good question..I would like an answer to that one..
 

i have gotten an LLC for business... its basically a business license to practice and make money. its a great idea to get one. it costs about $250 one time fee and protects you against law suits, etc. i have the number of a guy in jersey but not sure of elsewhere.
 

Not sure if there are different considerations for a photo biz, maybe someone who has a photo biz can give you more input.

However, generally setting up an S Corp (small corporation) is a safe way to go for offering a service. I used to run my own foreign language translation business for 7 years.

They sell the Corp Package on the web for about $200, depending on who you register with. Everything is being done for you and they mail you the doc folder.

Once you have your company's document number, all you do is file for an Employer Identification Number (that is your company's SSN for tax purposes) with your state and then file for being an S Corp, for better taxes. I was able to do this all from the net just a couple of years ago. I'm in Florida though.

You would have to check with your state or county whether or not you are required to collect sales tax. It used to be that services don't charge sales tax, but things change and vary from state to state/county to county.
 

There you go, just while I was typing my stuff the answer above came in :)

Limited Liability Corp for sue happy customers may be a safer option! :)
 

Thanks for this information...It's very helpful.
 

Well I have an LLC .. You have to file with your state office to get it. You need the LLC so it will help you with your Taxes. You will have to pay state taxes and you need the number (LLC)to use to file your taxes the right way or you may find your self in an audit with the Goverment. I was told by the auditor that we use. that it was a must. even if I only did one wedding for the year and I can use that to write off any new equipment as well. It will help you show a proffit and lose.
 

As far as Florida's laws....all you need is a general business license...it is like $50....the LLC and INC and all of that is only for liability protection....to simply offer a service, all you really need is a general county or state business license....That is all I have...perhaps once I grow and get a studio then of course I will have more protection stuff...but for example, my husband and I also own a construction business...for that we do have LLC but that is for protection so nobody can sue us personally...they could sue our business but not our personal belongings....

As far as taxes, I would just get with an accountant...find out what you can keep records of to write off like mileage and certain equipment....it is easier to pay taxes quarterly, especially for smaller business so if you can, with every check simply set aside about 20 to 30 percent of what you get paid for when tax time rolls around....

Hope this helps a bit....good luck
 

Well if you have not gotten all the answers you need and I see some good and accurate info here, but another source that may be of some assistance to you, is S.C.O.R.E. that is the Service Core Of Retired Excutives, they help people that are looking to start a business and you will be able to find someone that is tailored to the industry you are seeking to participate in
 

On a last word, if you want some great info on business types and what works best for you, I highly recommend checking this link: http://www.danheller.com/photo-inc.html

Personally, if I decided to go into business again, this time as photogrpaher, I will stick with S-Corp. :)
 

I hope this doesnt come off as spam, but I wrote a book that is a great answer to this question, and I also have a FREE blog, that I would like to suggest you take a look at. I would also be happy to answer any and all personal questions, feel free to send an email and I'm here to help.
Here is the link to the FREE blog to answer these questions...
http://photographyhomebusiness.blogspot.com/
Thanks and good luck. This is a great business to be in...welcome!!!
--Jeremy