How To Start A Photography Business In Massachusetts
There are a few steps to start a photography business in Massachusetts.
Getting Started- Massachusetts has a helpful web page to get your photography business started here: http://www.mass.gov/hed/business/start-business/new-business-steps.html
-Select your business structure.
Determine what business structure you wish to have. Many small businesses are sole-proprietorships. More on business structures here: https://www.sba.gov/starting-business/choose-your-business-structure
-Register your new photography business name.
You may need to register a fictitious name for your business: https://www.sba.gov/starting-business/choose-register-your-business/register-your-business-name
If you need help choosing a business name: How To Choose A Photography Business Name
-Register your new photography business.
Register your business with the state of Massachusetts Secretary of State’s Office: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/
-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 choose to file your own taxes, or decide to hire an accountant. Be sure to research sales tax requirements. More information about taxes here: https://www.mass.gov/business-taxes and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business .
-Liability Insurance.
You might want liability insurance to help protect you in case of a photography-related accident.
-City License.
You may need a city license to operate your photography business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.