{"id":5200,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:58","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/home-businesses.html"},"modified":"2026-05-15T20:17:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-16T01:17:00","slug":"home-businesses","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/home-businesses.html","title":{"rendered":"Home Businesses: Startup, Legal, and Tax Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30  wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-section-main fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Home Businesses: Startup, Legal, and Tax Requirements<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/amber-sheppard-esq\/\">Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/catherine-hodder-esq\/\">Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            May 15, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-editorial-note fl-text-sm\">\n            <p>Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>A home-based business is where the primary business location is within the business owner\u2019s personal residence. Entrepreneurs running a home-based business must follow certain state and local requirements including business licenses and HOA restrictions.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div><p>Regardless of the <span data-term-id=\"54205691\">type of business<\/span> or industry, <span data-term-id=\"54205697\">entrepreneurs<\/span> must know their state\u2019s\u00a0important rules and regulations for a <span data-term-id=\"54205683\">small business<\/span>. This is true whether it\u2019s a startup or a seasoned business, especially when running a business from home.<\/p>\n<p>Below, you\u2019ll find articles on topics ranging from determining if you\u2019re in compliance with local zoning laws to an overview of the day-to-day operations of running a home business.<\/p>\n<p><i><b>Form your LLC with confidence.\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115288\/26746?subId1=home-businesses-in-content\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - LATL Callout\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" target=\"_blank\">Our trusted partner LegalZoom has packages starting at $0 + filing fees.<\/a><\/b><\/i><\/p>\n<p>The success of a business based out of your own home depends on your clear understanding of what it means to operate a business. Having a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/business-plan-overview.html\"><span data-term-id=\"54205703\">business plan<\/span><\/a>\u00a0is one way to ensure you know how to manage your time and personal assets while working from home.<\/p>\n<h2>Home-Based Business <span data-term-id=\"54205688\">Startup Costs<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Running your own business requires\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/sources-of-small-business-financing.html\">financing<\/a>, even if you have a <span data-term-id=\"54205708\">home office<\/span>. Your home-based business\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/creating-a-business-plan.html\"><span data-term-id=\"54205703\">business plan<\/span><\/a>\u00a0will guide you through the questions you should answer to fund a <span data-term-id=\"54205698\">successful business<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Common <span data-term-id=\"54205688\">startup costs<\/span> <span data-term-id=\"54205731\">small <\/span><span data-term-id=\"54205687\">business<\/span><span data-term-id=\"54205731\"> owners<\/span> must consider include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Liability insurance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Occupational licenses<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Business licenses<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Business permits<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Filing fees for forming your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/what-is-a-business-entity-.html\">legal business entity\u00a0<\/a>with the secretary of state<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Legal fees if you hire an attorney to form your company<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can place initial capital funds into your <span data-term-id=\"54205685\">business bank account<\/span>. If you\u2019re considering a <span data-term-id=\"54205683\">small business<\/span> loan, factor these costs into your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/sources-of-small-business-financing.html\">funding request<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Legal Requirements for Running a Home-Based Business<\/h2>\n<p>The legal requirements for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business.html\">starting a <span data-term-id=\"54205692\">new business<\/span><\/a>\u00a0depend on the <span data-term-id=\"54205691\">type of business<\/span> and your state\u2019s laws. Don\u2019t let your business idea end in your head. Get your documents and licenses to run the business in compliance with the law.<\/p>\n<h3>Forming a Business Entity<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s not required for you to create a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/what-is-a-business-entity-.html\">business entity<\/a>\u00a0formally. But operating as a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/how-to-set-up-a-sole-proprietorship.html\"><span data-term-id=\"54205699\">sole proprietorship<\/span><\/a>\u00a0opens you and your personal assets, like your home, up to liability. A formal <span data-term-id=\"54205684\">business structure<\/span> filed with the state, like a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/checklist-starting-a-partnership.html\">partnership<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/forming-an-llc.html\"><span data-term-id=\"54205702\">limited liability company<\/span><\/a>, or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/how-to-incorporate-a-business.html\">corporation<\/a>, can protect you personally in a lawsuit. You likely must register your business with your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/state-guide-corporations-offices.html\">secretary of state\u2019s office<\/a>. You\u2019ll need a <span data-term-id=\"54205713\">business name<\/span> and some basic information about your business.<\/p>\n<h3>Business License<\/h3>\n<p>The <span data-term-id=\"54205691\">type of business<\/span> and your state laws determine what<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/state-business-licenses.html\">\u00a0state business licenses<\/a>\u00a0you may need. Local government entities like cities and counties often charge a business licensing fee. Some portion of those fees goes to regulating businesses within your community.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/state-and-local-small-business-licenses-for-start-ups.html\">Occupational license<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Seller\u2019s permit if you sell products<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Local or state tax registration certificates<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For example, if you want to run a home child care center, you may need a professional license, a health department inspection, and a fire department inspection of your home. The same would apply if you offered in-home health care for seniors.<\/p>\n<p>Your city or county issues <a href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115313\/26746?subId1=home-businesses%20wct250924192723anjnn&amp;auto-aff-business-license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">business licenses<\/a>. You may need a state-issued license as well. Often, you can apply and pay for your license online.<\/p>\n<h2>Self-Employed Benefits and Taxes<\/h2>\n<p>Sole proprietors may be able to use just a social security number for tax purposes. If you hire employees, you need an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-taxes\/getting-an-employer-identification-number-ein.html\"><span data-term-id=\"54205704\">employer identification number<\/span><\/a>\u00a0(EIN). Contact the IRS to complete any necessary paperwork to register your business. You will also need to set up an account to pay\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-taxes.html\">income tax withholding and sales tax and to file your business tax return.<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Taxes and the Home-Based Business<\/h2>\n<p>If you operate a business from your home, you\u2019ll most likely be entitled to a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-taxes\/small-business-tax-information-faq.html\"><span data-term-id=\"54205683\">small-business<\/span> tax deduction<\/a>. Some key things to remember in connection with the <span data-term-id=\"54205683\">small business<\/span> tax deduction:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>To qualify, you must use part of your home exclusively for your business.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Your home must be your &#8220;principal&#8221; place of business, or you must frequently meet with customers and\/or clients in your home.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>If you qualify for the tax deduction, you can deduct costs such as rent, public utilities, insurance, and property repairs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To take advantage of the <span data-term-id=\"54205683\">small business<\/span> tax deduction, it\u2019s very important that you keep detailed proof and records of your home-based business operation. Be prepared to prove that you intend to make a profitable business out of your home-based activity. It\u2019s more than just a hobby.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.irs.gov\/publications\/p587\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Internal Revenue Service<\/a>\u00a0(IRS) will allow you to deduct the expenses of running a legitimate business from your home. It will not permit deductions for the costs of a favorite hobby or activity.<\/p>\n<h2>Insuring Your Home-Based Business<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/do-you-need-home-business-insurance.html\">Home-based business insurance<\/a>\u00a0needs are unique. You may already have homeowner\u2019s insurance, but be sure to read your policy or talk with your insurance agent. Usually, business assets aren\u2019t covered by a home policy, even if it is a home computer you use for business purposes. If clients or customers visit your home, your regular liability insurance may not extend to business guests.<\/p>\n<p>Below are common types of insurance coverages for home businesses:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Business property<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Professional liability<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Personal and advertising injury<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Loss of business data<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Crime and theft<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Disability<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It\u2019s better to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/do-you-need-home-business-insurance.html\">be protected<\/a>, particularly if you store large amounts of sensitive data in your <span data-term-id=\"54205708\">home office<\/span> or have clients visiting your residence. While business insurance can be expensive, there are ways to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/liability-and-insurance\/minimize-business-risks-and-losses-checklist.html\">minimize your premiums<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Check Leases or HOA Restrictions<\/h2>\n<p>Before opening your doors at home for your business, ensure you know your real estate regulations.<\/p>\n<h3>Leased Apartments or Homes<\/h3>\n<p>If you\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/property-and-real-estate-laws\/details-on-state-lease-and-rental-agreement-laws.html\">rent a home or apartment<\/a>, your lease sets out restrictions for using the property. Your lease may restrict you from operating a business. Running a business there would put you in breach and could be a ground for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/rules-for-landlords-and-property-managers-when-evicting-a-tenant.html\">eviction<\/a>. If your lease doesn\u2019t mention it, that doesn\u2019t necessarily mean you can open up shop. If your business will disturb the peace of your neighbors with frequent clients, you may find yourself at odds with your landlord.<\/p>\n<h3>Owned Homes<\/h3>\n<p>If your business will increase traffic or cause parking problems in your community, such as running a high-volume vacation rental out of your home, it may violate local regulations or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/owning-a-home\/homeowners-association-basics.html\">homeowners\u2019 association restrictions<\/a>. Find out exactly what the Covenants, Codes, and Restrictions (CCRs) state.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/land-use-laws\/zoning.html\">Zoning restrictions<\/a>\u00a0are always a concern as well. If the zone where you live is not zoned for commercial operations, you may be unable to operate a business from home. Many neighborhoods may have a mixed-use zoning restriction allowing <span data-term-id=\"54205683\">small business<\/span> operations out of your house.<\/p>\n<p>Speak to your landlord or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/owning-a-home\/homeowners-association-basics.html\">homeowners\u2019 association<\/a>\u00a0before beginning a business venture out of your home.<\/p>\n<h2>Regulatory Matters<\/h2>\n<p>Most home-based businesses don\u2019t engage in activities that would trigger a regulatory issue. If your business activities involve the use of dangerous chemicals, it might. Resources at the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sba.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"54205690\">Small Business<\/span><span data-term-id=\"54205690\"> Administration<\/span><\/a>\u00a0(<span data-term-id=\"54205732\">SBA<\/span>) may help you find out who to talk to before your <span data-term-id=\"54205692\">new business<\/span> opens.<\/p>\n<h2>Home Businesses and Zoning Laws<\/h2>\n<p>Local zoning ordinances restrict how properties can be used within an area. Zoning regulations are rarely an issue for home-based businesses because they tend to have few visitors and no outside employees.<\/p>\n<p>Noise, excessive traffic, or use of the neighborhood\u2019s parking spaces may trigger zoning concerns. You may avoid problems by negotiating with neighbors and compromising on reasonable hours of operation. If that does not work, you may request a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/how-to-handle-problems-with-commercial-zoning-laws.html\">zoning variance<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Signage can also be problematic for home-based businesses in an apartment, condo, or homeowners association. Do you need a sign for your home daycare center? Can you post it? Where? What size and materials are allowed?<\/p>\n<h2>Common <span data-term-id=\"54205707\">Home-Based Business Ideas<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Thanks to the internet, home-based businesses pop up often. Common home business ideas for <span data-term-id=\"54205697\">entrepreneurs<\/span> include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"54205725\">Affiliate marketing<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Accountants and tax preparers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"54205724\">Bookkeeping<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Catering business<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Cottage food preparer and seller<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Creating <span data-term-id=\"54205712\">digital products<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Customer service and phone work<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Data entry, medical billing, medical coding<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/law-and-life\/how-to-successfully-and-legally-set-up-a-dropshipping-business-on-shopify\/\"><span data-term-id=\"54205696\">Dropshipping<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Event planners<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"54205710\">Freelance writing<\/span>, editing, and blogging<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Freelance designers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Freelance computer coders<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"54205709\">Graphic design<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Health, wellness, and nutrition consultants<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Home daycare providers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Landscaping companies<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Massage therapists<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"54205719\">Online businesses<\/span> like online tutors<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Online sellers with an Amazon or <span data-term-id=\"54205711\">Etsy<\/span> shop<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Realtors or those in the real estate industry<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Schedulers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"54205686\">Social media<\/span> management<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Transcriptionists<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Translators<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Travel planners<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Web designers, web developers, and app developers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Hire a Business Attorney for Your Business Idea<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re a first-time <span data-term-id=\"54205687\">business owner<\/span> with a business idea or need extra assistance understanding the law for home-based businesses, consider hiring a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-commercial-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"54205683\">small business<\/span> lawyer<\/a>. Business attorneys can help with legal problems before they become critical, such as explaining zoning codes or licensing requirements.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g 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