state sites. For annual report filing requirements, go to our page Annual Report Filing Requirements by State.
Taxes
The links will take you to the each state's official Web site for tax information. Most will take you right to a page with forms, publications, additional information, etc. Designs and content vary. Some sites are rich and easy to navigate, some not so. Either way, it's your best starting point.
Where's My Refund?
Want to know the status of your individual state tax refund? Many states now allow you to go on-line to find the status of your refund. Links are in the list below. Just click on the word Refund. States with dashes in that column don't provide this feature. Since some states change the link each year, we'd appreciate an e-mail at question@smbiz.com if you find an error.
Secretary of State
Looking to see if a corporation is registered in a state? Want to incorporate? Check if a corporate name is taken in a state? Need information on DBAs, LLCs, partnerships, or other business forms? Or want to file corporate papers quickly? Go to the Secretary of State site for the state you're interested in. Information varies, but this is a must starting point.
State Society of CPAs
Every state has a state society or association of CPAs. We've included a link to their websites. Many of the sites have information that's of use to CPAs from other states or to the general public. Most states provide info on finding a CPA. It's also a great way to get telephone numbers, e-mail, or mailing addresses of the state society for additional information.
Business Licenses
Business licenses vary widely from state to state. In some states you need a license to sell feed, seed and grain, in others you don't. In some states athletic trainers have to be licensed. And just because you don't need one in one state doesn't mean you don't need one in a neighboring state. We've tried to steer you to the right place, but looking for info on licenses can be difficult. The links below are the best we could find, but they do vary in quality. And keep in mind that you may need a separate license to operate from a local licensing board.
Annual Report Filing Requirements
Most states require an annual report for corporations. Click here to go to our page of Annual Report Filing Requirements by State for fees, where to file, and due dates.
Labor Law Issues--The U.S. Department of Labor has a page with links to and telephone numbers of the State Department of Labor offices for each state. This link will take you to the DOL's site, then just click on the state you're interested in. Go to www.dol.gov/whd/contacts/state_of.htm. You can find additional state links (e.g., state minimum wage rules) and a wealth of general information on work rules, etc. at the Department of Labor site. Go to www.dol.gov. Finally, for Federal and state information on wage and hour laws go to USA.gov/
State Small Busines Help--The U.S. government has a Web site with links to small business information for all the states as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. To be sure, some states provide more information than others, but this is a great first start for license information, SCORE and SBA offices, etc. Go to USA.gov/.
Doing Business As (DBA) Requirements by State--If you're doing business as a sole proprietorship under an assumed name (e.g., your name is Fred Flood, but your sole proprietorship is called Madison Electric) you may have to register the name with the state or counties you're doing business in. The rules vary. You can get information about any state at Business.Gov.
Small Business Administration Help--The SBA can provide a wealth of information. To check out any information on the site go to www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/sbdc/index.html. To quickly find any Small Business Development Center, go to www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/sbdc/sbdclocator/sbdc_locator.html.
Taxes, Refunds, Secretary of State, CPA Societies, and Business Licenses
Copyright 2000-2018 by A/N Group, Inc. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is distributed with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Articles in this publication are not intended to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding accuracy-related penalties that may be imposed on a taxpayer. The information is not necessarily a complete summary of all materials on the subject. Copyright is not claimed on material from U.S. Government sources.--ISSN 1089-1536
Last Update--02/13/158