sole proprietorship business in small community - requirements?

I have always paid taxes on my sole proprietorship business via my personal tax returns.

Is there a requirement to do anything else with the local community you are based out of?

As a photographer or videographer?

Quite likely. Your bylaws might require any resident conducting businesses to have a business licence, even if you're based out of your own home (speaking of which, they're likely to put constrains on your business if it's home-based: such as not being able to list your address on promotional pieces or business cards, not being allowed to place signs on the exterior of the premises, among many others). You need to check with your local city hall.

It all depends on your community. For me I don't need to do anything until I start to have employees working at my house and then its a simple home use permit. Every town is different though and some more uppity than others....I would check with whatever entity is in charge of local zoning.

We have lived in the community since 2003. Most work is out of town, aside from editing. I know so many others that haven't and began thinking about this last year. I'll see if I can find some info from someone in our local admin.

I joined the chamber for a couple years; but it was completely fruitless, so we pulled out of that.

Many city/town and county websites include the text of all the local ordinances. That's where you'd find the rules about licensing and taxation.

Don't take advice from photographers. See your accountant.

gjl711 wrote in post #17883860
Don't take advice from photographers. See your accountant.

This. Although much of the advice here is correct, its best to check with your accountant and the local government. The accountant should know about taxation and the city/village clerk can advise you regarding the need for any licensure.

Thank you, I really wasn't sure 'who' to talk to. I will talk to an accountant. I have a friend that works with the county as well.
I appreciate the input!

gonzogolf wrote in post #17883900
Although much of the advice here is correct, its best to check with your accountant and the local government. The accountant should know about taxation

Should but not necessarily does. In my city, people who worked at home and used federal Schedule C or C-EZ were surprised one year by bills that included interest and penalties for three years back. Some who had accountants hadn't been warned; their accountants didn't know. An accountant isn't a comprehensive business consultant.

OhLook wrote in post #17884424
Should but not necessarily does. In my city, people who worked at home and used federal Schedule C or C-EZ were surprised one year by bills that included interest and penalties for three years back. Some who had accountants hadn't been warned; their accountants didn't know. An accountant isn't a comprehensive business consultant.

There are comprehensive tax reference guides published each year for accountants to consult. I suppose you can hire a poor accountant just like you can hire a poor photographer.

gonzogolf wrote in post #17884434
There are comprehensive tax reference guides published each year for accountants to consult. I suppose you can hire a poor accountant just like you can hire a poor photographer.

I don't blame the accountants. To fill the gaps in accountants' knowledge, the guides would have to include the city government's requirements. The city does a lousy job of informing the public. Many people who do something or other that generates a little income to report on Sch. C don't think of themselves as business owners, but the city ordinance defines them as such.

OhLook wrote in post #17884443
I don't blame the accountants. To fill the gaps in accountants' knowledge, the guides would have to include the city government's requirements. The city does a lousy job of informing the public. Many people who do something or other that generates a little income to report on Sch. C don't think of themselves as business owners, but the city ordinance defines them as such.

That's exactly what the guides do.