I recommend getting a tax ID so you do not have to give out your social security. You can register for free at
irs.gov. Check with your local city offices to see what licensing they require as well as your secretary of state. Depending on the amount of revenue, you may need to do quarterly tax remittals--you can visit with your personal tax preparer for specifics.
You will also want to register your trade name with your secretary of state and set up a separate business checking account.
Pam Newman is a Certified Management Accountant, author and Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor for Financial and Point-of-Sale software. She is also president of
RPPC, Inc., which provides customized business development services.
