Getting started

[TootysMom]

I'm currently working on getting everything ready to start my business in 2009. I know I have to register my name and sign up with the tax office, however, I was wondering if any of you can recommend an accountant that works with photographers - or does it even matter? I have questions regarding whether it's better to be a sole proprietorship vs. a corporation and how to handle insurance (umbrella policy?), etc. If any of you can point me in the right direction, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[KimHurt]

I think it might be hard to find an accountant that specializes in photography. As long as you find one that works with a lot of small businesses they should be able to answer all your questions for you.

[TootysMom]

Can anyone advise how they went about finding their accountant? I just don't want to get screwed...you know? I just accepted a contract doing some freelance work for Cy-Fair Magazine and I need to get this all ironed out before I accept my first job.

[Aric C. Hoek]

Why do you need this all ironed out before your first job? Trust me when I say, an accountant is able to handle years worth of unkept books.

When I got my first accountant I had not kept my books for some time. My accountant straightened all that out for me. Additionally I now have a bookkeeper as well.

[TootysMom]

Why do you need this all ironed out before your first job?

I guess it's not that I have to get everything lined up before my first job...I'd just like to have everything in place...I don't want to take any chances that I'm not doing things by the book :)

[bondarnes]

I bet you could go to the Houston Professional Photographers Guild meeting in January and ask a few of the members who they use. You will probably meet a few from the Cypress area that might use someone near you.

A photography business is a little different than most other businesses so using someone that has already been there and done that makes perfect sense. You might just send a PM to Coby or Clint Smith and see who they recommend. It took a couple of tax seasons with my current CPA to get everything running smoothly.

[HeatherLou]

That's great advice Don! Getting a referral from another photog should help a lot. I lucked out with my CPA. My mother in law referred me to him. He did the books for her businesses and he is an amateur photog himself.