What legalities do you need for a summer business?

I am looking to start a cake delivery business this summer with my sister but it will most likely only be running for about 4-5 weeks. Do I still need to get insurances such as Public Liability that long term businesses need? Thanks in advance.

Regardless of how long your business lasts, your legal requirements for the duration of your business are the same.

It sounds like in addition to insurance (which admittedly I don't know much about), as far as your other business requirements, you'll need:

*to formally register your business if you're using a name other than your own legal name
*an EIN (unless you're operating as a sole proprietorship or general partnership, in which case you're able to use your SSN to report your earning to the IRS)
*a permit to sell food
*if you're making the cakes yourself, you'll need an inspector to come and certify your kitchen for business permits.

And anything else your state, county, and city requires for your particular location and business structure (it varies with each jurisdiction).

I would call your state, county, and city offices and ask their requirements, or find a third party service that can identify all your license and permit needs at once.

Hope this helps!

Source(s):

www.clickandinc.com/blog/do-i-need-...
www.michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125... (this probably isn't your state, but you can find a similar resource on your state's SOS website)