How to Start a Photography Business In West Virginia

Here are some steps on how to start a photography business in West Virginia.
Getting started– The state of West Virginia has created a few links to help you start your business:  http://www.sos.wv.gov/business-licensing/Documents/StartingABusinessGuide.pdf and http://www.business4wv.com/b4wvpublic/default.aspx?pagename=startbusiness

-Register your new photography business name with West Virginia.

Find out more about registering a business name here:  http://www.sos.wv.gov/business-licensing/business/Pages/NameAvailability.aspx

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

-Choose a business structure.

Some examples of business entities you could choose are: Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc.  Find out more here:  http://www.sos.wv.gov/business-licensing/business/Pages/businessstructure.aspx

-Register your photography business with West Virginia.

Find out more about how register your new photography business with the state of West Virginia here:  https://www.business4wv.com/b4wvpublic/default.aspx?pagename=publicuserregistration

-Business Checking Account.

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

-Tax Information.

Research your requirements for local, state, and federal taxes.   Be sure to research sales tax regulations.  More info about taxes here: http://tax.wv.gov/Business/Pages/Business.aspx 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.