Business question

[emill]

I'd like to hear some of your opinions about this. If I don't legally own a business right now, would it be a smart idea to charge tax now for an upcoming wedding and then apply in the meantime or should I not charge tax if the wedding is before I could get approved by the state?

Maybe in other words, if I'm not sure I would even want to start a business could I get in trouble for not charging tax? Right now I just consider it a hobby, even though I understand I would be providing a service for another person.

Thanks for your comments/opinions!

[Ahh!]

We do business. We do not have to "legally own a business" to do business. If you do business, which requires the paying of sales tax, charge for it, and remit it to the state by completing their paperwork.

There is not an "approval" process. There is a set up process.

Does that help?

Originally Posted by emill

Right now I just consider it a hobby, even though I understand I would be providing a service for another person.

Thanks for your comments/opinions!

How you consider what you do may run counter to a reading of the law, and fact. But, indeed, THAT, is solely my opinion.

[bondarnes]

If you are charging money to photograph a wedding the you are "in business" in the eyes of the government.

[Jenny Z]

Here you go:

http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxpermit/

Doesn't take long at all to get it done. Don's right, if you're charging, you're in business.

[emill]

Thanks guys. I didn't mean to sound like I was an exception to the law when I said I considered what I did to be a hobby. Sorry if it came off that way.

[CobyPhoto]

It is a little bit of reading, but all of your questions on State Sales tax will probably be answered in this thread: http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=80252

To answer your question, business or not, if you take money for your services, by law you are required to have a Texas Sales Tax Certificate. Actually, you are required to have the certificate before you take the money.

Cj