michigan small business sale

I want to start a small vintage shop but am a little in the dark on the legal aspects of business taxes, sales tax, hiring employees, etc. I want to make sure I do all the paperwork, so to speak. I know how to register my business as a sole proprietorship, but thats about it. Any info/resources would be appreciated.

Early in 07, I planned to form an LLC in Michigan,as a sole proprietor. I registered a DBA, and got a federal tax id, but that is all. Is it a business at this point, or do I need to submit articles of incorporation, to make it official? I formed it because I wanted to start a business renovating distressed homes as well as doing home staging and home improvements for others. I pulled out my 401k and purchased a vacant home at an auction and renovated it to kick off this business. If I put the money from the sale into a business checking, but then pull out money as needed for living expenses not related to the business, will I have to pay taxes on what I pull out of it, as it may be viewed as paying myself income? During this time, as far as my "real" job goes, I have lost income this year and my credit has gone from great to horrible and I fear that my creditors will sue. Would funds in a business acct be protected so I can continue? to clarify...the funds put into the business aren't taxable, but if, for example, $300 per month were pulled out and not used for marketing/epenses, but instead, as living expenses, would they be treated as taxable income? If not, please explain why. Is if because it's a sole proprietorship, so it all washes out in the end? The money from the sale was not profit, but what is left of my 401k that I pulled out to buy it with.

I'd like to start a home-based service business. I would like to do event planning. Where do I start? I'm not even sure if this business will work in my "somewhat" small area. I don't want to put a lot of money into start up and fall flat on my face. Do I need to see a lawyer? How to keep track for income tax purposes? Sales tax in Michigan??

Why is it that townships in the state of Michigan don't not pay sales taxes or even a percent of sales taxes but charge sales tax? Michigan as a state funds them why souldn't they have to pay some back? What makes them any better than us small business?

I was buying a "Greatful Dead" t-shirt for my daughter's birthday (her favorite band) from a locally owned business store in Ann Arbor, Michigan. There was a bumber sticker on sale that said "Legalize it". What are they referring to? Have they made cigarette smoking illegal in that city? (I remember the owner nervously put out his cigarette when I entered in my business suit) Where should I go to fight back against those pinko-commies in the government who are banning tobacco? How can I help out this nice enterprising small business owner?