How to Start a Photography Business in Washington State

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.

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