How to Start a Photography Business in Washington State
Here is some information on how to register and start a photography business in the state of Washington.
The state of Washington has a number of websites to help you get started with your business: http://business.wa.gov/start.html
and http://bls.dor.wa.gov/startbusiness.aspx
and http://www.oria.wa.gov/site/alias__oria/345/our_business_services.aspx
-Register your new photography business name with Washington State.
Find out more here: http://business.wa.gov/start.html#businessname
If you need help choosing a business name: How To Choose A Photography Business Name
-Select your business structure.
Determine what business entity you wish to have: Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc. http://business.wa.gov/start.html#businessstructure
-Register your photography business in Washington State.
If you are forming an LLC or Corporation, you will need to register your new photography business. http://business.wa.gov/start.html#getregistered
-Business Checking Account.
You will need to open a separate bank account for your photography business with your new business name.
-Tax Requirements.
Research your federal, state, and local tax laws. Be sure to research sales tax regulations. More information about taxes here: http://business.wa.gov/start.html#taxnumber and http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Starting-a-Business .
-Liability Insurance.
You may want to consider liability insurance to help in case of a photography-related catastrophe.