When becoming a painting contractor in the state of Georgia, you will need to complete a few important steps in order to become a legal painting business. You must do your own thorough research, as laws change regularly. Here are some steps you may have to take (not necessarily in order) to start your painting company, along with links to more information.
Getting started– Two websites Georgia has created about how to start a business can be found here: http://www.georgia.org/small-business/start/ and http://www.georgiasbdc.org/startsmart/
-Register your painting business name with the state of Georgia.
You will need to register your painting business name with the Superior Court Clerk in your Georgia county. If you need ideas for your painting business name: Painting Company Name Ideas
-Select your business structure.
Decide on a business entity for your painting company: Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc. Find out more here: https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure
-Register your painting business in Georgia.
You can register your painting company with the state of Georgia here: https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/
-Business Checking Account.
You will need a business checking bank account for your painting business with your new business name.
-Taxes.
You could choose to file your own taxes or hire an accountant. More info about taxes here: https://dor.georgia.gov/business-taxes and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business
-Get Painting Software
Painting software will streamline your business before you even start, giving you visibility and control over all your leads, sales, jobs, and tasks from a single program to get your company on the fast track toward growth.
You’ll also be able to create estimates, place material orders, automate the boring (but necessary) stuff, empowering you and your team to finish jobs on time and on budget. Try JobNimbus for Free!
-Get Liability Insurance
We work with ContractorsLiability.com because they’re the one-stop-shop for General Liability insurance and are able to get online quotes in all 50 states. Plus, their expertise means they’re fast when it comes to getting the right bond and liability coverage. Contractors need to win the job and stay protected at an affordable price. Learn more >
More about liability insurance here: Contractor Liability Insurance
-Worker’s Compensation.
You will need Worker’s Compensation if you have any employees. Find out more>
-Register as a Contractor.
Find out if you need to register as a contractor: Georgia Secretary of State
-Get Health Insurance.
You will need to look into health insurance options for yourself and employees.
-City License.
You may be required to obtain a license to operate your painting business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.
-Permits.
You may need to apply for permits for certain painting jobs.
-Building Code and Inspections.
You must be aware of building codes for particular jobs, and may be subject to inspections.
-OSHA.
Depending on how many employees you have, you may need to follow OSHA regulations. http://www.osha.gov