Small Business Checklist

This page is designed to help anyone understand the process of how to expand their small business or start up a small business in Phenix City. Complete the following list in order and you will have completed all of the steps necessary to start a small business in Phenix City!

If you are looking to expand, the checklist provides the necessary information to identify local agencies needed to help obtain the correct licenses and permits for improvements and/or new construction.

All Businesses:

  1. Contact the Internal Revenue Service:
    Tax Information: 800-829-1040
    Forms and Publications: 800-829-3676
    Website
    Determine if you need any of the following:
  • Federal Employer’s Identification Number (FEIN)  (Form SS-4)
  • Requirements for Federal Estimated Income Tax are met (proprietors, partners, shareholders,etc.) (Form 1040ES)
  • Federal Self-Employment Tax is required
  • Request the following forms or publications: SS-4 (FEIN application form), W-4’s (Federal Exemption Certificates), Circular E (Federal Tax Tables), 1040ES (Federal Declaration of Estimated Income Tax), Publication 334 (Tax Guide for Small Businesses) and/or other forms or publications
  • Contact the Alabama Department of Revenue’s Taxpayer Service Center to determine if any state taxes apply:
    Auburn/Opelika Taxpayer Service Center covers Russell County
    3300 Skyway Drive
    Auburn, Alabama 36830
    Ph: 334-887-9549
  • Purchase a privilege license if it is required:
    County & State Licenses
    Russell County Courthouse
    1000 Broad St.
    Phenix City, AL 36868
    City Licenses
    Phenix City Hall
    601 12th St.
    Phenix City, AL 36867
    Ph: 334-448-2701
  • Contact the County Tax Assessor’s Office in the county/counties in which you own property. This ensures that you meet all requirements of assessing all of your real property and business personal property:
    Naomi Elliot, Revenue Commissioner
    Russell County Courthouse
    1000 Broad St.
    Phenix City, AL 36868
    Ph: 334-298-7011
  • Contact the Alabama Department of Revenue, Individual Income Tax Section at (334) 242-1000 to determine if requirements for Alabama Individual Income Tax (Form 40ES) are met (proprietors, partners, shareholders, etc.)
    Proprietors, partners, and certain other individuals must report estimated earnings and remit the income tax on those earnings quarterly. (See Alabama Form 40ES) and Federal Form 1040ES.)

Things to Know:

  • At year-end individuals must file Alabama Form 40 and Federal Form 1040 to report actual yearly earnings. (See Forms 40,1040, and Schedule C for instructions.)
  • All business owners must keep every financial and accounting record that reflect income and expenses from three to six years.
  • If you are late with any tax return, contact the appropriate agency immediately. Instructions will be given as to what course of action you must follow.

Additional resources can be found by reading the publication listed within the One-Stop Shop section.