Business question

[plastick]

I've been into digital photography for a while now and I have been taking pictures at several weddings for friends and friends of friends... for free. Basically I got the idea that I should advertise my self as a photographer (mainly weddings) around town to get some money for my efforts.

What I plan to do:
I just want to create a simple static website with information about what I will provide as a digital photographer. That would be pictures at a certian price and handeling all of the digital to paper processing. Then I will get some business cards and distribute them around to bridal stores and wherever else.

Now my question for you great and smart atot people is this: is there some sort of legal procedure that I need to follow before executing my plan? Mainly I am wondering if I have to get a lisence and/or pay taxes and any other kinds of other legal crap...

Any help is appreciated!
Thanks

 

[VictorLazlo]

Just photoshop spider-cat-monkies into all your photos, and you will be famous!

 

[plastick]

*chuckles*

But seriously I am really serious about doing this and I think I can have some success (Any business is success). So I want to make sure I do everything legally.

 

[Insomnium]

Yes, there is actually a ton of crap you'll have to get involved with if you want to officially establish a small business. However, it seems as though you won't be employing anyone to work for you, so the process should be easier for a one man operation, but you'll still have to work things out like insurance, and license fees that apply to your region. The best thing to do is to get in touch with a Small Business Development Center in your region or state and find out what's up. I think most states and major cities have them.

Edit: You can go it alone and go "under the table", but you might not be as credible to your customers. I can also see you appearing on Judge Judy

 

[KillyKillall]

Here you go

http://www.sba.gov/

Link

 

[CPA]

If you're going to be a one-man sole propreitorship then you only need to worry about keeping track of your expenses. You will file a schedule C come tax time. Unless your state requires it (your state probably requires photographers to collect sales tax of the photos they sell), you shouldn't need anything else.

 

[plastick]

Cool. Thanks guys.

And to make things clearer, I dont actually want to start an official business like with a name and all kinds of stuff. It's just me and my camera. Kinda like the guys next door pays you for raking the yard.. The webpage is just for info on what I will do. I wont have a business residence or even an office. know what i mean? There need not be any organization at all except for making sure I provide good pics and come through with developement..

Of course, what is the state's definition of business?

 

[rh71]

willing to give up your weekends.. the entire day ? That's a dedicated job.

But that's also a great way to meet single chicks.

 

[Descartes]

Originally posted by: plastick
Cool. Thanks guys.

And to make things clearer, I dont actually want to start an official business like with a name and all kinds of stuff. It's just me and my camera. Kinda like the guys next door pays you for raking the yard.. The webpage is just for info on what I will do. I wont have a business residence or even an office. know what i mean?

Of course, what is the state's definition of business?

For many people, myself included, home is the office. I'm an S-Corp, and I expense a substantial portion of my home for my office, etc.

Good luck with your endeavor!

 

[plastick]

Well does my last post free me from anything?

Do I still have to seek whoever about this and pay something?

 

[Descartes]

I was once an independent contractor, but I've forgotten most of what was required at that time. I was receiving 1099s for my services though, and your situation is entirely different.

CPA provided you with pretty much all you need, but I would buy this book. It's a great read, and it covers all of your questions.

 

[plastick]

nevermind. I will call my sbdc in my town. Thanks atot!

 

[CPA]

Originally posted by: plastick
Well does my last post free me from anything?

Do I still have to seek whoever about this and pay something?

Again, you will report this as self-income on schedule C of your 1040 IRS filing. No biggie.

The only other concern you should have is your state's sales tax requirements. Just call up the State Revenue or Treasury department and ask them.

You should not have to file anything else, until the time you plan on incorporating or forming a partnership. That's what's great about America, anyone, at anytime, with little initial effort (notice I didn't mention cost) can start a business.