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2022 to 2017 Crosswalk USA
NAICS 2022
488390
NAICS 2017 equivalent
488390

Convert 488390 from NAICS 2022 to 2017

Other Support Activities for Water Transportation

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Mapped 2017 codes (1)

Official Census concordance between NAICS 2022 and 2017 editions.

SBA size standard and full classification details are on the

NAICS 488390 detail page

Frequently asked questions

What is NAICS 488390?
NAICS 488390 is the North American Industry Classification System code for Other Support Activities for Water Transportation. It classifies this business activity for statistical, regulatory, and government procurement purposes. Federal agencies use NAICS codes to collect and publish data about the US economy, determine SBA size standards, and set aside contracts for small businesses.
What licenses and permits does a Other Support Activities for Water Transportation need?
A Other Support Activities for Water Transportation typically needs a local business license, a federal EIN from the IRS, and industry-specific permits depending on the sector. Check with your city or county clerk for a general business license, your state's professional or industry licensing board for any required occupational licenses, and your state's tax authority for a sales tax permit if you sell taxable goods or services.
How do I register a Other Support Activities for Water Transportation business in the United States?
To register a Other Support Activities for Water Transportation business, first choose your legal structure: sole proprietorship (simplest, uses SSN), LLC (personal liability protection, files with your Secretary of State), or corporation (Form 1120 or 1120-S). Register your business name (DBA) with your county if operating under a trade name. Obtain an EIN from the IRS at irs.gov/ein. Register with your state revenue department for any applicable taxes.
What tax forms does a Other Support Activities for Water Transportation file with the IRS?
Tax forms depend on your entity type. A sole proprietor files Schedule C with Form 1040 and Schedule SE for self-employment tax (15.3%). An LLC taxed as a partnership files Form 1065 with Schedule K-1s. A C-Corporation files Form 1120 (21% flat rate). An S-Corporation files Form 1120-S. All businesses paying employees file Form 940 (FUTA) annually and Form 941 quarterly. Estimated tax payments are made via Form 1040-ES four times per year.
Is Other Support Activities for Water Transportation the right NAICS code for my business?
Your NAICS code should reflect your primary business activity — the one generating the most revenue or value. If Other Support Activities for Water Transportation describes your main line of business, NAICS 488390 is likely correct. If you have multiple distinct activities, you may need separate codes for statistical reporting. For federal contracting, your SAM.gov registration should use the code that best matches the work you perform. Review the official NAICS 488390 description and exclusions to confirm it fits your operations.
Do I need a USDOT number for my Other Support Activities for Water Transportation?
You need a USDOT number if you operate commercial vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR in interstate commerce, transport hazardous materials requiring placards, or transport more than 8 passengers (including driver) for compensation. Most states also require a USDOT number for intrastate operations. Register at the FMCSA Unified Registration System (URS). Failure to register can result in fines up to $16,000 per day.
What is an MC number and when does a Other Support Activities for Water Transportation need one?
An MC (Motor Carrier) number is FMCSA operating authority required for for-hire carriers transporting regulated commodities across state lines. you need MC authority if you transport property or passengers for compensation in interstate commerce. The application fee is $300 per authority type. You must also file BOC-3 (process agent) and maintain BMC-84 or BMC-85 insurance/bond coverage.
What insurance does a Other Support Activities for Water Transportation need to operate legally?
FMCSA requires minimum liability insurance for interstate carriers: $750,000 for general freight (vehicles under 10,001 lbs), $1,000,000-$5,000,000 for vehicles over 10,001 lbs depending on commodity, and $1,500,000-$5,000,000 for passenger carriers (based on seating capacity). Cargo insurance is not federally required but is standard practice. Workers' compensation is mandatory in most states for any employees.
Does a Other Support Activities for Water Transportation need to file IFTA quarterly fuel tax returns?
Yes, if you operate qualified motor vehicles (two axles over 26,000 lbs or three+ axles regardless of weight) across state lines, you must file IFTA (International Fuel Tax Agreement) quarterly returns. IFTA consolidates fuel tax reporting across 48 contiguous states and 10 Canadian provinces into one return. Base jurisdiction is typically your state of registration. Keep detailed mileage and fuel purchase records by jurisdiction.

US Tax Forms & Registration

Form NameWho Files ItFrequency
Profit or Loss from Business
U.S. Return of Partnership Income
U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return
U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation
Self-Employment Tax
Estimated Tax for Individuals
Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Entity Classification Election
Nonemployee Compensation
Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return
Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return
Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification

Entity Comparison

$

No federal sales tax in the United States. Sales tax is imposed at state and local levels, ranging from 0% to 10.25%. Economic nexus thresholds (following South Dakota v. Wayfair) require out-of-state sellers to collect sales tax once they exceed a state's revenue or transaction threshold, typically $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions per year.

No state income tax: Alaska (AK), Florida (FL), Nevada (NV), New Hampshire (NH), South Dakota (SD), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Washington (WA), Wyoming (WY)

Who uses this code?

Airport Shuttle Operator

Runs a shared-ride shuttle service between airports, hotels, and downtown business districts.

Licenses
  • Airport operating permit
  • City PUC license
  • Commercial fleet insurance
Tax Forms
  • Form 1065 or 1120-S
  • Form 940 (FUTA)
  • Form 941
Towing Company Owner

Operates a fleet of tow trucks providing roadside assistance, accident recovery, and impound services.

Licenses
  • State tow truck permit
  • DOT number
  • Wrecker license
  • Insurance and bond
Tax Forms
  • Schedule C or 1120-S
  • Form 940 (FUTA)
  • Form 2290 (HVUT)
Third-Party Logistics Coordinator

Provides outsourced logistics and supply chain management services to manufacturers and retailers.

Licenses
  • Freight broker license
  • Cargo insurance
  • WMS/TMS software
Tax Forms
  • Schedule C (Form 1040)
  • Schedule SE (Form 1040)
Port Drayage Operator

Moves shipping containers between seaports and nearby rail yards or distribution centers.

Licenses
  • CDL Class A
  • TWIC card (port access)
  • DOT/MC number
  • Port concession
Tax Forms
  • Schedule C (Form 1040)
  • IFTA quarterly
  • Form 2290 (HVUT)