How to Start a Photography Business In Maryland
To start a photography business in Maryland, you will have to complete a few different steps.
Getting started– A website created by the state of Maryland on how to start a business can be found here: http://commerce.maryland.gov/start
- Register your new photography business name.
Find out more about registering a fictitious name or DBA (“Doing Business As”) here: http://www.dat.state.md.us/businesses/Pages/Maryland-Checklist-for-New-Businesses.aspx#regi
If you need help choosing a business name: How To Choose A Photography Business Name
- Select your business structure.
Many small businesses are set up as sole-proprietorships. Find out more about business structure here: http://www.dat.state.md.us/businesses/Pages/Maryland-Checklist-for-New-Businesses.aspx#stru
- Register your photography business with the state of Maryland.
You can register your new business with the state of Maryland here: http://commerce.maryland.gov/start/the-process
- Open a business account at your bank.
You will need to open a separate bank account for your photography business with your new business name.
- Register your business for tax purposes and possibly hire an accountant.
If you are a small business, it may not be too difficult to file your own taxes. 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://taxes.marylandtaxes.com/Business_Taxes/New_Businesses/ and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business
- Consider liability insurance.
You may want to consider liability insurance to help in case of a photography-related incident.