Dba???

[kamari]

I began a sports photography business back in the summer. Ran out and bought about $2500 in equipment specifically for this. The website that I sell my photos on requires you to obtain a tax ID number, which was done back in the summer. Does anyone know if I need to file a DBA in order to try and write this stuff off? Does anyone know if this is all that's needed in order to be able to claim business expenses? I travel a lot on weekends too and I usually will find an event that needs a photographer while i'm there, so I'm trying to figure out if that will justify a trip as being a business trip rather than a personal.

[simon]

It really isn't a good idea to take this sort of advice as `correct' in an internet forum. Talk to a specialist. It's a small investment in your business to get your financials in order, and can potentially save you a lot of headache later.

[ndsimm]

It really isn't a good idea to take this sort of advice as `correct' in an internet forum. Talk to a specialist. It's a small investment in your business to get your financials in order, and can potentially save you a lot of headache later.

that may be true to an extent, but we are always willing to share our experiences to help others

If you already have the TAX ID, then the government already sees you as a business. The DBA would be a good addition. It would be to your advantage to get a CPA to assist you in filing your taxes for next year. You should be able to file the business expenses along with your standard 1040.

[sbp]

you can get dba number and file tax return under your social security number.

[CaptainTom]

a dba usually required by a bank in order to open a business account under the business name. I.E. Moonlight Photography and Donut Hut would require a DBA so that the true ownership of the business can be traced. John Smith Photography would not cause any concerns.

[Steelsun]

DBA is "Doing Business As" and is only really needed if you are doing business as something other than your name. No other special protections or powers are granted.

Your sales Tax ID # is the number you need for websites.
(BTW: Watch out - the sales tax you may save buying with a business use exemption can come back and hurt you more when you have to start paying Business Property Fees to your county every year!)

[FamilyPhoto]

The d/b/a is a State thing, your taxes are a Federal IRS thing. They have nothing to do with each other. One reason for a dba is so that a person can link the name they see on your van, window, buiness card, etc. with the actual owner of the business. Usually this is because they want to sue the right person.

In the end, whether you have a d/b/a or not has absolutely no effect on deducting business expenses.

Also, a dba does nothing to protect your personal assets. You need to form a LLC or a corporation if you really want to shield your assets from liabilities of your business operations.