How to Start a Photography Business In Pennsylvania
You will want to properly plan before going through the registration process to make sure owning and running a photography business is for you. These steps will help you start just about any type of photography business including a portrait or wedding photography business, a stock photography business, a freelance photography business, and more.
How To Register A Photography Business In Pennsylvania
Getting started- The state of Pennsylvania has a website about starting a business in Pennsylvania here: Start a Business In Pennsylvania Guide (PDF Download)
1. Register your photography business name.
Find out more about registering a fictitious name here: Pennsylvania Fictitious Names
If you need help choosing a business name: How To Choose A Photography Business Name
Make sure the name you choose is not trademarked, and is not being used by any other photographer in your area.
2. Select a business structure for your photography business.
Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc. Find out more here: http://www.dos.pa.gov/BusinessCharities/Business/Documents/Business%20Guide.pdf
3. Register your photography business.
You can register your new business with the state of Pennsylvania here: https://www.doreservices.state.pa.us/businesstax/PA100/FormatSelection.htm
4. Business Checking Account.
You will need to open a separate bank account for your photography business with your new business name.
5. Taxes.
You may want to file your own taxes if you are a small company. As you grow, it will be easier to have an accountant do the work. Be sure to research sales tax requirements. More info about taxes here: http://www.revenue.pa.gov/ and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business
6. Liability Insurance.
You may want to consider liability insurance to help in case of a photography-related catastrophe.
7. City License.
You may need to get a license from your local government in order to legally operate your photography business in a particular area.
8. Permits
You will possibly need to get a permit in order to take photographs in certain public locations.