{"id":5153,"date":"2019-06-18T12:13:06","date_gmt":"2019-06-18T17:13:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/creating-an-online-business-legal-considerations.html"},"modified":"2026-05-13T17:12:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T22:12:00","slug":"creating-an-online-business-legal-considerations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/creating-an-online-business-legal-considerations.html","title":{"rendered":"Creating an Online Business: Legal Considerations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Creating an Online Business: Legal Considerations <\/h1>\n\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

An online business sells goods or services to customers through e-commerce platforms. This business model requires a legal structure, unique domain name, and business licenses. Online businesses may need to set up sales tax collection if they operate across different states and have specific needs for data security.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

We live in a unique time for entrepreneurship. Anyone can start an online business<\/span>. But not so fast\u2014there are additional things to consider.<\/p>\n

This article explains the unique differences between online companies and traditional brick-and-mortar stores. The following gives some tips and considerations for a startup<\/span> online business<\/span>. Read on to learn more about online business<\/span> laws<\/span> and what concerns about\u00a0starting a business<\/a>\u00a0remain in the internet age.<\/p>\n

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Initial Questions To Ask When Starting an Online Business<\/span><\/h2>\n

Starting an e-commerce business<\/span> immediately exposes you to a global market. You can also accept credit card<\/span> payments instantly. There\u2019s no need to grow a brand slowly from one location to another. But immediate access to out-of-state (and out-of-country) customers comes with unique considerations and concerns.<\/p>\n

Given your various needs, you\u2019ll want to know the multiple laws under which you must operate. Consider the issues below as you create a business plan for your online business<\/span>, even if you operate a\u00a0sole proprietorship<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Some common considerations for online entrepreneurs include:<\/p>\n