Starting my own LITTLE business, what do I need?

[arsoniq26]

Before I get the whole "google it" synopsis, I am doing research in other places besides here. Let me give you an idea of what I am doing before I ask any questions...

I am starting a very small, assorted tasks business. IE: Cleaning gutters, simple landscaping (weeding, trimming, installing/designing pavers and walk ways, mulch), medium duty powerwashing, etc. I was also thinking about offering services to businesses and commercial propertys such as window washing, landscape maintenance, sidewalk/lot sweeping.

I am aware I need to keep track of what I make and can't just shove the money in my pocket and call it a day. Also, for such a small business do I still need an occupational license? It would be a second form of income and I will not be employing any other parties.

I only plan on operating in my county, so I assume most of the paperwork and license materials can be found in my countys courts. Correct?

I think it would be in my best interest to set this up as a Sole Proprietorship.
I found this info (below), does this mean I do NOT need to file for taxes or just means I am solely responsible for my own taxes? If this is the case, how would I go about taking care of something like that? Contacting the Fl dept. of Revenue?

"Sole proprietorships are easy to set up and easy to disband. Profits are taxed at the owner’s individual federal tax rate, with the amount reported on Schedule C or Schedule CZ. Sole proprietorships do not file Florida corporate income tax returns, but owners have unlimited personal liability for any debts or other obligations the business incurs. In Florida, that liability is limited by the state’s homestead rights laws, preventing creditors from seizing an owner’s home."

Thanks for any help in advance, guys!

[John]

I would incorporate, simply for liability purposes. You can always use the corporation for other business's in the future. Either way, you're going to need an occupational license if you plan on claiming profit and loss on your income taxes.

[arsoniq26]

So you're reccomending I obtain an LLC? I was going to save myself the hassle and maybe obtain one later, but you bring up a good point for liability purposes.

[John]

you could do LLC or S corp, perhaps another type, I'm not sure which one would best apply to you, I'm not the most knowledgeable on that subject. The less liability you are able to be accountable for, the more in taxes you have to pay as a general rule

[fencerider2]

First thing is this business going to have a fictitious name?

[arsoniq26]

Its going to have a name, yes.

[fencerider2]

Its going to have a name, yes.

1.You need to check with Pasco and Hernando county on what type of license you need first, because without a license you have no business.

2. I don't know if all your category's will fall under one occupational license, but maybe.

3. In some counties they require you to register your Fictitious name with the state before issuing you a occupational license.

4. The items listed above would be your first steps to starting your business.

[Joe]

http://www.myflorida.com/taxonomy/business/starting%20a%20business%20in%20florida/

[John]

4. The items listed above would be your first steps to starting your business.

He doesn't have to get a DBA if he operates his business under the corporate name. All you got to do is put a .inc or llc after your name, done

[arsoniq26]

thanks for all the advice so far guys, im heading to the courthouse friday

[fencerider]

thanks for all the advice so far guys, im heading to the courthouse friday

Only info that I gave you is from my past experiences and I am a S corporation State Certifiied contactor.

[Solar Specialist]

I would really not worry about getting incorporated for what you want to do. Theres very little liability in what you are doing for the most part. Just apply for a ficticious name, then go down to the county and get your occ. license(s) and then go open a business checking account. I use Suntrust because its free and only requires I think $100 to start. Plus they are all over the place.

[fencerider2]

I would really not worry about getting incorporated for what you want to do. Theres very little liability in what you are doing for the most part. Just apply for a ficticious name, then go down to the county and get your occ. license(s) and then go open a business checking account. I use Suntrust because its free and only requires I think $100 to start. Plus they are all over the place.


I agree with you about getting incorporated, especially for a one man business it cost more and creates more paper work.

[Scott]

All you got to do is put a .inc or llc after your name, done



Actually no.

You would put PA after your name before the others. It is much more common and easier paperwork.

[arsoniq26]

Alright guys, thanks for the great advice, I got my application for my occ license and cant wait to get started. I have to contact zoning and afew other places and I am good to go

[Dunecune442]

Get the LLC, it may not seem like your field would need it however it does not hurt. Its like insurance, you hate the cost while you pay it but when your vehicle/house is damaged/stolen/etc then the insurer takes care of it. The LLC would remove most if not all liability from you and make life alittle less stressful in the future.

Get this going, something like this would do great in Florida. An online superpages of sorts for contracters/construction.

-Keenan