Halp!

[twilite_embrace]

So a possible job just landed in my lap this week. While the details of how employment will work still have to be sussed out, I want to come prepared when I meet with this potential client.

The client is a local (portland, or) photographer, looking to hire me on to do her webwork, as well as boost her social media presence and do print work for

Comments

[rusti_knight]

In Illinois, if you do business under any name other than your own (and that includes adding something like 'Design' after your name) you have to do a DBA. Sole proprietors don't need a separate tax number, it can be done under your own social with a schedule C added to your return.

However, that's all for IL.

Look around and see if there's a Small Business Association that can help you, or an incubator.

[lanisatu]

1. Most likely you do need to register a business name in that case. You can confirm with the entity that processes business registrations in your area.

2. If the business is only you and there are no employees, I suspect you can just file as self-employed with your tax return. That's what I do, but I'm in Ontario, Canada. However, in Canada there's also an exception for "small suppliers" that they don't have to charge a service tax. I don't recall if Oregon charges any taxes, but if there is any kind of state tax you will also want to investigate when/if you would need to start charging tax to your clients.

3. Look for a Small Business Association, as mentioned above, or a Chamber of Commerce. I don't know if there's a US equivalent to Canada Business, but something like that would also give you a ton of info as well. You might also be able to find a local Meetup group for small business owners that might be able to give you advice