In my home state of New York all I need is a NYS Sales Tax Certificate of Authority. I also needed to file with the county a DBA ( Doing Business As ). Some will use their social security number and you may be given a federal tax ID number. In my case I was given a separate Fed # because I had more than one business.Your state or country may have other requirements.Go to nys.gov for a start. Or your home state.gov
Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you ll inevitably have as well as many you haven t anticipated yet. http://www.ppa.com �C Professional Photographers of Americahttp://www.wpja.org/ -- Wedding Photojournalist Associationhttp://www.thempa.com/ -- The Master Photographers Associationhttp://www.nanpa.org/ -- North American Nature Photography Associationhttp://www.nppa.org/ -- National Press Photographers AssociationResearch, research, research �C this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:* Photographers Market Guide to Building Your Photography Business: Everything you need to know to run a successful photography business by Vik Orenstein* Legal Handbook for Photographers: The Rights and Liabilities of Making Images Paperback by Bert P. Krages* How to Start a Home-Based Photography Business, 4th Paperback by Kenn Oberrecht* Shooting Selling Your Photos: The Complete Guide to Making Money With Your Photography by Jim ZuckermanThere are lots of free informational resources out there. Check out these articles:http://ezinearticles.com/?Start-Your-Own�� �C Start Your Own Photography Business from Home by Roy Barkerhttp://ezinearticles.com/?Why-Not-Start-�� �C Why Not Start Your Own Photography Business? by Roy Barkerhttp://ezinearticles.com/?Photography---�� �C Photography �C Breaking into the Business by Michael RussellHope that helps! I wish you much success happiness in all your ventures!
