Moving Your Business – A Complete Guide

Apart from quarterly reviews, one of the most stressful situations for a business would be moving to another state. This process can be complex and challenging, with many factors that one must consider. Some factors that complicate this process are the legal requirements, financial implications, and the logistics of the moving process. A clear plan and a thorough understanding of the steps involved help ensure you can move a business to another state with ease.

Legal Considerations

One of the major factors to consider when moving your business to another state is the legal considerations. Each state has many specific laws depending on the type of business you run. If you have a sole proprietorship, you can move the business register to the new state. However, if it is a corporation, you will have to follow one of three options:

• Continue with the same business in the original state and then register as a foreign corporation in the new state.
• Dissolve the corporation in the old state.
• Start it anew in the new state.
• File a foreign qualification in the second state.

It is vital to consult an attorney to ensure your business entity follows every local, state, and federal law during your transition to another state. Some common legal considerations include the cost of complying with different regulations, the cost of applicable licenses to operate in the new state, and the availability of tax incentives from a new municipality.

Financial Considerations

In addition to legal considerations, the financial aspects of moving a business to another state are also critically important.

• Cost of Moving – moving can be expensive, and for a business, it can be even more costly. Hiring a commercial moving company, packing, and transporting the business equipment and supplies can add up quickly.
• Overhead Costs – Overhead costs could include a lease, mortgage payments, utilities, shipping, and wages could be altered.
• Taxes – the tax rates for the city, county, and state, along with tax incentives and property taxes, may change depending on the city you are moving from and to.
• Compliance Costs – complying with revised regulations, new licenses, and applicable licenses to operate in the new state are extremely important.

Staffing Considerations

Staffing considerations are another essential aspect to consider when your business is transitioning to another state.

• HR Planning – HR staffing must be based on the company’s skills inventory, objectives, and other influences that could impact its ability to provide a workforce.
• Staffing Plan – creating a staffing plan will help ensure you hire the correct amount of workers.
• Budget and Projected Growth – it is also important to consider the budget for the forthcoming year and identify trends to determine if the business is likely to grow.
• Temporary vs Permanent Workers – if you are concerned about the cost of hiring full-time workers or need a few more workers for a short project, temporary workers are an excellent option. Temporary workers will help a company save money as the company does not have to pay benefits in most cases.

Community Impact Considerations

The impact on the community is an important consideration to keep in mind when moving a business to another state. Some of the most important factors to consider are as follows:

• Employment and Tax Base – transitioning a business could impact the local economy and tax revenues.
• Other Businesses – a new business could drastically affect the other companies in the area.
• Property Values – the property values could rise or fall depending on the type of business.
• Social Impacts – the social impact of an area could drastically change with a new business moving into the area.

Future Growth Capabilities Considerations

The future growth capabilities considerations are a vitally important aspect when moving a business to a different state. The following are some of the most important factors to consider:

• Capability Building ensures your business can adapt to future changes and challenges. The company will be ready for the future by curating important skills and behaviors.
• Growth Strategy – the growth strategy is essential to make sure a business can grow and expand in the new state. By identifying the different areas for growth, conducting both market and industry research, and holding stakeholders accountable, the business will be well-prepared for the transition.

Checklist for Moving a Business to a New State

A checklist for moving a business to a new state will help improve the complex process. The following is a quick checklist to remember when moving a business to a different state.

1. Begin planning early
2. Consider staffing issues
3. Identify any business changes required
4. Keep track of any moving expenses
5. Consider the legal structure of your business
6. Apply for a business license in the new state. Local business licenses could change depending on the location so it is important to research them so you are in good standing for your new corporation.
7. Inform the IRS about the move by updating the business address. Failing to provide your new location could create many tax implications, hurting your income tax. Your tax ID number is important to update, otherwise, you could be facing major tax consequences.
8. Consider the cost of moving, which could include a commercial moving company.
9. Consider any impacts on the local economy, other businesses in the community, property values, social fabric, and community resources.
10. Create a growth strategy, ensuring the business can grow and expand in a new location.

Understanding The Options To Transfer LLC To Another State

The first option is the domestication of the company to a foreign country. Consequently, it is critical to comprehend their differences before selecting the optimal method that will benefit your business.

Merger – Form A New Corporation or LLC And Merge The Old

Another option for formal transfer is to form a corporation in the new state and merge the existing corporation or LLC. This is a legally-administered transaction and requires compliance with all merger laws in your corporation. Generally, a merger is to be done to transfer assets of non-surviving entities to new states as property of non-surviving entities.

Foreign LLC Registration: Operating in Multiple States

A foreign registered entity can conduct a business activity within a territory outside the country where they were established and is registered by a state. The options allow for an LLC to operate in multiple states without dissolving the existing LLC. To register an overseas company, an applicant must verify their qualifications and then file the application form with the appropriate agency. While registration is an advantage in a country abroad, it has many challenges.

Stay On Top Of Business License And Permit Requirements

Before attempting a business in your native state, make sure that you know the required licensing requirements. It can include tax registration for remitting and reporting taxes on taxable merchandise. Do you know that illegally conducting business may result in serious consequences? A business permit or state-licensed business permit in your current country must also be canceled and a business permit must be issued for the new state.

Will I Need To Obtain A New Employer Identification Number If I Am Transferring My LLC To Another State?

You will not be obligated to obtain a new EIN if you transfer an LLC to another state.

Which States Allow LLC Domestication?

State which supports domestication. Alaska – Professional firms. Arizona – Companies. Arkansas – LLC. California – Corporation. Colorado LLC and Corporation Formation. Delaware Corporation, LLC. D.C. – Corporations and LLCs. Florida- LLC and corporation.

What Is The Easiest State To Register A Business In?

Delaware is known as a well-known corporate state that offers many opportunities for out-of-state businesses. 68.4% of Fortune 500 companies incorporated businesses in Delaware are registered with NASDAQ.

Conclusion

One of the most stressful things a business can go through is a complete move to another state. There are many things a business owner must consider when moving their company, like legal, financial, staffing, community impact, and future growth capabilities. Business owners should use the checklist to ensure they remember everything important in their move. For more information visit Jordan River Moving.