Business or not

Well, ever since I started with photography I have told everyone that asks if I want to do it for a living-- "if it works out then I do, but
I'm not going to actively pursue it as a career choice" .

Well, lately I have been getting a few paid gigs (I have also been getting a lot of jobs making websites for people).

My father wants me to become a business now for tax purposes (so I dont get screwed by the IRS). I am a staff photographer for a venue, and this summer I am allowed to advertise and sell prints of the shows (big name shows, not local bands). I also am doing photo packages for the summer art camps in the area (just sent out 100 order forms today).


So what do you think? What kind of things should I consider? I'm interested in learning how to run a business (actually thought about going to school for it). Are there any risks involved? I already have the gear needed, I just need to not get IRS'ed to death at this point.

Business Plan

LLC, and the Business Aspect.

Do I need a LLC or Buisness License (or both/neither)

Yikes, I hope the IRS doesn't visit here and look you up. I doubt they do but you made it easy for them to start asking questions. You are somehow reporting this income, aren't you????? Any way, if you're running a business you shouldn't get IRS'd to death, not running a business and failing to report income from a side venture could get you IRS'd to death.

PhotosGuy wrote in post #5581329
Business Plan

LLC, and the Business Aspect.

Do I need a LLC or Buisness License (or both/neither)

you, my friend, must have a huge bookmarks folder.

lol..thanks a lot. Didnt run across these during searches.

picprinter wrote in post #5581407
Yikes, I hope the IRS doesn't visit here and look you up. I doubt they do but you made it easy for them to start asking questions. You are somehow reporting this income, aren't you????? Any way, if you're running a business you shouldn't get IRS'd to death, not running a business and failing to report income from a side venture could get you IRS'd to death.

Think your over reacting a bit.... Depends on how much income he is bringing in... $10k...sure... $100... very doubtful.... and thats only if the paying client is reporting it as expenses too...

cory1848 wrote in post #5582044
Think your over reacting a bit.... Depends on how much income he is bringing in... $10k...sure... $100... very doubtful.... and thats only if the paying client is reporting it as expenses too...

Well, its not going to be a huge amount, but its big enough that I dont want to get caught. Just yesterday I landed another client for a $500 order (idk how this is happening, I don't even have a business or any sort of advertising yet!). Last week I was approached to do photos and a website for a recording studio. My dad said a local organization needs a website made, and gave them my name (expecting a call next week). I have 100 potential clients this summer for local art camps. Concert photos for the summer. I have prints to be put up for sale at a local golf course club room.

Its getting nuts.......
I bet there are a few people who wish they just had work falling out of the sky into their pockets....haha. I think Im going to do a sole prop. I don't have time to dilly dally with the other options. (My dad is an attorney but I wanted to try and do it on my own, I guess I will be talking to him later.)

johnms88 wrote in post #5582687
Well, its not going to be a huge amount, but its big enough that I dont want to get caught. Just yesterday I landed another client for a $500 order (idk how this is happening, I don't even have a business or any sort of advertising yet!). Last week I was approached to do photos and a website for a recording studio. My dad said a local organization needs a website made, and gave them my name (expecting a call next week). I have 100 potential clients this summer for local art camps. Concert photos for the summer. I have prints to be put up for sale at a local golf course club room.

Its getting nuts.......
I bet there are a few people who wish they just had work falling out of the sky into their pockets....haha. I think Im going to do a sole prop. I don't have time to dilly dally with the other options. (My dad is an attorney but I wanted to try and do it on my own, I guess I will be talking to him later.)

Your situation isnt a bad thing, believe me...wish I was in your shoes... Sounds like the best bet would be to set up as a SP... Its just some simple paperwork. Should be able to get all the forms online and then just mail them in with the required fees. Once you get that stuff back, go to your bank and open up a Business account. you could also call the bank and see what they require to open an account. Might not need much at all.

You mentioned a gig as a the staff photog for a venue...

Hopefully there is a written contract regarding that arrangement. If so, hopefully there is nothing about "work for hire" in the agreement, and there are no other "copyright grab" phrases.

Your Dad the attorney could be your best resource. Don't be too determined to go it alone.

amfoto1 wrote in post #5583518
You mentioned a gig as a the staff photog for a venue...

Hopefully there is a written contract regarding that arrangement. If so, hopefully there is nothing about "work for hire" in the agreement, and there are no other "copyright grab" phrases.

Your Dad the attorney could be your best resource. Don't be too determined to go it alone.

I am in the process of drawing up an agreement with the venue. To this point its been a verbal agreement that I can do whtever I want with the photos (they wouldn't even have a photographer if I wasn't doing it). Now that money is involved, I am getting it on paper to CMA.

I had a talk with my father this evening about what route I shoudl take. He also said that I should do the SP route because of the ease of it all. I wouldn't be making enough money to offset the fees of doing anything larger (also dont have employees).

Thanks all fo your help. Will be going to the county clerks office monday......errr..... tuesday