Got the state approval for my LLC last week (finally!), but now Miami-Dade County is asking for some extra forms I didn't expect. Something about a local business tax receipt and maybe a zoning check? I run a small online consulting thing from my apartment. Anyone dealt with this? Do I really need to go down to the county office or can I do it online?
LLC Filing
My Miami LLC was approved, but the county wants additional paperwork
You can definitely do most of it online now. The county portal is a mess but it works. Is your apartment zoned for commercial activity? That's usually the hiccup.
Zoning check for an online consulting biz from home? They usually want a letter stating you have no customers coming to the residence, and no signage. Basically, prove you're not running a storefront.
Thanks. I don't have customers visiting, just Zoom calls. So maybe it won't be a big deal. I'll check the portall tonight. The state was easy, this county stuff feels like a different beast.
The county is always the beast. Wait until you get the mail from the city about a business tax receipt. I had to pay like $50 for mine, but it's just a formality for home-based.
If you're in the unincorporated area it's Miami-Dade. If you're inside city limits like Miami or Hialeah, you might need a city receipt too. Check your address. That trips up a lot of new LLCs.
And don't forget the annual renewal. They'll slap you with a late fee if you blink. Set a calendar reminder now.
This is why I just use a registered agent service. They handle all the paperwork nagging. Worth the $100 a year for my sanity, honestly.
Registered agent doesn't handle county tax receipts. That's on you. Don't give them false hope.
They sent me a reminder and a link. Close enough, man.
I'm in unincorporated Miami-Dade. So just county, I think. I'll try the online portal first. If it's a nightmare, I'll report back with tears.
Tears are part of the process. Welcome to small business ownership in Miami.
The portal is actually called eStart. Look for that. And have yoour EIN ready.
Also if you're a sole proprietorship LLC, you might be exempt from the local business tax if you make under a certain amount. Look that up. I think it's like $25k, but don't quote me.