New photography business

[tinalsw]

I am considering establishing a business. I already sell photos to small local papers or sports events, community events, etc. I have a wedding to photograph soon. I would like to have a business name. Do I have to worry about avoiding using someone else's business name? I also want info on getting a copywrite on my photos.

 

[arizona]

To register business you have to go to the appropriate office at the state level. It cost $10-$20 and they will check is the name you are looking to use already registerd by somebody else. Registration will also enable you to open a business account in the bank so you can receive checks payable to the business name. There is an option in business account to set up credit card payments. You have the copyright on your photos the moment you push the shutter button on the camera. You don't need business registration for that. If you have particulary valuable photos that you would like to protect you can register it with US Copiright Office. Check more on http://www.copyright.gov My advice is to make a st& with copyright note and put it on the back of each photo.

 

[bob01721]

Your first stop will be your local town hall, where you'll register your business. They'll give you all the forms you need for the state and federal government. As Nusret mentioned, they'll also do a name look-up for a fee.

You'll also have to decide how to "organize" the business -- as a sole proprietership, a partnership, a C, S, or Limited Liability corporation, yada yada. An attorney or accountant can advise you about the best way to do this.

Nusret also brought up another good point -- a business checking account. It would be a good idea to set up a separate checking account right NOW. It won't be a business account -- you'll need the federal and state ID numbers to do that -- but the sooner you can keep those expenses separate from your household expenses, the better. Things like business cards, film, camera equipment, mileage on your car, computer, etc. are legitimate business expenses which can be deducted from your income taxes. Keep track of them.

But most importantly, see an accountant or attorney in your area. He/she will walk you through the process and save you a lot of time and money.