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| Disclaimer: This post is in no way to be substituted for or received as legal or tax advice. |
If you are charging anyone anything for the products and services you provide, and you're presenting yourself as a professional, then you need to respect the laws as a professional. Not "getting legal" can risk a lot for your clients, and for yourself. Also, business licenses are a public record in most areas, meaning anyone can search and see if you're legal - and anyone can report you if you're not.
No business is outside of these guidelines, and don't assume because you "don't make much" that you don't have tax or legal obligations.
As always, in matters of legalities and taxes, please make sure to consult with your lawyer and accountant (and if you don't have one yet, get one).
Federal
Federal EIN - Apply Online
Federal EIN - Apply Online
Remember, when deciding what business structure is best, don't ask other photographers - ask the experts. Talk to your accountant and lawyer and get their recommendation on what would protect you, your life, your family and your business most. Some cities will also require separate, additional licenses to operate or work within them.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Protecting your business name, logo, etc
Trademark
And of course, you'll want to secure insurance, accounting software, a business bank account, etc to help keep everything straight ... and to protect your clients, yourself and your business.
