How to Start a Photography Business In Texas

How to Start a Photography Business In Texas

When you decide to start a photography business, make sure you take the necessary time to PLAN your business.  Writing a business plan can help provide direction for your business as you start and grow.  There are different steps to take depending on whether you are starting a stock photography business, a freelance photography business, a portrait or wedding photography business, or any other type of photography business.  Know what your startup costs will be along with day-to-day operating costs.  Secondly, you will need to REGISTER your business.  Below you will find information on how to register your new photography business in the state of Texas.  Lastly, you will need to take action to GROW your business.  You can gain new customers through marketing/advertising, word-of-mouth referrals, and through direct contact sales.

How To Register Your Photography Business In Texas

Getting Started-  The state of Texas has a website devoted to starting a business in Texas: https://texaswideopenforbusiness.com/start-business

1. Choose a structure for your photography business.

The most common business structure for most photographers is sole-proprietor.  If you are worried about liability, you may want to consider an LLC.  Find out more here:  http://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/businessstructure.shtml

2. Register your photography business name.

Make sure the name you choose isn’t already being used by someone else.  You can always use your own name, but if you think you might sell your business down the road, using your own name may not be best.  Find out more about registering a fictitious name here: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/forms_boc.shtml

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

3.  Register your photography business.

Your photography business can be legally registered with the state of Texas here: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/forms_boc.shtml

4. Open a business account at your bank.

Open a new business account for your new photography business with your new business name.

5. Research taxes.

Unless you decide to use your Social Security number, you will need to register for an EIN (Employee Identification Number) for tax purposes. More information about taxes here: http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxes/ and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business .

You will also need to research sales tax requirements.  Photography sales tax: http://comptroller.texas.gov/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx94_176.pdf

6.  Research Liability Insurance.

Some form of liability insurance is important to protect you in case of any damage, accidents or injuries caused by you or your photography equipment.

7. City License.

You may need to get a local license to operate your photography business.

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