Do I need a license to sell my pictures?

[ghaleon109]

A couple of people asked me if I would sell them a print or two, but do I need a license to do that...? I mean I'ts not going to be the coppyright or anything, just a print... I wouldn't think that you would need one, but you never know I guess.

Thanks

[robertwgross]

Not really.

However, some cities are very strict about businesses having business licenses. Some cities don't enforce it.

If you kept it "small potatoes" then likely the city will not seek you out to try to enforce some license law. Besides, you could claim that you were just getting reimbursed for your hobby expenses, and that it was not a business affair.

The thing to do would be to find out how your city handles it.

If you generated enough income from this, then the state and federal tax men will want to know, but for a "small potatoes" deal, nobody much cares.

---Bob Gross---

[ghaleon109]

Thanks Bob, you always have great responces!

Well, since you mentioned it I did check the local city law and they said that as long as I don't make over $3,000 then it's only consitered a Hobby and I wouldn't need a license. However, if I go over that then I'll be subjected to all the legal issues that come with a business, but I don't plan on making that much because it is still really just a Hobby right now.

Thanks again

[robertwgross]

I know of some photographers who have relocated to a different city and one to a different state, just to find the right place with suitable license and tax laws.

---Bob Gross---

[rklepper]

In Iowa you also need a sales tax permit.

[vwpilot]

Depends on what the print is of.

If its an artful print like a landscape or something, you are probably fine. But if it has trademarked stuff in it, you will need a license from them to sell it. For instance in shooting motorsports I need the permission from the sanctioning body, the drivers, the sponsors on the cars, etc. If its something like that, you might need permission.