When do you get a Business License?

[mommywesley]

Just curious when you should get a Business License? When you start taking money?? Or right away...I don't have one, and wondering when I should get one. When is it legally required?

[scootermcq]

Alot will depend on where you live. Rules here in Canada are different vs the States vs UK etc.

[mommywesley]

Ah, so I guess knowing where I am would help I'm in the US, KS.

[mshockley]

Agreed with Scott, it depends on State/County Laws. For example, here in Iowa, Scott County, if your using your legal name as any part of the name your doing business as, we don't file for a seperate business/trade name license. I went to my State and County Webpages and found much of the info. I needed, and also downloadable forms, etc. I would start researching your local laws there.

[bhursey]

I got one the moment I started providing services to my community as in paid shoots. Sure you could get away with not having one for a while. However I did not fell like having to higher a lawyer in the future. Also since I sell prints online, any of the ones delivered to my state I have to pay sales tax on. You can get a tax id from your local state tax office. Zenfoleo does a good job at only charging tax for people in your state. I did go to an accountant before making a decision of getting a tax id and business license. It was highly recommended to do so by them and i was informed it was technically required. My business licenses is about 120$ a year for my city.. Im in Oakwood Ga.

My business is under my name..

[mshockley]

Originally Posted by bhursey

I got one the moment I started providing services to my community as in paid shoots. Sure you could get away with not having one for a while. However I did not fell like having to higher a lawyer in the future. Also since I sell prints online, any of the ones delivered to my state I have to pay sales tax on. You can get a tax id from your local state tax office. Zenfoleo does a good job at only charging tax for people in your state. I did go to an accountant before making a decision of getting a tax id and business license. It was highly recommended to do so by them and i was informed it was technically required. My business licenses is about 120$ a year for my city.. Im in Oakwood Ga.

My business is under my name..

Okay, see this is different than what i was told down at my county office. They do require the tax ID, but did not require a seperate license for a sole proprietor business operating under taxpayer's legal name.

[Jim Bryant]

If you have a business license displayed, clients take your business more seriously. Besides, it'll show you what a royal pain in the ass it is to charge tax on orders, keep up with proper paperwork and file end of year State and city taxes. It's what is expected of those making money by selling photography. I know one area photographer who turned another in for not having a biz license and that lady ended up getting fined over $10K.

[mommywesley]

Okay, thank you for all the replies guys! Looks like I need to take a search online for my state requirements.

[bhursey]

Originally Posted by mommywesley

Okay, thank you for all the replies guys! Looks like I need to take a search online for my state requirements.

Besides online look up an local accountant normally some have the first session free with no requirement for a follow up. Also contact your local tax office.

[mommywesley]

Originally Posted by bhursey

Besides online look up an local accountant normally some have the first session free with no requirement for a follow up. Also contact your local tax office.

Thanks! I'll contact our tax guy...I think he does taxes for a couple of the photographers that go to our church. Also, the photographer that I am working with, I'll check with her too!