This section of the forum is for discussing the business and finance issues of the t-shirt industry. Which business structure to use (sole proprietor, LLC, S Corp, etc), how to handle billing, where to register your business and get the proper licensing, etc.
I was about to get started with a domain, and realized i have absolutely no clue where i stand! When starting a web sales business what actions need be taking before sales begin? A forum friend told me i dont need to take any action, but when i put some thought into that, irs would likely frown upon me. Can anyone give me start to finish steps on geting this business kicked off?
I've searched the forums and the only thing i've really noticed that applys for all states is a tax id! lol I'm starting a louisiana based web business with one day going local and land based! thanks everyone!!!
Contact your local Comptroller Office, or the local Court House to find out where you need to to apply for a sales tax id number in your state. This is all you'll really need to sell tangible goods online. This is assuming that you're going to be operating as a sole proprietor, and reporting your earnings on your personal tax return statement.
If you're registering as an LLC, you may need to apply for an EIN (Employer ID Number) as well.
Definitely check with your Comptroller's office. Having done bookkeeping in the past for a business based in Louisiana, I know it can get complicated. Might not be an bad idea to visit with an accountant so you have it set it correctly from the start.
As far as sales tax, you're not responsible, your customer is. They are "supposed" to pay sales tax in their state. Unfortunately, that doesn't go for customers in your own state. Then you must pay sales tax. If you're planning on only selling out of state (for now), you could just go ahead, but keep good track, because you must pay income tax. Tax on profits. Keep track of costs, they don't count towards profits. I think you're supposed to pay taxes every three months. If you make squat, then the irs cares squat . And don't expect your business to soar in 1 day.
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legally lost!! 
