[Leica] Question about photography business

[Robert Adler]

Hi Brian,
As a sole proprietor in CA, you don't need to do much. I simply registered
with the Franchise Tax Board and pay them quarterly sales tax (not that I
sell enough to even bother; read zero for most years...). Then on your
Federal return you only have to fill out Schedule C where the net income or
loss from this Schedule is then added to you gross income. State forms to
file flow from the federal forms; I use Tax Cut, others like other tax prep
programs, but your cost for the software will go up slightly to get a
version that handles Sole Proprietorships. Difference in price is
deductible of course!
That's about it. I joined the Professional Photographer's Association as a
business expense and to show I was serious They also give some great
insurance coverage. Keep records of your purchase and sales.

The rule for photography being a business instead of a hobby is to show net
income in 2 of 5 years I believe; easy to look up; changes, it seems to me,
often! Gets complicated if you don't but is do-able.

Feel free to contact me off-line if you have any other questions. Please
take this as advisory only and do not depend upon it as all the facts, but
this is what I do.
No lawyers or tax accountants are necessary. However if you do establish a
Subchapter S corp, I would advise you to consult a tax professional as you
must set up articles of incorporation and keep meticulous records.
Best,
Bob

Bob Adler
www.robertadlerphotography.com
*"Capturing Light One Frame At A Time"*


On Fri, Sep 21, 2018 at 12:40 PM Brian Reid <reid at mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
wrote:

> I've been taking pictures for money (mostly weddings and portraits) for
> 40 years. I've always had a day job; I'm not good enough to try to make
> a living at it. The money I make has paid for lenses and printers but
> has never paid the mortgage or bought food.
>
> Recent circumstances require that I become a registered business.
> Obviously it would be a sole proprietorship. I know lots about cameras
> and computers but nothing about business licensing.
>
> Does anybody have any suggestions as to where I should start, to make my
> little "Brian Reid Photography" venture be a registered business? Since
> I live in California I assume that I would register in California, but I
> am baffled by what I find with search engines.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Leica Users Group.
> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information
>