Posted by Debbie Close on 4/23/07 8:55am
Msg #186475

business license

yes i am a new to the game here. I am in virginia. I am trying to find out if I am going to need a business license or not. I am not sure what to do for tax purposes, if i need a business license or not.

Reply by Charm_AL on 4/23/07 8:57am
Msg #186477

the best place to get your state specific info is to call your Secretary of State's office.

Reply by Debbie Close on 4/23/07 9:04am
Msg #186482

Thanks for the information. I am hoping to find some one in here that is from Virginia to see what they are doing. I am glad to see people like you do answer and try to help the new people. thanks again.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 4/23/07 9:10am
Msg #186483

I do not have a business license - my county does not require one.

Reply by Debbie Close on 4/23/07 9:19am
Msg #186484

so it goes by county, how do you claim what you make at the end of the year

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/23/07 9:30am
Msg #186488

Re: business license - Based on what I have read

that you have asked you probably would do well to hurry to your local Small Business Development Center and take their minimally priced courses on how to start a business.

Reply by SharonMN on 4/23/07 10:26am
Msg #186506

Debbie, I agree with others that you need to do some basic research. There is a difference between having a business license and claiming income on your taxes.

For your taxes, you must file state, local, and IRS rules to report your income and pay taxes accordingly. This goes for all income, whether from employment, investments, or a business you run (although obviously the forms will vary depending on what you're reporting).

Depending on your locality, you might also need a business license to operate as a business in your state/county/city. Some places require this for a signing agent business and some don't. Some only require a business license if you have employees or a place of business where clients visit.

You may also want to establish a corporate or LLC entity for your business. Or you may wish to just work as yourself.

There are many resources on the web about how to establish a small business and the issues to consider when doing so.

Reply by ZeeCA on 4/23/07 10:05am
Msg #186500

Please read my post above n/m

Reply by Debbie Close on 4/23/07 10:48am
Msg #186509

Re: Please read my post above

I am on here researching , This Is a good place to do that. Since so many people have already done what I need to do. I don't know why you think it is wrong to ask experience people questions. I am thankful for all the helpful answer I received. I know for a few months to come I will have a lot more questions. Because as you all know there is a billion questions when starting any business, big or little. Again Thank you so much for all the helpful answer.

Reply by Debbie Close on 4/23/07 10:58am
Msg #186511

thank you for your help

I am on here researching , This Is a good place to do that. Since so many people have already done what I need to do. I don't know why you think it is wrong to ask experience people questions. I am thankful for all the helpful answer I received. I know for a few months to come I will have a lot more questions. Because as you all know there is a billion questions when starting any business, big or little. Again Thank you so much for all the helpful answer

Reply by BrendaTx on 4/23/07 11:07am
Msg #186515

Re: thank you for your help

** I don't know why you think it is wrong to ask experience people questions.**

Nothing wrong with it...if you don't mind getting the wrong answers on occasion.

Wrong answers which may cause you trouble with permitting, licensing, the IRS, etc.

As much as I like these people I don't ask any of them to answer a question regarding my business that I could get from a source of authority. Aside from being way too trusting, it actually comes across in a business forum as immature, lazy, or a mistaken sense of being entitled. I wouldn't do it...but if it makes you happy...good luck to you.

Reply by Joan_OH on 4/23/07 11:00am
Msg #186512

Re: Please read my post above

The point is, some of the questions you are asking have been asked over and over and over. Try the search button. Better yet, as part of your studies, go to the beginning of this board and start reading. TONS of info.

Joan-OH

Reply by Joan_OH on 4/23/07 11:08am
Msg #186516

meant to post this under Debbie's post - n/m

Reply by Brad_CA on 4/23/07 11:41am
Msg #186522

Here in Southern California each individual city (Business License Department) determines if you need one or not. Some cities require them, some do not. You should call the Business License Department of the city you reside in to determine this. Some cities charge very little, and some charge a lot.

My neighbor, who is also an NSA, just received a letter from the city. They are fining her for not having a business license for the past three years. The fine is $1600 including the back license fees. She asked them how that they knew that she was operating a business without a license. They told her that the IRS reports the names and addresses of all persons with businesses and filing a schedule C to the individual city to make sure they are operating legally.

She was able to get the fine reduced to only the back license fees owed, but it was a big hassle. Be careful!!!!!