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05/30/2005 02:00:02 AM · #1 |
I was wondering if anyone could give me some idea of where to start in regards to business licenses and permits for taking photos at events and selling prints. I've found a site that will let me upload prints and sell them, and can even make things password protected and all. But a friend of mine told me that doing this would likely constitute as starting a business and that maybe I should look into the more legal aspects of setting this up.
And I'm just at a loss. I'm sure different states are different (I live in Illinois), but if anyone has any info regarding what kinds of permits, etc. would be needed, I would really appreciate it.
Not looking to start a big studio or anything, just sell some prints that I shoot at smaller events.
Thanks for the help! |
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05/30/2005 02:07:55 AM · #2 |
Visit the website for the Secretary of State of your state. You should find the info you need there. YOu'll need to register with the state and then with the IRS. It's a fairly easy process.
You might also check out the series of posts that mavrik has written.
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05/30/2005 02:14:35 AM · #3 |
| Typically, it is a good idea to have a license and tax ID number if you are going to have some revenue exceed $5000 in a calendar year. Any amount less than this will not draw much attention and you shouldn't worry about it. Any revenue in excess of $15000 has the potential to draw attention and you should follow the business requirements of your state and of course get a tax ID. |
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05/30/2005 03:00:12 AM · #4 |
Originally posted by jfaulkner:
Typically, it is a good idea to have a license and tax ID number if you are going to have some revenue exceed $5000 in a calendar year. Any amount less than this will not draw much attention and you shouldn't worry about it. Any revenue in excess of $15000 has the potential to draw attention and you should follow the business requirements of your state and of course get a tax ID. |
If I only expect to do maybe 3-5 events a year, and MAYBE make only about $100 a pop....is it worth all this trouble?? Or is it really a good idea to get myself legitimatized? I'm torn cause it's looking like a decent amount of paperwork so far for something that was going to be a "side job". But, if I'm really going to do it, I'd like for the organizations I take pics for to know that I'm legit....
Perhaps I'm too young and shouldn't be adventuring out into this world in the first place *sigh*
Just seemed like if I was going to be taking pics anyways, I might as well see if people wanted to buy them! |
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05/30/2005 05:22:24 PM · #5 |
It's a hobby. You can make money on a hobby. Go to a Craft show and see.
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05/30/2005 05:37:36 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by ladyhawk22:
If I only expect to do maybe 3-5 events a year, and MAYBE make only about $100 a pop....is it worth all this trouble?? |
I says you don't need no steenking license. When you start making a few thou, then look into it.
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05/30/2005 06:16:24 PM · #7 |
It all depends on how Gestapo-like the authorities are in your area. Here in Easley, SC, we have to have a (temporary) business license for a yard sale (fer cripessake!), and if you do any, repeat any business in this town you darn well better have a city issued or statewide business license.
Some areas are just like that. They see licenses and permits as a large part of their revenue and don't take it lightly when someone conducts business without one.
The good news is that most licenses and permits aren't very expensive. If I get an Easley business license, it's $90 a year. However, I can get a statewide retail license for $50 a year.
It really pays to go to your state's & town's websites and look it up. A license is definately cheaper than a fine, and I'm pretty sure you can get a taxpayer ID number for free. Here's the IRS Small Business Website. This should answer a lot of questions.
Hope some of this helps.
Sara
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05/30/2005 06:52:23 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by kpriest:
Originally posted by ladyhawk22:
If I only expect to do maybe 3-5 events a year, and MAYBE make only about $100 a pop....is it worth all this trouble?? |
I says you don't need no steenking license. When you start making a few thou, then look into it. |
Hahahahaha, a few thou??? THAT would be something INDEED. If I start to make a few thou....well....there would be a new camera, first of all ;-)
Maybe if the IRS comes knocking at my door I could just point at my 4year old Sony and say, "Seriously??" |
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