Pennsylvania State Law

Pennsylvania businesses must register with the Department of State before conducting business. Sole proprietors using a trade name must file a fictitious name registration with the Department of State and…

Source: PA Department of State

Pennsylvania employers who pay $300 or more in wages in any calendar quarter must register with the Department of Labor and Industry for unemployment compensation. New employers pay a standard…

Source: PA Department of Labor and Industry

The Pennsylvania Small Business First program provides low-interest loans of up to $200,000 to Pennsylvania small businesses for land and building acquisition, construction, machinery and equipment, and working capital. The…

Source: PA Department of Community and Economic Development

Ben Franklin Technology Partners provides early-stage investment, funding, and business support to Pennsylvania technology companies and manufacturers. The program operates through four regional centers and offers seed grants, loans, and…

Source: PA Ben Franklin Technology Partners

Home-based businesses in Pennsylvania are regulated by local municipal zoning ordinances. Most jurisdictions permit home occupations as an accessory residential use subject to restrictions on signage, customer visits, non-resident employees,…

Source: PA Department of Community and Economic Development

Pennsylvania LLCs are formed by filing a Certificate of Organization with the Department of State and paying a $125 fee. All LLCs must designate a registered agent with a Pennsylvania…

Source: PA Department of State

Pennsylvania corporations are formed by filing Articles of Incorporation with the Department of State and paying a $125 fee. Corporations must designate a registered agent in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania corporations do…

Source: PA Department of State

Pennsylvania business entities must file a Decennial Report with the Department of State once every 10 years to confirm the entity remains active. The filing fee is $70. Failure to…

Source: PA Department of State

Pennsylvania imposes a Corporate Net Income Tax on C corporations doing business in the state, currently at 8.99% and scheduled to phase down to 4.99% by 2031 under 2022 legislation.…

Source: PA Department of Revenue

Pennsylvania imposes a state sales tax of 6% on retail sales of tangible personal property and certain services, with Philadelphia and Allegheny County adding 2% and 1% respectively. Groceries, clothing,…

Source: PA Department of Revenue

Pennsylvania minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, matching the federal rate. Tipped employees may be paid $2.83 per hour provided tips bring total compensation to at least the minimum wage.…

Source: PA Department of Labor and Industry

Pennsylvania employers with one or more employees must carry workers compensation insurance. Coverage may be obtained through a private insurer or the State Workers Insurance Fund (SWIF). Sole proprietors and…

Source: PA Department of Labor and Industry

Pennsylvania professional licensing is administered by the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA), which oversees more than 30 licensing boards covering engineers, architects, real estate agents, contractors, healthcare providers,…

Source: PA Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs

Pennsylvania requires home improvement contractors to register with the Attorney General Office under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors are licensed at the local level.…

Source: PA Office of Attorney General