Business licenses / permits, Tax ID's in the US

[samckitt]

Forgive me if this is a dumb question or been asked before. But I am curious what licenses, permits, tax IDs are required to have a photography business & to collect money in the US.

Thanks,
Scot

[hijinks]

Most vary state to state tax id can be your ssn. It is not a bad idea to have an LLC to protect your personnel assets. Let us know what state you are and we might be able to help you more.

[samckitt]

Indiana. Thanks

[deadpass]

you'll most likely get your tax id number through your local department of taxation.

[GPR1]

Some cities require a business license, then generally you register your business with the state. If you just want to be a sole proprieter you can just use your social security number for the feds, but if you choose an LLC or other corp for your protection, you'll need a tax id number from the IRS. It's a one page form and easy to get.

Greg

[tbfoto]

Hi Scott, I'm in Indiana and was asking all these questions just one year ago. I struggled trying to find the answers online. The BEST thing I did was went to a CPA when I had my taxes filled out and asked him all the questions that I had. He/She will know the answers and how they relate to Indiana laws. My CPA put together all the paperwork for me and helped me get going in the right direction. Yes it did cost me about $150.00 for his time but I have peace of mind knowing that I'm set up properly and doing things right. His fees are tax deductable as a business expense as well.

Tom

[rhys]

In SC you need a business licence for every district in which you take photos. Thus, if I wanted to cover the whole of Columbia as a wedding photographer then I'd need half a dozen different licences and at $100 each that's not cheap.