Business License (in NY)

I am new to the business of photography - so this question is very basic. What kind of license you need to see your photo from a website? Is there a state specific procedure? (I live in NY state)

Also, for running workshops or assignments, etc., do the same license work?

I am hoping to get some good advice from the pros here - as I am preparing to start a photography business on the side

Thanks a in advance for your responses

Arnab, In NY the best way to establish a small business is to set it up as a sole proprietorship. You should have an accountant assist you. You don't need a "license". However you will need to apply for a NY State Sales tax number and submit the quarterly reports along with a check for the tax you collected. Just be careful. Both a friend of mine and myself were told by the tax department that we needed to file our first quarterly report before we actually received our numbers??? We had to write letters and such to avoid the $50 penalty.

The reporting of your business activities is accomplished via your IRS and NY State tax forms using your SS#. This way you will operate on a cash basis, so income tax is only due on profits from cash received and spent - not via the accrual method.

Be sure to consult a tax attorney or CPA to be sure you are doing everything correctly. Be sure to keep excellent records and report everything.

Good luck

Ed