Congratulations! You’re well on your way to doing business with the City of Wichita. In the next section, we’ll review certain steps that need to be completed before you can bid on City contracts. Some will take some time, but we’ll go through them step-by-step. Now, let’s get started!
Register Your Business with the Kansas Secretary of State
What is the Kansas Secretary of State Registration?
Kansas Secretary of State Registration is when businesses and groups sign up to be officially recognized in Kansas. The Kansas Secretary of State's office takes care of this process. By registering, these businesses follow state rules, can work in Kansas, and pay any necessary taxes and fees.
How do I register my business?
- Before registering your new venture, you must verify that your business name is available with the Kansas Secretary of State Business Services. You can also use the Business Services site to obtain a certificate of good standing.
- To register your business with the Kansas Secretary of State, you must file your business formation documents with the Business Services Division.
- The specific documents you need to file depend on the type of business you want to form. For example, if you're forming a limited liability company (LLC), you must file Articles of Organization. If you're creating a corporation, you must file Articles of Incorporation.
- You can file your documents online or by mail. To file online, create an account at the Kansas Business Center website. From there, you can submit your formation documents and pay the filing fee with a credit card or electronic check.
- To file by mail, download the appropriate form from the Business Services Division website and complete it according to the instructions. You must include a check or money order for the filing fee and mail the documents to the Business Services Division.
- Once your documents are filed and your fee is paid, the Business Services Division will review your filing and let you know if you need additional information or corrections. If everything is in order, they will approve your filing, and your business will be registered with the Kansas Secretary of State.
Stay on Top of Tax Requirements
What taxes apply to my business?
Your business will need to meet federal, state, and local tax requirements. These requirements will depend on your business structure and location.
What are my federal tax obligations?
Your business structure determines what federal taxes you must pay and how you pay them. Some of the taxes require payment throughout the year, so it’s important to know your tax obligations before the end of your tax year.
There are five general types of business taxes:
- Income tax
- Self-employment tax
- Estimated tax
- Employer tax
- Excise tax Each category of business tax might have special rules, qualifications, or IRS forms you need to file. Check with the IRS to see which business taxes apply to you.
If your business has employees, you might be required to withhold taxes from their paychecks. Federal employment taxes include income, Social Security and Medicare, unemployment, and self-employment taxes. Check with the IRS to see which taxes you need to withhold.
What are my state tax obligations?
Various state tax obligations apply to different kinds of businesses. You can learn more about these obligations from the Kansas Department of Revenue.
Open a Business Bank Account
Open a Business Bank Account
For legal and financial reasons, it’s important to separate your personal and business expenses and open a business bank account.
Why should I open a separate bank account for my business?
There are many reasons why it is important to open a business bank account. Opening a separate account can help protect your personal finances from business-related expenses. In order to get paid by the City, you will need a business bank account. Additionally, many loan applications and other certifications require you to have a business bank account.
How do I open a business bank account?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) website is a great resource for learning more about opening a business bank account. Visit the SBA’s guide to opening a bank account for your business here.
Other Local Resources
Visit our Resource Library for more information.
Learn about EBE Certification & Benefits
What is EBE Certification?
The City of Wichita is committed to ensuring equal opportunity, promoting diversity and enhancing economic opportunities for Emerging and Disadvantaged businesses. The City's vision is to enhance opportunities for qualified Emerging and Disadvantaged businesses by increasing their representation and utilization (measured by the amount of dollars spent) in the competitive base of contractors from which the City regularly purchases goods and services. Additionally, the City is committed to ensuring that all suppliers have equal access to the City’s purchasing opportunities.
EBE certification is valid for 3 years. More information on EBE certification can be found here.
What are the Benefits of EBE Certification?
There are 3 benefits to becoming EBE Certified:
1. EBE Certified Businesses receive net 10 day payment terms. The City of Wichita's general payment terms to vendors is net 30 days. City staff strive to pay all EBE Certified Businesses within net 10 days on City purchase orders and contracts for goods and services rendered. Providing this short payment term helps maintain cash flow to better manage and grow the business.
2. 5% RFP Scoring. The City of Wichita utilizes Request for Proposals (RFP) for professional services. The RFP process emphasizes qualifications, skills, expertise, experience, work schedule and price. EBE Certified Businesses and/or Subcontracting/Joint Ventures will receive a minimum of 5% of the scoring on all City RFP evaluation criteria. Proposals utilizing federal funds have separate rules for DBE participation.
3. Listing on the EBE Directory. EBE Certified Businesses will be listed on a directory on the city website so that the general public may easily find and use EBE certified businesses.