What was the route that you took? Did you start by being psuedo-in
business, off the books... then decide to make an official go at it? If so,
when you became 'official', did you form a sole proprietorship? S-Corp for
the protection, LLC? Other? Why?

Interested in hearing your stories and opinions.

Regards,

Joe C.

So would the I.R.S!

So would the I.R.S!

Funny that shows up around tax time....

Joe,

One of the best places to study small business and how to get going is
looking at the PBS Show "Small Business School". It's a wealth of info for
any small or future business owner.

Check their web site for past episodes (In text form) and for shows that are
airing now:

http://www.smallbusinessschool.org

--

Rumpty

Radial Arm Saw Forum: http://forums.delphiforums.com/woodbutcher/start

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"Joe C." wrote in message
...
What was the route that you took? Did you start by being psuedo-in
business, off the books... then decide to make an official go at it? If
so,
when you became 'official', did you form a sole proprietorship? S-Corp
for
the protection, LLC? Other? Why?

Interested in hearing your stories and opinions.

Regards,

Joe C.

Joe C. wrote:
What was the route that you took? Did you start by being psuedo-in
business, off the books... then decide to make an official go at it?

There's no such thing as "psuedo-in business". G

If you're getting paid, you're in business, even if it's not your
primary support. You may be making less than is required to file an
income tax return, but you still may owe sales taxes, need an
inexpensive license, etc... If someone contracted you to do something,
they can certainly still sue you, regardless of your legal "business"
status.

Many small business are destroyed because the owner doesn't pay taxes or
properly register.

The good news is that it's not hard to be legit. Often, all that is
needed is a simple accounting system and a small fee paid to local
authorities. A separate bank account also makes things easier.

If so,
when you became 'official', did you form a sole proprietorship? S-Corp for
the protection, LLC? Other? Why?

Interested in hearing your stories and opinions.

Single member LLC's in my state don't offer much protection to a sole
proprietor, who is actually doing the work, for liability. You do the
work, you screw up, you're still liable. They can help if you sub out
work, or have an employee.

C and S corps may cost you more in taxes, as the corporation may have to
file a tax return of it's own.

1.) Check your library, there are some really good books out there. The
more you can learn, the more you'll save in the next steps. I wish I
can remember the name of the books I read a few years back. Steps 1,2,
and 3, will save you much money at step 4, if you do the legwork.

2.) Check your state's web page for something along the lines of "Doing
Business in your state", many states have wonderful guides on getting
started. Also check with your local Chamber of Commerce for resources.

3.) Look for local SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) classes,
meetings, and resources. They're free and can be excellent.

4.) Get some referrals from local self-employed folks for a CPA, and a
lawyer. Lots of these folks can get you up and running for a few
hundred bucks each. This usually includes getting set up with Quick
Books, Peachtree, etc... for accounting. Paying a little bit NOW can
save big bucks LATER, if you happen to get nailed by a taxing or
regulatory authority. The leg work you've already done will help these
guys help you faster, which equals cheaper.

I've had several small side businesses, running parallel to my "real
job" over the years. Just because a business is part-time doesn't
release you from taxes, legal, regulatory, etc... requirements.
Business is business, how many hours are devoted to is up to the owner.

The CPA can be worth his weight in gold if the business goes through
slow periods and the IRS attempts to call it a hobby. G

Good luck!

Barry

B a r r y wrote:

If you're getting paid, you're in business, even if it's not your
primary support.

I forgot to mention one thing...

Even if you're LOSING money, you're still in business. Losses may
reduce the taxes due on your spouse's or "day gig" income. Professional
advice can help you get what you're due without the tax authorities
pressuring you to call a profit pursuing business a hobby.

Barry