getting started

[stephanie_martino]

For anyone who knows anything about starting a business in PA...I'm in the process of getting all the info I need to open a photography business. I know I need an EIN, file for a fictitious name, I'm reading up on the IRS website about all of the tax info, but now what I need to know is if I need a license to operate a photo business. I have not seen anything about it. I called the Luzerne county courthouse and they gave me a number to call, which was the number to obtain a fictitious name. I don't sell merchandise, I will mainly be an on-location photographer (weddings, schools, sports etc). I have a small studio in my home which I will use from time to time. Any info would be great, thanks!

[pbalko]

<p>What type of business? You don't need an EIN for a sole propietorship, you can use your SS. You don't need to file a fictitious name if you use you last name in the name of that sole proprietorship. Forget the county. Your municipality may require a license and/or a bond. Check with City Hall. Above all else, TALK TO AN ACCOUNTANT. In the meantime, here's the PA businesses website:<br /> http://www.paopen4businessbriefcase.state.pa.us/</p>

[ccommins]

I live in PA, as Phil said you don't need a fictitious name or EIN, I use my name and SS number. You will have to file for a state tax number, thats important in PA, you can do that online http://www.etides.state.pa.us/ and also pay the tax online. It is very easy. I would talk to an accountant if you are not good with bookkeeping. I use Quickbooks for my invoices and for tax time. Good luck.

[goldbergbarry]

<p>You need to think about how to organize your business. There are many options, which impacts your tax liability and how you take deductions. If you get it wrong, it can be costly to change later, which I why I recommend that you talk with an accountant skilled with setting small businesses.</p>

<p>See if there's any SCORE chapters in your area - they are very helpful (<a href="http://www.score.org/findscore/index.html">http://www.score.org/findscore/index.html</a>). For those who are not familiar with them, they are a volunteer organization made up of retired business people who help new businesses.</p>

<p>Also don't forget about business liability insurance, and possibly insurance on your equipment.</p>

[stephanie_martino]

<p>Well it's a partnership and we aren't using our names, I guess I should have mentioned that!</p>

[stephanie_martino]

<p>Thanks for the info everyone, very helpful</p>

[david_r_lewis]

<p>Stephanie,<br>

Do a search for the Professional Photographers of Pennsylvania, contact them and join. They are a great bunch of folks who are willing to share information with other members. I have judged their print competition at one of their conventions and have been a speaker at another of their conventions, have met a lot of nice people at both events. Membership and participation at the professional level is not an expense, it is an investment in your success.<br>

Warmest regards,<br>

David R. Lewis</p>

[ianivey]

<p>Echoing some of the advice here, seriously, <strong>get a good accountant.</strong> If you're not sure about who to talk to, contact <a href="http://www.rotary.org/en/aboutus/sitetools/clublocator/pages/ridefault.aspx">your local Rotary club</a> and ask for the name of one of the accountants in the club -- you'll likely get a good reference that way.</p>

<p>An accountant will almost always save you more money than he or she charges if you let one do your taxes -- every year, mine identifies deductions I would never have thought of or understood, and is well worth the $500 I pay for doing my personal and business taxes combined (worth it in just the time savings, alone, not to mention in terms of the deductions). In the short term, you'll have reliable advice about state and federal law and what you should do to protect yourself and shelter your revenue as much as possible.</p>