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2011
Docstoc Inc.
GUIDE TO NEW YORK STATE
BUSINESS TAXES
This document provides you with some basic information about New York State
Business Taxes, the different types of businesses, and an overview of the filings for
New York Businesses.
We outline the procedures to follow and the forms to file in New York State,
excluding New York City Tax forms and filings.
1. If you are starting a new business
2. If you are purchasing an existing business or assets from an existing business
Further information may be found on the state’s website: www.tax.ny.gov
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First, you will need to determine which type of business you will operate in New York State.
The following list illustrates the types of businesses that exist in New York State:
1. Sole Proprietorship
2. Partnership
3. Limited Liability Company
4. Limited Liability Partnership
5. Corporation
6. S-Corporation
More information can be found at http://www.tax.ny.gov/
Publication 20, New York State Tax Guide for New Businesses
1. A Sole Proprietorship is a business that is owned and operated by one person. Sole
proprietors must report their business income and expenses, annually, on their federal and
New York state personal income tax returns. For the Federal income tax return, this activity
is reported on Schedule C of Form 1040. For New York State residents, the Sole
Proprietorship annual income and expenditures are reported on Form IT-201; nonresidents
must report this activity on Form IT-203. If you expect to owe New York state, New York
City, or Yonkers income tax when you file your personal income tax return, you may be
required to make estimated tax payments during the year.
1. Publication 94, Should You Be Paying Estimated Tax?
2. Form IT-2105, Estimated Income Tax Payment Voucher for Individuals
2. A Partnership exists when two or more persons join together to carry on a trade or business.
For both federal and New York state income tax purposes, the term “partnership” includes a
syndicate, group, pool, joint venture, or other unincorporated organization that is carrying on
a trade or business. For New York state tax purposes, partnerships report their income on
Form IT-204, Partnership Return, but do not pay any state income tax.
3. A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is required to file Form IT-204, unless it elects to file as
an S-Corporation. If so, it is subject to an annual filing fee and must also file Form IT-204-
LL (Limited Liability Company / Limited Liability Partnership Filing Fee Payment Form).
An LLC is an unincorporated organization of one or more members, each having limited
liability for the contractual and other liabilities of the business, formed for any lawful
business purpose under the Limited Liability Company Law of New York state.
4. A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is a partnership that provides professional services and
has registered as a Limited Liability Partnership under Article 8-B of the Partnership Law of
New York State. For New York State tax purposes, A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is
required to file Form IT-204, is subject to an annual filing fee. and must also file Form IT-
204-LL (Limited Liability Company / Limited Liability Partnership Filing Fee Payment
Form).
5. A Corporation is a legal entity created by filing a Certificate or Articles of Incorporation with
the state of New York and has a legal existence separate and distinct from its owners
(shareholders). A domestic corporation is a corporation incorporated by or under the laws
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of New York state. A do