Register, or not to register?!

D-Frag · 04-30-2007, 09:50 PM

i did just for tax reasons. i opened up a company name with the secretary of state, and then opened up a checking account under that name, and boy did it make it way easier on me. i now had checks coming in under my business name, which helped me when giving invoices and keeping a paper trail (and money trail through my one business checking account) it was just easier. remember, that if you do work for someone and its more then $600, then you have to file it and term it business.

MaryD · 04-30-2007, 10:13 PM

I do alot of business over $600.00..so should I register my name? Will I be in trouble if I don't? how do I go about doing this? Do you have to register with your state, and if you move, do you have to do it again? My huband and I are moving out of state soon...so not sure what I should do

PrintDriver · 04-30-2007, 10:24 PM

Every state is different.

It boggles my mind that people hang out a shingle without a business plan or knowing how to run a small business. Check around your area schools and chamber of commerce for courses in running a small business in your state. There are books available by state as well that will step you through the process. You may have to hire an attorney, or like D-Frag said, it could be as simple as filing with the Treasury department.

**Drazan** · 04-30-2007, 10:24 PM

yes, register. It only costs a minimal amout to do so. In MN it is/was $28 + a two times publication in one of the local registered newspapers.

Here is a link that I think would help anyone in their freelancing & organization for taxes.
http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/fo...ad.php?t=26080

and this one if you are going to expand your business as well.
http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/fo...ad.php?t=24746

There are big advantages by registering is that you are more legit to the IRS and that you seem more legit to your clients and clients can send you checks/credit card payments to a company name.

If you are going to move next month, register in your new state. If "soon" is 3months or more away, register with the state you currently live in.

Jade

MaryD · 04-30-2007, 11:01 PM

Thanks!

Thanks guys! This is my first official year as a freelancer, I only started working as a freelancer half of last year, so I want to get my business on the right foot for this year. My husband is an accountnant, so I'm OK on that side, but your answers really helped me out on the business end

Jade, your forum links were really helpful too...I'm going to contact my state soon and see how I go about registering.
One more question tho...will registering protect my business name from other people taking it?

D-Frag · 04-30-2007, 11:06 PM

yup, also you will have to make sure no one else has that company name. i named mine "pillar graphic design" but there was already a company named pillar design, so i had to put an acronym at the end of my name for legal reasons, so I was actually called "PGD"

**Buda** · 04-30-2007, 11:08 PM

I havn't done it yet, but am looking to do it soon.

MaryD · 04-30-2007, 11:15 PM

Budafist, you haven't registered yet? Makes me feel good that I'm not the only one

D-Frag, when I go to register, will the state do a search for me (to make sure that the name hasn't been used yet?), or is there a website out there where I can find that out? I already did a search on google a whiles back when i first started the company and there were no other companies named "CreativeDolan Designs" on the web....so I guess I'm ok?!

**Buda** · 04-30-2007, 11:50 PM

No, I'm not too worried about someone taking the name first. If I google my company name only stuff relevant to me and my "company" turn up.

There is a new DJ in my local that has called himself Buddha Fist. I do wonder if that's pure concidence or because he has heard of us and liked the name. I've yet to meet this DJ, but it's such a small world that it won't be long.

If you have a name that might be common, it is a good idea to register it. You might find early on that it is already registered and you need to change your name. Better to change your name early than later!

Ned · 04-30-2007, 11:58 PM

Originally posted by Drazan

yes, register. It only costs a minimal amout to do so. In MN it is/was $28 + a two times publication in one of the local registered newspapers.

Oh my, Drazan! In Alberta (Canada), it costs $250 for a business license and nuance report!

MaryD · 05-01-2007, 12:07 AM

Holy Crap! thats crazy talk Ned!

Ned · 05-01-2007, 12:18 AM

That's Canadian talk, Mary.

Cost of living in the Great White North is astronomical... I was born here, but lived most of my adult life in the U.S. I was shocked when I came back and discovered how expensive it is to live - with lower wages to boot.

Tsmalldon · 05-01-2007, 04:36 AM

Cost of living in the Great White North is astronomical

But we also have universal heatlh care......or so they tell us. Not too bad out my way, got a new doctor no problem, hospital appointments are quick and easy and best of all I never pay a dime.... except in taxes..........

Trevor

Ned · 05-01-2007, 04:40 AM

Our health care system is much better, I agree. Of course, I never had the stress-related health problems that required me to see a doctor, until I moved to Canada.

Register, or not to register?!

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