Doing business in the Alabama District

SBA’s Business Guide lists the requirements needed to start, grow, and expand your business. Since laws and taxes vary by state, here’s what you need to do before starting your business in our area.

Business name and registration

Register your business name with the county clerk where your business is located. If you are a corporation, you will also need to register with the Secretary of State.(Link is external)

Business licensing and zoning

Licenses are typically administered by a variety of state and local departments. It is important to consider zoning regulations when choosing a site for your business. Contact the local business license office where you plan to locate your business. You may not be permitted to conduct business out of your home or engage in industrial activity in a retail district.

Taxes

IRS Alabama Tax Assistance Centers(Link is external)
801 Tom Martin Dr.
Birmingham, AL 35211
Phone: 205-912-5333(Link opens phone app)

Alabama Department of Revenue(Link is external)
50 N. Ripley St.
Montgomery, AL 36130
Phone: 334-242-1490(Link opens phone app)

Health and safety

State Workers’ Compensation Division(Link is external)
649 Monroe St.
Montgomery, AL 36131
Phone: 334-353-0990(Link opens phone app) or 800-528-5166(Link opens phone app)

Commissioner of Insurance(Link is external)
201 Monroe St., Room 502
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: 334-269-3550(Link opens phone app)

Need information on the local business landscape? SBA's Office of Advocacy has the latest demographic and statistics on local small business economic activity.