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Starting a(n) Business Licenses & Tax IDs
Hi, I'm Jennifer Can I Get Funding From The State Safe Place For Raped Victims And There Children I would like to sale out of my home or for summer time on a bycycle go help homeless people that need to eat to&nbsp and create a Safe Place For Raped Victims And Their Children .

Food Service LicensesFor operating a food-based business, you'll need several licenses related to food safet..., Jennifer.
 

     

Starting a Business to Help the Homeless & Survivors: An Inspiring Cause with a Plan



First of all, hats off to you! You're combining heart with hustle, and that’s the perfect mix. Selling food to support homeless people and creating a safe space for survivors of rape and their children is not just a business, it's a mission with meaning. Now, let's jump into the practical stuff—setting up your business legally and making sure everything's legit, so you can focus on helping people!

Industry Snapshot: Nonprofits and Food Sales



You’re looking at two different, but complementary industries: food sales and charitable services. The global non-profit sector was valued at **$2.9 trillion**. Plus, the food truck industry (or in your case, a bicycle food cart!) is on fire, worth **$1 billion** in the U.S. alone. Even small mobile food setups can bring in thousands during a good season. Not to mention, you're likely looking at community support, which can boost both business and goodwill.

Costs & Equipment to Start



Starting small? Here’s a general idea of what you’ll need:

  • **Bicycle (or bicycle cart)** – $500 to $3,000, depending on whether you’re customizing it for food sales.

  • **Permits/Licenses** – A seller’s permit and possibly health permits, usually ranging from $100 to $500 combined.

  • **Food Equipment** – Portable stove, food storage, etc., starting at $200 and up, depending on your needs.

  • **Initial Food Inventory** – Depending on the size of your operation, budget around $200 to $1,000 for ingredients.

  • **Marketing** – Flyers, simple website, or social media ads could be as low as $100 to $500 to get started.

  •      


    Legal Structure: LLC or S Corp?



    Let’s talk LLCs and S Corps.

  • **LLC (Limited Liability Company)**: This is great for keeping things simple. It separates your personal assets from your business assets. In case anything goes south (let’s hope not), you won’t lose your personal bike or home if there’s a lawsuit.

  • **S Corporation**: A bit more complex, but better for tax benefits if you start making *bank*. Profits and losses can be passed through to your personal income, avoiding corporate taxes. But setting it up takes more paperwork.


  • Most small businesses with community or social missions like yours go for LLCs because it’s easier to manage, especially when you’re still growing.

    Do You Need to Register Your Business Name?



    If you’re calling your operation something other than your personal name (like "Safe Meals for Survivors" or something catchy), you’ll need to register a business name. This can be done when you form the LLC or S Corp. If you're operating under your own name, you may be able to skip this step, but it doesn't hurt to add that pro touch with a registered name!

    What's an EIN and Why Do You Need It?



    An **EIN (Employer Identification Number)** is like a Social Security number for your business. If you plan to have employees (even volunteers that you’re compensating in some way), or if you’re going to open a business bank account, you’ll need one. It’s also helpful for filing taxes, even if you’re a one-person show.

         


    Seller's Permit: Do You Need One?



    Yes! Since you’re selling food, a **Seller’s Permit** is usually required. This allows you to legally sell goods (in your case, food) and, in some places, collect sales tax if that applies to food sales. Think of it as a green light to start collecting cash from your customers without any legal hiccups.

    Special Permits & Licenses



    Given that you're in the food industry, you’ll likely need:

  • **Health Permits**: These ensure that the food you’re selling is safe to eat. Even if you’re not running a full-fledged restaurant, selling from a bike means you need to keep your operation clean and safe for the people you’re serving.

  • **Charity Registration** (optional but helpful): If you're raising funds to support homeless people or survivors, registering as a charity might give you credibility and open doors to donations and grants. This could be a non-profit or a hybrid of profit-nonprofit (social enterprise).


  • In Summary



    So, let’s sum it up:

  • You’ll need to choose between forming an LLC or an S Corp—LLC being the easier option for a smaller operation.

  • Get an EIN to keep your business finances separate from your personal money.

  • A seller’s permit will allow you to sell food legally.

  • Depending on where you’re serving food, a health permit is crucial, even for bicycle-based food sales.


  • Once you’ve got these in place, you're all set to roll (literally, if you’re on that bike)!


    Now, go change the world, one pedal at a time!

    You can choose to be a(n) Safe Place For Raped Victims And There Children :

    • Sole Proprietor,
    • LLC,
    • Corporation or
    • Partnership.
      After you decide and select your business entity, you need licensing.



    Indianapolis Business Tax Registration ( Business License)
    All businesses including home, online or mobile BUSINESS need a BUSINESS license because they are BUSINESSES.



    A(n) Safe Place For Raped Victims And There Children business using a fictitious business name in Hamilton County i.e. you are a business with a trade name other than the owner's legal (full name) name are required to get a(n) fictitious business name.   For instance you open a(n) Safe Place For Raped Victims And There Children business and you name it "Superior Safe Place For Raped Victims And There Children Group". You will need to file a fictitious business name for that name.

    In addition note that in IN you may also need a seller's permit if you sell merchandise that is taxable.  (A.K.A state id, wholesale, resale, reseller certificate, about $39 for most states).
    Seller's Permit



    Note: All businesses need a federal tax ID number except sole proprietors that are not employers and are not independent contractors.
    An independent contractor is a self employed business person that receives more than $600 per year from anyone of his or her clients.
    IRS rule: The client must issue a 1099 form to the independent contractor and the independent contractor must have a federal tax ID. However, even sole owners may obtain a federal ID and use it as a business tax ID instead of using their own social security number as a business tax ID number.
    However, all other licenses that apply to sole proprietors as discussed here are requited regardless of getting a federal tax ID number.


    In addition you will need a federal and a state EIN if you will hire employees. I.e., a IN Federal Tax Id Number ($29)  and a(n) IN  State Employer Tax Number  


    Instead of filing a fictitious business name DBA Filing (about $49 plus state and legal newspaper publication fees) in Indianapolis, Incorporate in IN  or form a(n) IN LLC
    . 

    You have a choice to file a DBA or form an LLC or incorporate. There is a cicrcumstance that you may not need to register a trade name and that is when you use your full name as a business name if you use your full legal name as a trade name.
    Also note that even using your first and last name may not help you avoid filing a DBA if the name has a suffix such as "& sons" etc.



    If you do form an Non Profit llc or incorporate (about $49 plus state fees for most states) your Safe Place For Raped Victims And There Children business instead of just filing a fictitious business name (dba), it will help you avoid personal liability from wrongs arising from your business dealings and you will not have to file the Indianapolis business name. Instead of just registering your Hamilton County assumed business name (our fee includes assumed business name registration and legal newspaper publication) you can choose to setup a corporation in IN or form an IN LLC (starts @ $49 plus state fee for most states & includes required documents such as bylaws for the corporation and Limited Liability operating agreement for the LLC). .
     



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