4 Steps to starting your landscaping business

 

Step 1: Find the perfect name for your lawn care company, Give your new company a name that shows who you are as a business.

  • Brainstorm a few name options (ones you like and are easily marketable)

  • Choose a name that is unique to you, but also conveys the benefits of your services.

  • You can say with pride

  • Is easy to pronounce and spell

  • Is available as a “.com” domain name

  • Has a positive connotation for your potential customers

Input these names into your state’s business name search database Washington State Lookup

Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Business Entity. The most common are a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation, or Limited Liability Company (LLC).

  • A Sole Proprietorship in Washington happens when you operate your business as yourself. There is no separate legal entity created; the law treats you and your business as one person. You are responsible and personally liable for any business activity or wrongdoing.

  • A Washington Partnership is the same as a Sole Proprietorship, just with 2 or more people. Like a Sole Proprietorship, a Partnership does not create a separate legal entity and the partners are responsible and personally liable for any business activity or wrongdoing.

  • A Washington Corporation (aka “Profit-Corporation”) is a complex legal structure usually created to run large businesses. Think of technology and startup companies that are raising venture capital money or selling shares on the stock market. Unlike a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership, a Corporation is a separate legal entity. It provides liability protection for its owners (called shareholders).

  • A Washington LLC is a separate legal entity under the law. And like a Corporation, it provides personal liability protection for the owners. If the LLC is sued, the owner’s personal assets – like their home, cars, and bank accounts – are protected. And like a Sole Proprietorship, an LLC also has the benefit of pass-through taxation. An LLC in Washington is a hybrid entity that combines the benefits of a Corporation and a Sole Proprietorship (and a Partnership). An LLC Is the most popular option and a good choice for people who want to run a business for two reasons: Personal liability protection(personal assets are kept safe), No double taxation.

 

 

Step 3: Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number). Do you plan on hiring employees? if so, you need an EIN.

Employer Identification Number (EIN), is used by the IRS to identify your Washington business for tax purposes.

Your EIN is used to open a business bank account, file taxes, get financing, and handle employee payroll (if applicable).

Think of your EIN as your Washington business’s “social security number”.

You can find how to get your EIN by going to IRS.gov to fill out your applicaion online.

 

 

Step 4: Get the Right insurance for Your Lawn Service

Before you step out of your truck to take care of your first customer’s lawn, you need to obtain the right insurance to protect your business from any legal problems.

There are 3 policies you should look at carrying for your lawn care business:

  • General Liability insurance protects you and your technicians in case an accident occurs on your customer’s or their neighbor’s property, and you’re at fault.

  • Workers Compensation insurance protects you if one of your employees gets hurt while on the job. It covers doctor’s visits, hospital stays and other medical bills. It also helps cover the employee’s lost wages due to the injury of accident. (Washington State can only get this from L&I)

  • Property insurance covers your equipment ranging from aerators, lawn mowers, string trimmers and applicators as well as the computers used in your office.

  • Get your free quote form  Insurance West

 

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