|
Home
Learn
More
Our Services
FAQs
Our Network of Professionals
Topic of the Month
Regional Small Business Support Network
Contact Us
Tips
| |
Frequently Asked Questions
I am considering starting a home based business. Could you point me in the
direction of the appropriate state agencies to contact regarding tax payer ID, etc..?
Thank you.
- There is an organization called Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC). Go to their
website: www.cerc.com. I think that they have all the information online. If not, call
their 800 #. You can also call the secy. of state. You may need to register with your home
town as a "DBA" or doing business as, if you are operating under another name.
You may get a tax bill from your town for all the property your business owns. If you need
to protect yourself from liability, you can become an LLC. Limited Liability Company. Talk
to a lawyer.
I am thinking of starting a small business with my photography and possible other
endevors like gifts, books, music, fresh flowers, etc. (whatever I decide to include in
the business). I would like to know how you name a business (i.e.) Company, Incorporated,
Enterpise, LLC etc because I don't know what it will finally include?
- The best way to name a business is to have a name that describes what you do, for
example, Microsoft -- software for microcomputers. Some people just use their names or
where they live. My friend uses Sound Consulting Associates, L.L.C. because he lives on
Long Island Sound. Some people like "associates" because it sounds like more
than one person. LLC and Inc. require registration with your secretary of state. The SOS
probably have a website with all the information about fees and forms. These give you
limited liability protection. You can just use your name and be a sole proprietor or you
can be a doing business as -- like my friend who is Brennan Consulting. You need to
register this DBA with your local town hall.
What if you want to name a business but are not ready to actually start it?
- That's o.k., if you don't mind paying the fees.
What type of taxes are involved? (I live in NY state)
- I don't know NY tax law. Try your town hall and your state treasurer for more info.
Towns charge property taxes. You'll need to pay income taxes to the feds. & the state
-- Form 1040 Schedule C. is for self-employed. For incs. and llcs. you do other forms. Go
to a tax advisor or the IRS web site or call them. Or go to the library and read up.
I know I need to get more legal advise and a tax accountant but these questions
are my most important right now. What I am interested in is selling my photography and
would like to get some breaks on taxes for supplies.
- To get tax breaks you need to get a tax I.D. from your state. This is a simple form. The
tax I.D. you show to suppliers,and then they won't charge you tax. They'll also charge
wholesale rates. A federal tax I.D. is a must for a business with a different name -- you
file your business taxes with it. Your SCORE office can help (run by the SBA). You really
should check with a lawyer and/or an accountant. Remember to keep good records of
everything you purchase and sell.
|