Starting a side-job business...

[sleuth]

I've been thinking about doing some free-lance web design for awhile now to make a little extra cash. I figure it's something I enjoy, that I can do on the road when I travel for work, and do on my own schedule. And since I lost my renter recently, it's been on my mind a lot more.

I figured I would target small local businesses who just want a web presence so that people can see what they offer, similar to what I did for a recent deck-building company. I would also offer cheap maintenance plans and other services that go along with it. Basically, I'm just hoping to bring in an extra $200-$400 a month.

My question is... how do I go about setting things up to make sure everything is done 'legally' as far as taxes and stuff go.

I assume I would need to create a bank account specifically for doing business. But how do I handle taxes? Do I need to get a business tax number, etc.?

Anyone know of any online, easy-to-understand guides to starting something like this? Especially any that are Calvert County specific.

 

[Elle]

Maybe you could contact a local tax professional in your area and ask them

 

[dems4me]

I've been thinking about doing some free-lance web design for awhile now to make a little extra cash. I figure it's something I enjoy, that I can do on the road when I travel for work, and do on my own schedule. And since I lost my renter recently, it's been on my mind a lot more.

I figured I would target small local businesses who just want a web presence so that people can see what they offer, similar to what I did for a recent deck-building company. I would also offer cheap maintenance plans and other services that go along with it. Basically, I'm just hoping to bring in an extra $200-$400 a month.

My question is... how do I go about setting things up to make sure everything is done 'legally' as far as taxes and stuff go.

I assume I would need to create a bank account specifically for doing business. But how do I handle taxes? Do I need to get a business tax number, etc.?

Anyone know of any online, easy-to-understand guides to starting something like this? Especially any that are Calvert County specific.

Have them pay you "under the table"

 

[Elle]

Have them pay you "under the table"

Now why would a small business pay you under the table when that's a tax write off for them

 

[sleuth]

Now why would a small business pay you under the table when that's a tax write off for them

 

[likitysplit]

I've been thinking about doing some free-lance web design for awhile now to make a little extra cash. I figure it's something I enjoy, that I can do on the road when I travel for work, and do on my own schedule. And since I lost my renter recently, it's been on my mind a lot more.

I figured I would target small local businesses who just want a web presence so that people can see what they offer, similar to what I did for a recent deck-building company. I would also offer cheap maintenance plans and other services that go along with it. Basically, I'm just hoping to bring in an extra $200-$400 a month.

My question is... how do I go about setting things up to make sure everything is done 'legally' as far as taxes and stuff go.

I assume I would need to create a bank account specifically for doing business. But how do I handle taxes? Do I need to get a business tax number, etc.?

Anyone know of any online, easy-to-understand guides to starting something like this? Especially any that are Calvert County specific.

Try contacting the Small Business/New business department in CC. I had to file a tax form via the Department of Taxation in Baltimore. It was done via fax. PM me for more details if you'd like.

Hope this helps.

 

[sleuth]

Maybe you could contact a local tax professional in your area and ask them

I just thought I'd see if there were any guides available. A lot of counties and small business organizations offer them for free. I kinda wanted to know how much was involved before I really went full-steam.

I will see a tax professional when I decide if I want to go forward with it.

 

[dems4me]

Now why would a small business pay you under the table when that's a tax write off for them

actually I was joking, but folks really do this kind of stuff all the time to avoid tax issues and all the other legalities, etc... :shrug:

 

[sleuth]

actually I was joking, but folks really do this kind of stuff all the time to avoid tax issues and all the other legalities, etc... :shrug:

That's true... but I'd rather avoid pesky things like audits and revocation of security clearances.

 

[dems4me]

That's true... but I'd rather avoid pesky things like audits and revocation of security clearances.

:shrug: suit yourself..

 

[K_Jo]

 

[Kizzy]

I thought you were moving?

 

[Pete]

actually I was joking, but folks really do this kind of stuff all the time to avoid tax issues and all the other legalities, etc... :shrug:

I pay Maria consuelo Vasquez, my maid form Guatamala under the table so INS wont find her.

 

[vraiblonde]

Now why would a small business pay you under the table when that's a tax write off for them

Because you charge less than someone who's all legal and such. Also Some companies might want to hire you as an independent contractor and 1099 you at the end of the year. Then you file a Schedule C with your tax return and write off everything you own.

 

[sleuth]

I thought you were moving?

I am. But who knows when??? :shrug:
Gotta find a job first. Not much aerospace where I wanna go.

 

[Kizzy]

actually I was joking, but folks really do this kind of stuff all the time to avoid tax issues and all the other legalities, etc... :shrug:

Are you saying people cheat on their taxes?


Sleuth,

Go to the IRS's website and look up Schedule C, business income reporting. The directions/instructions are simple.

 

[unixpirate]

I pay Maria consuelo Vasquez, my maid form Guatamala under the table so INS wont find her.

Does she have a sister?