Going to start asap, need a license?

Joe,

If your going to take being in business seriously get a business created and get a license for your municipality.

First, if you don't have a business license, you probably can't get a bank account with your business name. If all checks are made out to you then you don't need to worry.

Second, you do not NEED a license for this type of business, however, you are generally required in most places to have a license if you are doing business. If you get caught without one, you most likely will only be required to make a payment of past fees. I forget what the term is for this type of license, but there are generally two types. One is regulatory, and that is for lawyers, chiropractors, etc. where there are actual laws governing their operations and the other is, lets just call it a revenue license, where the point really is to make the county/state a little extra money.

If you operate a business that needs a regulatory license without a license, you can find yourself in a whole mess of trouble.

Anyways, regardless of all that, you be perceived as being much more professional by having your license, which also secures your business name as yours.

In the future, if not now, it wouldn't hurt to form an LLC., and provide yourself with a little protection.

Hello and welcome to the forum.

This issue has been discussed here before. You can use the search feature for research.

Each state and county or local municipalities have their own laws regarding businesses. Check with your state and county or city.

You can start a sole proprietorship, file a certificate of fictitious firm name or assumed business name with your county clerk. Should you choose this type of business, the sole proprietorship, you can either use your own social security number or make application with the IRS to get a sole proprietor tax ID number, one that is separate from your social security number.

There are other choices, filing formal entities, i.e. limited liability company, corporation, partnership, etc., but personally, I would not go that route until after I knew that the business was going to be profitable.

Regarding the insurance, depends on what type of business you will be doing. Although I do not believe insurance is mandatory, it is a good idea if you are in a line of business that is prone to litigation or exposes you to liability.