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advertiser wants a business certificate?

by mattr2110
10 replies
I have a company that wants to advertise on my site but want a copy of my business certificate. What do I give them? I just run websites, I don't have a business license for them nor do I need one?
#advertiser #business #certificate
  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    Then tell them that. Honesty pays off. Never lie because you'll be found out in the end.
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  • Profile picture of the author KirkMcD
    It depends on where you are located whether you need one or not. Check with your local authorities.
    But that's actually an odd request from a potential advertiser.
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  • Profile picture of the author ebusinesstutor
    Most municipalities do require that you register your business with them if you run a home based business. My license costs me about $165 per year.
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  • Profile picture of the author Christian Little
    Originally Posted by mattr2110 View Post

    I have a company that wants to advertise on my site but want a copy of my business certificate. What do I give them? I just run websites, I don't have a business license for them nor do I need one?
    You're generating revenue online without a business license? Pray that the IRS doesn't see this.

    Get a license. You just need to fill out some paperwork to get it finalized.

    Yes you'll pay taxes, but you won't face obscene penalties for fraud and violating the law for not having a license (which can include jail time).

    Which would you rather have?

    $100,000 revenue, $30,000 of which goes to the government for taxes.

    $100,000 revenue, $80,000+ of which goes to the government and legal fees and the possibility of jail time.
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    • Profile picture of the author mattr2110
      Then why does google adsense allow you to generate revenue without a business license. Same thing.


      Originally Posted by Christian Little View Post

      You're generating revenue online without a business license? Pray that the IRS doesn't see this.

      Get a license. You just need to fill out some paperwork to get it finalized.

      Yes you'll pay taxes, but you won't face obscene penalties for fraud and violating the law for not having a license (which can include jail time).

      Which would you rather have?

      $100,000 revenue, $30,000 of which goes to the government for taxes.

      $100,000 revenue, $80,000+ of which goes to the government and legal fees and the possibility of jail time.
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    • Profile picture of the author fluffythewondercat
      The IRS has absolutely nothing to do with a business license in the U.S., which are typically issued by municipalities.

      In California the state will issue you a seller's permit but you only need that if you're required to collect sales tax.

      Of course you're supposed to report your online income to the state and federal agencies.

      fLufF
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  • Profile picture of the author garyv
    It all depends on where the OP lives. Most places in the U.S. allow for sole proprietorship, meaning a business license is not necessary.
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    • Profile picture of the author dave_hermansen
      Yeah, exactly as Gary said; you can operate as a sole proprietor in most states & use your SS# in place of an EIN. That being said, you are STILL a business and have to claim the income with the IRS each year. Otherwise you run the risk of getting audited and getting some nasty penalty fees (as mentioned above).

      Here are some resources on my site that will really help you understand it all better:

      Video: Do I Need a Business Entity?
      Article: Understanding The Different Types of Business Entities
      Article: How To Register a Business Entity

      My brother was formerly CPA and wrote the 2 articles, so they are loaded with valuable information about how business entities are taxed and how they offer protection of your personal assets & such.
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