How To Start A Photography Business In Alaska

How To Start A Photography Business In Alaska

Here are some items to consider when trying to start a photography business in the state of Alaska:

Getting Started- The state of Alaska has created a few links to help you get started with your business: http://alaska.gov/businesshome.html and 

https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/Portals/5/pub/EstablishingABusiness.pdf

-Select your business structure.

Determine what business structure you wish to have: Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.  Read Chapter 2 on business structures here:

https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/Portals/5/pub/EstablishingABusiness.pdf

-Register your photography business name with the state of Alaska.

Find out more about business name registration here:  https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/Corporations/ReservingRegisteringBusinessName.aspx

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

  -Register your photography business.

You will need a business license to operate a business in Alaska: https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/BusinessLicensing/BusinessLicensingFormsFees.aspx

-Open a Business Checking Account.

You will need to open a separate bank account for your photography business with your new business name.

-Find out about taxes, hire an accountant.

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 information about taxes here: http://www.tax.alaska.gov/ and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business .

  -Get Liability Insurance.

You may want to consider liability insurance in case of any photography-related catastrophe.

-City License.

You may be required to obtain a license for your photography business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.

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