DoI need any licenses to start my own online business?

I would like to set-up a business online. Do I need to register as an actual business before I can do so?

All depends on what kind of business and which state you're located. You should contact your local Chamber of Commerce.

Nope....BUT....remember this.

***You can register for a D&B (Dunn & Bradstreet) number for free.

***You can register for an EIN (Employee Identification Number) from www.irs.gov for free.

***If you are a legal business, you can deduct part of your rent, and supplies (office / business) as expenses on your tax returns.

***If a company sells you a product, or enough of it to consider you a business, or you say you're an independent contractor they have you fill out a W-9 (Wage earners statement) and report it to the IRS udner your social security number if you don't have an EIN.

***You will need to be figure how much sales / federal tax to deduct monthly so you don't end up owing money.

*** There are MILLIONS of free programs on the web where you plug in your numbers and it calculates everything for you. Don't sit back thinking this is more crap than you bargained for. It's worth it.

***Most business licenses run $35 or less (unless you live in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, etc) and renew annually.

***Start your business off right, keep your receipts and get your piece of the pie

Diva

Oh yeah - and if you hire more than 3 people, think about getting workmans compensation employment insurance and get incorporated - this will prevent the seizure of your house and personal assetts if you go bankrupt or a retarded employee goes on the rampage and burns down your house...

Compared to offline businesses, the investment required to start an online business is minimal. A popular way of earning money on the internet is by providing information and services. This can be monetised by advertising or charging a subscription. You can also make money online by selling products on auction websites like eBay or through your own website. More information available at http://tinyurl.com/syw6m

You're going to want to check your state info as well as your business type info. You can find licensing information here: http://www.sba.gov/hotlist/license.html -- Small Business Administration, Where to Obtain Business Licenses (a state listing)

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Nope... but still you need to have a TOP-LEVEL Internet Address to have maximum exposure and integrity.

I therefore recommend you to get your domain name, build your webpage, host and publish 'em, and your online business is on the go!
Pick service company that are strong and reliable like GDI.
Besides being able to start free for 7-days, you can also make money from their affiliate programme at the same time!

Learn how to get the maximum benefit by paying attention to the presentation:
http://www.website.ws/cybalgua

and visit the company profile and member testimonies at:
http://www.freedom.ws

Goodluck to your online entrepreneurship ventures!