How to Start a Photography Business In Rhode Island

When starting a photography business in the state of Rhode Island you will need to complete a few important steps in order to become a legal business.
Getting started- Rhode Island has a few links about how to start a business here:  http://sos.ri.gov/divisions/Business-Portal/Start-Or-Qualify-A-Business and  https://www.ri.gov/SOS/quickstart/wizard/business_types/wizard/4d5de299d38b76b0a32a883e0e1dbf91ed0c5a39/822272d7cc25d537c7d8409f08c0a532c777db2e

1. Register your photography business name.

You can register your assumed name with your local government office.  Find out more about choosing a name here:  http://sos.ri.gov/divisions/Business-Portal/Start-Or-Qualify-A-Business/Name-Availability

If you need help choosing a business name: How To Choose A Photography Business Name

2. Select a business structure.

Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.  Find out more here: http://sos.ri.gov/assets/downloads/documents/business-structure-chart.pdf

3.  Register your photography business.

You can register your new business with the state of Rhode Island here: https://www.ri.gov/taxation/BAR/

4. Open a 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 have an accountant do the work. Be sure to research sales tax requirements.  More info about taxes here: http://www.tax.state.ri.us/ 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.