Note: Photo tips are answers to questions asked on our Facebook page. If you would like to submit a question, please click here to submit your question. We will then post them on our Facebook page and let our fans respond to the question. We will then transfer the question over to our blog so we can keep them in an organized way for others to see.
Question from Sierra: “I am just beginning starting my photography business, and I’m confused as to what exactly I need to do to have my business legal. What are the main things I need to do in order to do just general photography? “
Natalie: I think it really varies depending on what state you reside in. I live in Washington and have a Federal tax ID and a state business license to become “legit”. I went to a city hall rep. and talked to them about what all I needed, and they had paperwork for me to read and fill out, then send in. Other than that, I would say, GET INSURANCE.
Sadie: Each state needs something different. I called my county clerk office to see what I needed. I think that’s the best thing to do. They were very helpful and left no questions in my mind and no room for mistakes.
Brandi: It does depend on state laws but you can go to legal zoom and they will walk you through everything and help you get all your legal info straight. 🙂
Esta: I live in FL and my Florida Professional Photographers Assoc (through PPA) sent a paper that had a very good description of info needed. Each state is indeed different. I would check with your states Assoc. I did scan in a copy because I had people ask me what is required and all the info posted is helpful whether it is required in your state or not, it’s things that are good to do whether legally required or not.
April: In Minnesota I needed to register my business so that I could post my sales tax to the state. Here we have to collect sales tax on all photography work, so after a year of collecting payments I registered my name and paid that in. I set it up to do that yearly, but some pay monthly or quarterly depending on how much you make. Last year I kept track of all my deductions throughout the year and filed my income tax. It worked pretty smoothly.
Becca: I had to get a FEIN (Federal tax ID, which is free:https://irs-ein-number.com), city and county business licenses, separate bank account, register with the state (TN) to collect sales tax (which I have to pay quarterly). I think there might be something else that I’m forgetting.
Becca: I also recommend this $29 tax guide for photographers (for US only, sorry): http://www.served-up-fresh.com/photographers-tax-guide/
Feel free to keep responding to this question using our comment section below.