Helpful Handbooks


The handbooks listed below are in Adobe Portable Document Format (.PDF), therefore Adobe Acrobat Reader or Accessibility Tools are needed to access them. Click here to obtain a free download of Adobe Acrobat Reader. 

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If an alternate version of a handbook is needed, but not available, contact PA Open for Business at paoforb@pa.gov, or submit an eAssistance Request Form
 

Entrepreneur's Guide: Starting and Growing a Business in Pennsylvania (1.22MB) The Entrepreneur's Guide is intended to direct entrepreneurs to the people, agencies, and sources of information that can provide answers to business development and growth questions.   This compendium of information includes a business checklist on getting started, a worksheet to assess a business idea, an outline for business plan development, business growth information, web sites and telephone numbers for contacting business related agencies, Pennsylvania resources and much more.

    
DEP Small Business 
This site provides information on how businesses can cut the cost of compliance with environmental requirements and at the same time do a better job of protecting the environment. 
 
Guide to DEP Permits and Other Authorizations (809 KB)
The Guide to DEP Permits takes you step-by-step through the permitting process.  Helping companies and the public understand and navigate the permitting process is the first step in making sure they comply with environmental regulations. 
 

Retailer's Information Guide for State and Local Sales, Use, and Hotel Occupancy Tax, Public Transportation Assistance Fund Taxes and Fees (PTA) and Vehicle Rental Tax (VRT) (108 KB) This is a comprehensive listing of taxable and non-taxable tangible personal property and services, as well as rate charts for Sales, Local and PTA taxes.


Tax Information for Farmers for State and Local Sales and Use Tax (284 KB)
This guide provides information relating to Sales and Use Tax, as it specifically pertains to farmers and farming operations in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

 
Employer Withholding Information Guide (REV-415 ) (96KB)
This guide is a comprehensive source of information for employers who withhold Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax from their employees.  It focuses on the different types of compensation and whether it is subject to withholding tax. 

 
Pennsylvania Use Tax & You (REV-1748) (80 KB)
This pamphlet has been developed to provide businesses and individuals with helpful information regarding Pennsylvania Use Tax, set up in an easy to understand question and answer format.  

 
PA Employer UC Withholding, UCP-25
This pamphlet is a source of information for employers when the Unemployment Compensation trigger mechanism takes effect, and employers are required to withhold a portion of their employee's wages. 

 
Employer's Reference Guide to Unemployment Compensation (UCP-36) (292 KB)
This comprehensive guide provides general information about an employer's rights and responsibilities under the PA Unemployment Compensation Law.   


Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Services for Employers, UCP-39
This pamphlet is a quick reference guide to the UC program's Employer Services.  It includes contacts for issues relating to UC benefits, UC taxes, hiring workers who had been unemployed and reporting UC fraud.   

 
Controlling UC Costs for Contributory Employers, UCP-40
This pamphlet describes ways employers can reduce their UC costs.  

 
Workforce Information & Statistics
These publications provide information about the Pennsylvania labor market, workforce development, statistics, and employment projects that will help an employer with its decisions to start, maintain and grow a business in Pennsylvania.   


Your Guide to Workers' Compensation Insurance (143 KB)
The purpose of this guide is to give a brief introduction to workers' compensation and how it affects employers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  This guide will also help employers comparison shop for an insurance company which is right for them.   

 
A Guide to Business Registration in Pennsylvania from the Department of State
After deciding to establish a business, the first item to consider is the type of business organization to use. Legal and tax considerations will help to determine the final choice, as well as personal needs and the needs of the particular business. There are advantages and disadvantages to each of the legal forms of business types. Entrepreneurs must examine all of the characteristics and consult a knowledgeable legal professional when considering the formation of a business.