How to Start a Photography Business In Oregon

Here are some steps on how to start a photography business in the state of Oregon.
Getting started– The state of Oregon has a few links to help you start your business:  http://www.oregon4biz.com/Innovate-&-Create/Start/ and http://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/starting-business.aspx and http://sos.oregon.gov/business/Documents/business-guides/start-business-guide.pdf

-Select your business structure 

Find out more about business structures (Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.) and registering a business name here: http://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/select-business-name-structure.aspx

-Register your photography business name.

Find out more here:  http://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/registering-your-business-name.aspx

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

-Register your photography business.

Find out more about how register your new business with the state of Oregon here: http://www.oregon.gov/business/Pages/toolkit.aspx

-Open a Business Checking Account.

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

-Taxes.

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 info about taxes here: http://www.oregon.gov/business/Pages/taxes.aspx and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business

 -Get Liability Insurance.

You may want liability insurance to help in case of a photography-related catastrophe.

-City License.

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