New Business Formation in Mandan, ND

Start Strong With Local CPA Guidance

Starting a business is exciting, and it comes with a lot of decisions. Goodhart & Associates PC helps entrepreneurs across Mandan, Bismarck, and nearby communities choose the right structure, register with state and federal agencies, and set up clean books from day one. You get a practical plan that fits your goals and the North Dakota way of doing business.

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New Business Formation & Startup Advisory

Starting a business in North Dakota comes with big decisions—from choosing the right entity to setting up records and planning for taxes. Our team provides practical, step-by-step guidance so entrepreneurs can launch with confidence and build a strong foundation for growth.

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Choosing the Right Business Entity

Your entity affects taxes, payroll, and how you pay yourself. We explain the differences between sole proprietor, LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, and partnerships in plain language, then recommend a path that aligns with your plans. For many owners, we review whether an S-Corp election could reduce self-employment taxes once profits reach certain levels. When legal filings are needed, we coordinate with your attorney to keep everything moving.

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Business Registration and Setup

We handle the details so you can focus on customers. Services include obtaining your EIN, registering with the North Dakota Secretary of State, setting up sales and payroll tax accounts, and opening-day checklists for banking and insurance. For accurate records from the start, we tailor your chart of accounts and offer QuickBooks setup that fits your industry.

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Initial Tax Planning for Startups

No surprises at tax time. We outline estimated tax requirements, sales tax rules if you sell goods, and payroll obligations if you hire. If pass-through taxation applies, we connect business results to your personal return so cash flow stays predictable. When timing matters, we plan purchases and deductions to support growth and manage liability.

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Advisory for New Entrepreneurs

From first budget to first hire, our team is here with practical guidance. We review business plans, build simple forecasts, and map a break-even point you can track. As you grow, our Advisory services help with pricing, margins, and cash flow so decisions are based on clear numbers.

North Dakota Startup Know-How

Mandan and Bismarck business owners face unique details like annual state reports, local licensing, and seasonal cash cycles. We keep you on track with reminders, help you onboard employees correctly, and integrate timekeeping if you need payroll on day one. Our local perspective means real answers for Morton and Burleigh counties, not generic advice.

Common Questions About Starting A Business

  • How much does it cost to form an LLC in ND?

    State filing fees apply and vary by entity. We provide an upfront estimate along with our service quote so there are no surprises.

  • How long does setup take?

    EIN can be obtained quickly, and most formations are completed within one to two weeks depending on state processing.

  • Should I wait to hire a CPA?

    Getting help early prevents costly cleanups later. We right-size services for your stage and grow support as you grow.

  • Can you help me get a loan?

    We prepare projections and organized financials that lenders expect, and we keep your books ready for underwriting.

  • What ongoing support do you offer?

    We can handle bookkeeping and payroll or train your team and check in monthly. You decide what stays in house.