↦

Fill Out Your Business Registration Form

The Business Registration form is a crucial document required for registering a business name, particularly for sole proprietorships. This form collects essential information about the business and its owner, ensuring compliance with legal obligations and enabling proper identification of the business entity. Filling out this form accurately is the first step toward officially establishing your business and contributing to the economy.

To get started, please fill out the form by clicking the button below.

Launch Business Registration Editor Now

Launch Business Registration Editor Now

Article Structure

The Business Registration form is a critical document for individuals looking to establish a sole proprietorship in the United States, providing essential information required by the authorities to formally recognize a business. This form gathers information such as the proposed business name, which must be unique and not misleading, along with the principal activity indicating the nature of the business—ranging from manufacturing to services or transportation. It captures important details about the business address, including the principal place of business and ownership status, which helps to verify the legitimacy of the operation. Proprietors and proprietresses are required to submit personal information, including their names, gender, nationality, and Tax Identification Number (TIN) status, ensuring compliance with tax regulations. Moreover, contact details, such as phone numbers and email addresses, must be provided for effective communication. There is also an option to request a Business Operating Permit, which is essential for certain industries, and a declaration section to affirm the accuracy and completeness of the submitted information. Completing this form accurately and in its entirety is vital for successful registration and subsequent business operations.

Business Registration Example

FORM A

REGISTRATION OF BUSINESS NAMES ACT, 1962 (ACT 151)

REGISTRATION OF BUSINESS NAME - SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP

(Sections 2)

INSTRUCTIONS: COMPLETE FORM WITH BLACK INK AND IN BLOCK LETTERS

PLEASE SPELL OUT ALL WORDS –NO ABBREVIATIONS

*INDICATES MANDATORY FIELD

(A)

Business Name:

To the Registrar of Companies: P. O. Box 118, Accra

General Nature of

Mining/Oil and Gas

Manufacturing

Business :

Finance/Insurance/Real Estate

Commerce

Services

Construction/Civil Engineering

Farming/Fisheries

Transportation

Health/Pharmacy

Others

Information Communication Technology (ICT)

Principal Activity:

Date of Commencement			D D M M Y Y Y Y

ISIC Code

(B)			Business Address Information

Principal Place of Business

*House/Building/Flat (Name or House No. etc.) /LMB:

*Street:

*City:

*District:

*Region:

*Digital Address:

Form A Registration of Business Name – Sole Proprietorship Page 1 of 8

Ownership of Premises

Rented

Owner Occupied

Free Use

If Owner Occupied is it part rented?

Yes

If Yes provide details of Landlord

Landlords Name

(C)

Proprietor / Proprietress

Title

Mrs

Miss

First Name

Middle Name

Last Name

Gender

Male

Female

Date of Birth

Any Former Name

Nationality

Does Proprietor / Proprietress Have a Tax Identification Number (TIN)?

Yes

Section to be filled out by Proprietor / Proprietress who has a TIN

TIN

Section to be filled out by Proprietor / Proprietress who does not have a TIN

Type of Identification Used

Voters Card

National ID

Driver’s License

Date of Issue

Date of Expiry

Country of Issue

Place of Issue

ID Number

Mothers Maiden Last Name

Mothers Maiden First Name

Marital Status

Single

Married

Divorced

Separated

Widowed

Widower

Town of Birth

Country of Birth

Region of Birth

District of Birth

Form A Registration of Business Name – Sole Proprietorship Page 2 of 8

Resident

Yes

Other Information

Importer

Exporter

Tax Consultant

Not Applicable

Current Tax Office

Old TIN

Employment Type

Self Employed

Employee

Employee of a Foreign Mission

Other (Specify)

Employers Name

Main Occupation

Section to be filled out if Proprietor / Proprietress Does Not have a TIN and is Self-employed

Nature of Business

Annual Turnover

No of Employees

Business Address:

House No.

Building Name

Street Name

Town / City

Location / Area

Country

Region

District

Ghana Digital Address

Section to be filled out by all Proprietors / Proprietresses (regardless of whether they have a TIN or not)

Mobile Number 1:
Mobile Number 2:
Phone Number 1:
Phone Number 2:
Fax:
E-mail Address:
Preferred Contact	Mobile	Email	Letter
Postal Address

Form A Registration of Business Name – Sole Proprietorship Page 3 of 8

Care of:

Postal Type

P O Box

PMB

DTD

Postal No

Postal Region

Postal Town

(D)

Residential Address of Proprietor or Proprietress

House No.

Building Name

Street:

Town / City:

Location / Area

Country:

Region:

District:

Ghana Digital Address

Ownership of Premises

Rented

Owner Occupied

Free Use

If Owner Occupied is it part rented?

Yes

If Yes provide details of Landlord

Landlords Name

(E)

Other Place(s) of Business

*House/Building/Flat

(Name or House No.

etc.) /LMB:

*Street:

*City:

*District:

*Region:

*Digital Address:

Ownership of Premises

Rented

Owner Occupied

Free Use

Form A Registration of Business Name – Sole Proprietorship Page 4 of 8

If Owner Occupied is it part rented?

Yes

If Yes provide details of Landlord

Landlords Name

(F)

Postal Address

Care of:

Postal Type

P O Box

PMB

DTD

Postal No

Postal Region

Postal Town

(G)

Contact

Phone No. 1:

Mobile No. 1:

Mobile No. 2:

Fax:

E-mail Address:

Website:

(H)

SME Details

No. of Employees Envisaged:

Revenue Envisaged:

(I)

Business Operating Permit (BOP) Request

Apply for BOP Now

Apply for BOP Later

Already have a BOP*

*Provide BOP Reference No.

(J)

Declaration

I, …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. declare that the information given

(Full name of Applicant)

is correct and complete.

……………………………………………………….
(Signature)	Date (d d / m m / y y y y)
	Form A Registration of Business Name – Sole Proprietorship Page 5 of 8

(K)

Declaration (for an Applicant who cannot read or write)

N/B: I…………………………………………………..of………………………………………………………. (address)

THUMB PRINT

hereby declare that I have read over the contents of this document to the Applicant in the

OF THE

………………………. language and the Applicant appeared to understand same before thumb

APPLICANT

printing.

…………………………………………..

(Signature)

Date (d

d / m m / y

For Official Use Only

Date of Submission of Document:

Transaction ID Number Allocated

ISIC Code

Office Description

(For instructions as to signing etc., see Notes on subsequent pages)

NOTES

This Form must be signed by the Applicant and sent by post, e-mail or electronically delivered to the Registrar of Business Names, P. O. Box 118, Accra, within 28 days after any change in any of the particulars registered. If the applicant cannot read/sign, his or her mark must be made and witnessed. The Witness must write his / her name clearly and give sufficient address.

If the change is in respect of the place of business, the applicant has to state the house number and street (if any) of the new place of business or adequate description of the principal place of business.

Failure, without reasonable excuse, to furnish the Registrar with the required statement of any change in the particulars registered within 28 days of such change will entail liability on conviction to a fine not exceeding GHC

10.00for every day during which the default continues and any statement which contains any false information signed by any applicant knowingly will entail liability and on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding GHC 500.00 or to both such imprisonment and fine.

INSTRUCTIONS TO FILL SOLE PROPRIETOR FORM

Section A:

(i)Business Name: Here state the full name of the business (Name cannot imply ownership of more than 2 people for eg. &, and etc)

(ii)General Nature of Business: please tick (√) the appropriate column/columns applicable to your line of business

(iii)Principal Activity: Out of the above classification selected by you, kindly mention you principal business activity here.

(iv)Date of Commencement: Write here the commencement date of your business in the given format of (dd/mm/yyYY). The business must have commenced within 14 days before registration.

(v)ISIC: State appropriate ISIC code for principal activity

Form A Registration of Business Name – Sole Proprietorship Page 6 of 8

Section B:

Principal Place of Business

(i)State the House/Building/Flat (Name or House No. etc.) Landmark of Building (LMB) in which the business is situated.

(ii)State the Street in which the business is situated.

(iii)State the City in which the business is situated.

(iv)State the District in which the business is situated.

(v)State the Region in which the business is situated.

(vi)Indicate the Ghana Digital Address of the business (www.ghanapostgps.com)

(vii)Please tick ( √ ) the appropriate column for options against ‘‘Ownership of Premises’’.

(viii)Please tick ( √ ) the appropriate column against ‘‘If Owner occupied, is part rented.’’

(ix)State the Landlord's Name in full if appropriate

Section C:

Owner Information

(i)Please provide the First Name, Middle Name and Last Name of the Owner

(ii)Please indicate whether the Owner already has a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).

(iii)If the Owner already has a TIN please provide it

(iv)If the Owner does not already have a TIN please provide the required details including a valid means of identification (Ghana Voters Card, National Identity Card or Driving License) – this will permit Registrar-

General’s Department to submit an application for TIN on his / her behalf.

(v)For all Owners (regardless of whether they have a TIN or not) please provide their Title, Employment Type, Employers Name, Main Occupation, Marital Status, Country of Birth, Region of Birth, Nationality, Resident Status, indication of whether Owner is an Importer, Exporter or Tax Consultant, the Tax Office at which the Owner is currently registered (if applicable), ‘Old’ TIN of Owner (if applicable), Mobile Phone No., Phone No., Fax No., email address, preferred contact mode,

(vi)If the Director is self-employed please also provide: the Nature of Business, Annual Turnover, No. of employees

Section D:

Residential Address of Person Registering

(i)State the House/Building/Flat (Name or House No. etc.) Landmark of Building (LMB) in which the applicant is residing.

(ii)State the Street in which the applicant is residing.

(iii)State the City in which the applicant is residing.

(iv)State the District in which the applicant is residing..

(v)State the Region in which the applicant is residing..

(vi)Indicate the Ghana Digital Address of where the applicant is residing (www.ghanapostgps.com)

(vii)Please tick ( √ ) the appropriate column for options against ‘‘Ownership of Premises’’.

(viii)Please tick ( √ ) the appropriate column against ‘‘If Owner occupied, is part rented.’’

(ix)State the Landlord's Name in full if appropriate

Section E:

Other Places of Business

Each of the two addresses of this section should be filled in under following guidelines:

(i)State the House/Building/Flat (Name or House No. etc.) Landmark of Building (LMB) where branch of business is situated

(ii)State the Street where branch of business is situated

(iii)State the City where branch of business is situated

(iv)State the District where branch of business is situated

(v)State the Region where branch of business is situated

(vi)Indicate the Ghana Digital Address where branch of business is situated (www.ghanapostgps.com)

(vii)Please tick ( √ ) the appropriate column for options against ‘‘Ownership of Premises’’.

(viii)Please tick ( √ ) the appropriate column against ‘‘If Owner occupied, is part rented.’’

Form A Registration of Business Name – Sole Proprietorship Page 7 of 8

(ix) State the Landlord's Name in full if appropriate

Section F:

Postal Address

(i)Specifically mention the C/O against a specific person/company.

(ii)State the Postal Type by ticking ( √ ) the appropriate column from provided options.

(iii)State the complete Postal Number including Prefix and Number.

(iv)State the City.

(v)State the District

(vi)State Region

Section G:

Contacts

(I)One Mobile is mandatory and therefore must be provided. (ii) Phone No. Fax No., Email and Website are optional.

Section H:

SME Details

This section is optional if you fill it then please provide the Total Number of Employees and Revenue Envisaged in the spaces provided

Section I:

Business Operating Permit (BOP) Request

(I)Tick the appropriate box to indicate if you wish to apply for a Business Operating Permit (BOP) Now, Later or whether you Already have a BOP.

(II)If you already have a Business Operating Permit (BOP) please provide the Reference Number

Section J:

Declaration

(i)Here provide the Full Name of the Applicant.

(ii)Provide Signature and date of the Applicant.

Section K:

Declaration

(i)Here provide the Full Name of the Witness.

(ii)State the Residential Address of the Witness.

(iii)Mention here the Language in which the content of the form is read over by the witness for illiterate Applicants.

(iv)A literate person should endorse the Thumb Print of an illiterate person

Form A Registration of Business Name – Sole Proprietorship Page 8 of 8

Get Business Registration PDF Form

Form Characteristics

Fact Name	Description
Governing Law	The Business Registration Form operates under the Registration of Business Names Act, 1962 (Act 151).
Mandatory Fields	Certain fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory. These must be completed to ensure proper registration.
Business Name Requirement	The form requires the business name to be submitted to the Registrar of Companies, ensuring it aligns with existing registrations.
Principal Activity	Proprietors must select a principal activity from a predefined list, which includes sectors such as manufacturing, services, and health.
Business Address	Complete and accurate information regarding the principal place of business is essential for effective communication.
Tax Identification Number	Proprietors are required to specify their Tax Identification Number (TIN) status, which is crucial for tax compliance.
Ownership of Premises	The form inquires whether the business premises are rented, owner-occupied, or used for free, affecting legal obligations.
Field for Identification	Proprietors must indicate the type of identification used and its relevant dates for verification purposes.
Business Operating Permit	Applicants have the option to apply for a Business Operating Permit (BOP) immediately or to do so at a later date.
Declaration	The form includes a declaration section where the applicant must affirm the accuracy of the information provided.

Guidelines on Utilizing Business Registration

Once you gather the necessary information, you can begin filling out the Business Registration form. This process is essential for those looking to officially register their business as a sole proprietorship. Make sure to complete the form accurately and legibly, as any errors may lead to delays in processing your application.

Begin by writing the business name at the top of the form. Ensure it’s spelled out completely and without abbreviations.
Indicate the general nature of your business by selecting one of the provided categories, such as ‘Mining’ or ‘Services’.
Fill in the principal activity and the date your business will commence using the specified format (D D / M M / Y Y Y Y).
Provide the ISIC code related to your business type, if applicable.
Next, enter your business address, including details such as house number, street, city, district, region, and digital address.
Indicate the ownership of the premises: whether it's rented, owner-occupied, or free use. If owner-occupied, specify if part is rented and provide landlord details as required.
For the proprietor or proprietress section, enter personal information, including title, full name, gender, date of birth, and nationality.
State whether the proprietor has a Tax Identification Number (TIN) and fill out the corresponding section if applicable.
Provide identification details, including type, date of issue, expiration date, and country of issue.
Complete marital status, place of birth, and residential information, including ownership of premises.
List any additional business locations that may apply, including pertinent information just like the principal address section.
Include your contact information, including mobile and phone numbers, fax, and email address.
If applicable, provide details regarding the number of employees and anticipated revenue for your business.
State your preference for applying for a Business Operating Permit (BOP) and include any reference number if you already have one.
Finally, sign and date the declaration at the end of the form, affirming the accuracy of your information.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the purpose of the Business Registration form?

The Business Registration form is designed for individuals starting a sole proprietorship. It ensures that the business is officially recognized by the appropriate governmental agencies. Completing this form is a crucial first step in establishing a legal entity for your business, allowing you to operate within all applicable laws and regulations.

What information is required on the form?

Key information includes your business name, principal activity, and the date the business will commence. You must also provide your address, contact information, and details about the ownership of the premises. Proprietors need to fill out personal information, including gender, nationality, marital status, and, if applicable, a Tax Identification Number (TIN). Some fields are mandatory, and all information should be provided clearly, in capital letters, and without abbreviations.

How do I submit the Business Registration form?

Once you've completed the form in black ink, it should be submitted to the Registrar of Companies. The address is P.O. Box 118, Accra. Make sure all fields are filled out correctly before submission to avoid delays in the registration process.

What happens after I submit the form?

After submission, the Registrar will review your application. If all information is accurate and complete, you should receive confirmation of your business registration. This confirmation is essential as it proves that your business is legally recognized. If there are any issues or additional information needed, the Registrar will reach out to you directly.

Do I need a Business Operating Permit (BOP)?

Yes, a Business Operating Permit is often required to operate legally, depending on the nature of your business. The registration form allows you to request a BOP immediately or indicate if you wish to apply for it later. If you already have a BOP, you must include that reference number on the form.

Common mistakes

Many individuals encounter challenges when completing the Business Registration form. These errors can lead to delays or complications in the registration process. Understanding common mistakes can help ensure a smooth application.

One frequent mistake is failing to use black ink and block letters. The instructions clearly state that the form must be completed using black ink, yet some applicants overlook this requirement. Using other colors or writing styles can result in an illegible submission, potentially causing the application to be rejected.

Another common error is not spelling out all words. The form explicitly instructs applicants to avoid abbreviations. However, some individuals fall into the habit of using shorthand, which can lead to confusion regarding business names or addresses. This omission may delay processing and hinder communication.

Inaccurate information regarding principal business activity is also a mistake. Applicants should select a business activity that accurately reflects their operations. Misrepresenting the nature of the business can lead to unnecessary legal complications and mismanagement of expectations from local authorities.

Completing the personal information section incorrectly is another issue that arises. The section demands specific details about the proprietor's identity, including their full name and date of birth. Providing incorrect personal information can raise questions about the applicant's legitimacy. All information must be accurate to avoid complications later in the process.

Additionally, many applicants forget to provide both a primary and backup contact number. A missing mobile number can hinder effective communication. Government officials or clients may need to reach the proprietor quickly, and a lack of contact information can create unnecessary barriers.

Another mistake involves the address details. Incomplete or incorrect addresses, particularly the digital address, can confuse those processing the registration. An accurate address is crucial for correspondence and compliance monitoring. It is advisable to double-check all entries for errors before submission.

Failure to clarify ownership status of premises is another oversight that often occurs. Applicants must select whether their business premises are owned or rented. Neglecting to do this, or providing incomplete landlord information, can lead to verification issues later on.

Moreover, some individuals neglect to indicate their Tax Identification Number (TIN) status correctly. Those who have a TIN must provide that information accurately. In contrast, those without one must ensure they fill out the relevant sections completely. Missteps in TIN reporting can result in tax complications.

Finally, completing the declaration section carelessly can lead to serious consequences. The declaration certifies that all information is correct and complete. Submitting a form without an appropriate signature or date can render the application invalid. Ensuring that this section is appropriately filled out is imperative for validation.

Documents used along the form

When starting a business, several key documents usually accompany the Business Registration form. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose and helps ensure that the business is legally compliant and properly registered. Below are some of the most common forms and documents that businesses may need to submit alongside their registration.

Employer Identification Number (EIN): This is a unique number assigned by the IRS for tax purposes. Most businesses need an EIN to hire employees and manage taxes.
Operating Agreement: Particularly for LLCs, this document outlines the management structure and operational procedures of the business. It helps define the roles and responsibilities of owners.
Business Licenses and Permits: Depending on the nature of the business and location, various local, state, or federal licenses may be necessary. These allow the business to operate legally within its industry.
Tax Identification Number (TIN): Similar to an EIN, a TIN is crucial for tax reporting. Sole proprietors may apply for one to make tax processes easier.
Shareholder Agreement: For corporations, this document details the rights and responsibilities of shareholders. It can also cover aspects like how shares can be sold or transferred.
Fictitious Business Name Registration: Often referred to as a “Doing Business As” (DBA) registration, it allows a business to operate under a name different from its legal name.
Partnership Agreement: For partnerships, this document defines the terms of the partnership, including profit sharing, responsibilities, and dispute resolution methods.

Having these documents in order can significantly streamline the process of launching a business. Clear organization and understanding of these forms will help set a strong foundation for future operations.

Similar forms

The Business Registration form is similar to several other documents used for business purposes. Below are eight documents that share similarities:

Operating Agreement: This document outlines the internal operations of a business, much like the Business Registration form details the business structure and operational aspects.
Partnership Agreement: Similar in purpose, this agreement includes the roles and responsibilities of partners, resembling the ownership details required in the Business Registration form.
Employer Identification Number (EIN) Application: Both forms require detailed business information to identify the business for tax purposes, making them comparable.
Sales Tax Registration Form: Like the Business Registration form, this document collects essential business information to comply with state tax regulations.
DBA (Doing Business As) Registration: This document allows a business to operate under a name different from its legal name, similar to how the Business Registration form captures the business name.
Business License Application: Both documents gather detailed information about the business nature and owner, serving a similar function in establishing legitimacy.
Nonprofit Organization Registration: Comparable in structure, this registration involves detailing the organization's purpose and governing body, analogous to the business activities outlined in the Business Registration form.
Certificate of Incorporation: This document certifies the formation of a corporation, requiring specific business information just like the Business Registration form.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Business Registration form, it's important to ensure accuracy and completeness. Here are five key actions to take and avoid:

Do use black ink and block letters for clarity.
Do spell out all words completely without using abbreviations.
Do ensure all mandatory fields are completed, especially those marked with an asterisk.
Don't skip providing your Tax Identification Number (TIN) if applicable; ensure this section is filled out correctly.
Don't leave out contact information; provide multiple ways to reach you, including mobile and email.

Adhering to these guidelines can help prevent delays in the registration process and ensure a smoother experience overall.

Misconceptions

Here are six common misconceptions about the Business Registration form:

Anyone can fill out the form without guidance. It's crucial to understand that specific instructions must be followed. This includes using black ink and block letters. Missteps can lead to application delays.
All fields are optional. Many fields are mandatory. Asterisks (*) indicate which fields must be completed. Skipping them can result in rejection of the application.
All applicants need a Tax Identification Number (TIN). While having a TIN can streamline the process, not all proprietors have one. The form provides sections for those without a TIN.
The business address must be a commercial location. The address can also be a home address, especially for sole proprietorships. As long as it is used for business activities, it is acceptable.
The application can be submitted by anyone on behalf of the proprietor. The form typically requires the proprietor or proprietress to sign it. This ensures the information is accurate and verified by the business owner.
Once submitted, the form cannot be changed. If you need to make corrections after submission, reaching out to the registration office may allow for amendments. Always check the local regulations for updates.

Key takeaways

Filling out and using the Business Registration form is a key step for anyone starting a business. Here are some important takeaways to keep in mind:

Use Black Ink: Always complete the form using black ink and in block letters. This ensures readability.
No Abbreviations: Spell out all words. Avoid using abbreviations to prevent confusion.
Mandatory Fields: Pay special attention to fields marked with an asterisk (*). These are required and must be filled out.
Principal Activities: Clearly indicate the nature of your business. Choose from the list provided, such as finance, services, or health.
Business Address: Provide a complete address, including house numbers and street names. Double-check for accuracy.
Ownership Information: Identify if the premises are rented, owner-occupied, or used freely. If rented, include the landlord's details.
Proprietor Information: Fill in your personal details, including your full name, date of birth, and nationality.
Tax Identification Number: If you have a TIN, ensure it's correctly noted. If not, select the appropriate form of ID.
Contact Information: Include multiple ways for the registrar to reach you, such as phone numbers and email addresses.

By keeping these points in mind, you can navigate the Business Registration form with ease and ensure that your application is processed smoothly.

Browse Other Templates

Bank Forms - The form helps ensure compliance with global banking regulations.

Scheduled Award for Knee - The form must be signed by an authorized individual from the business.

SS Employment Statement,Non-Covered Job Earnings Declaration,Government Employment Notification,Social Security Exemption Acknowledgment,Pension Impact Statement,Job Coverage Disclosure Form,Retirement Benefit Advisory,Social Security Impact Notice,P - Additional resources for SSA-45 can be found on the Social Security website.