How long does it take to register a business in New York?

Processing times vary: 7-10 business days. Online filings are typically faster than mail submissions. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.

Do I need a business license in New York?

Yes, most cities in New York require a general business license. Requirements vary by location and industry. Contact your local city or county clerk's office for specific requirements.

Can I use my personal name as my business name?

Yes, you can use your personal name as your business name. For an LLC, you'll need to add "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to the end. However, using a unique business name often provides better branding opportunities and legal protection.

What if my desired business name is already taken?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options: 1) Choose a different name, 2) Add descriptive words to make it unique, 3) Use a different LLC suffix (LLC, L.L.C., etc.), or 4) Consider filing a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name while keeping a different legal name.

How much does it cost to start a business in New York?

The LLC filing fee is $200. Additional costs include business licenses ($50-500), registered agent fees ($50-300/year if using a service), and other startup expenses. Total first-year costs typically range from $400.

Do I need a trademark for my business name?

While not required, trademark registration provides nationwide protection for your business name. Registering your LLC with the state only protects your name within New York. If you plan to expand beyond the state or want stronger legal protection, consider applying for a federal trademark with the USPTO.

Can I change my business name later?

Yes, you can change your LLC name by filing an amendment with the New York Secretary of State. This typically costs $20-100 and takes a few weeks to process. However, changing your name can be expensive when you consider updating all your marketing materials, domain, signage, and legal documents.

New York Business Name Generator

Generate unique business names for your New York LLC or startup. Get AI-powered suggestions tailored to New York businesses and local market.

Generate Business Names for New York

Describe your business idea

Choose naming style

Professional & corporate

Why Start a Business in New York?

$200

Filing Fee

7-10

Processing (days)

2.4M

Total Businesses

250K/yr

New Businesses

Access to world's largest financial center (Wall Street)

Diverse economy: finance, media, technology, fashion

Strong talent pool and prestigious universities

Third largest state economy in the US

Starting a Business in New York

Top Cities for Business

New York City8,336,000
Buffalo276,000
Rochester211,000
Syracuse146,000
Albany99,000

Popular Industries

Finance
Technology
Media
Healthcare
Real Estate

Cost to Start a Business in New York

LLC Filing Fee$200

Name Reservation (optional)$20 for 60 days

Business License (varies by city)$50-500

Estimated Total First Year$400

Processing time: 7-10 business days

New York Tax Overview

New York has 6.5% corporate tax rate. Personal income tax ranges 4-10.9%. NYC has additional taxes. Sales tax is 4% state plus up to 4.875% local.

New York Business Name Requirements

Must contain "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company"
Cannot be deceptively similar to existing names
Must be published in newspapers (additional cost)

Restricted Words: The following words cannot be used without special approval:

Bank, Insurance, Trust, Lawyer, Attorney

Business Name Ideas for New York

Explore 30 pre-generated business name ideas across popular industries. Use these as inspiration or starting points for your own unique name.

restaurant

Empire Table
NYC Fine Dining
The NY Kitchen
New York Flavors
Manhattan Eats
Urban Cuisine

barbershop

NY Barber Co.
Classic NYC Style
Empire Cuts
Premium Grooming
Manhattan Barbers
Expert Service

construction

Empire Builders
Building NY
NY Construction Co.
Quality Projects
Manhattan Build
Trusted Partners

consulting

Empire Strategy
Business Excellence
NY Advisors
Strategic Solutions
Manhattan Consulting
Expert Guidance

retail

Empire Market
NYC Shopping
NY Supply Co.
Quality Goods
Manhattan Mercantile
Premium Retail

Home Services

Empire Home Care
Complete Solutions
NY Services
Professional Care
Manhattan Home Pros
Expert Maintenance

technology

Empire Tech
Innovation Hub
NY Digital
Tech Solutions
Manhattan Software
Custom Development

healthcare

Empire Medical
Quality Care
NY Wellness
Patient Health
Manhattan Health
Trusted Providers

Real Estate

Empire Properties
NY Real Estate
Manhattan Realty
Dream Homes
NY Living
Premium Properties

fitness

Empire Fitness
NYC Training
Manhattan Strong
Peak Performance
NY Athletics
Elite Fitness

Official New York Business Resources

NY Department of State

Business entity filing and registration

NY Department of Taxation

Tax registration and filing requirements

Empire State Development

Business resources and economic development

How to Register a Business in New York

Annual Compliance Requirements

After forming your New York LLC, you'll need to maintain compliance with these ongoing requirements:

File Biennial Statement every 2 years (no fee)
Publish LLC formation in newspapers within 120 days ($300-1500)
Maintain registered agent in New York
File state and federal tax returns

Check Domain Availability

Enter your business name to search for available domains

Business name

Opens GoDaddy search in a new tab

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Tools for New York Business Owners

Self-Employment Tax

Calculate SE tax liability

Profit Margin Calculator

Calculate your profit margins

S-Corp Salary

Optimize salary vs distribution

Generate Names for Nearby States

Ready to Launch Your New York Business?

Jupid AI Accountant handles everything from LLC formation to ongoing tax compliance. Focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Information is accurate as of 2026-01. Always verify current requirements with the New York Secretary of State and consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions.