So you don't need to have a LLC to file taxes as a self employed person? I was thinking of starting some LLC photography or graphic design business for the sole purpose of having income verification and being able to otherwise function as an actual adult in the civie world. Originally Posted by Reya Sunshine
I file as a domestic something no LLC needed ... I have an accountant do it for me Originally Posted by VictoriaLyn
As a business owner (S corp) I can tell you that it's a little more hassle and more expensive. You have to file more forms and you pay both sides of the social security/medicare. And federal unemployment. And if you pay yourself more that $25K a year, Texas unemployment. And lots of Texas forms and the non-tax tax (franchise fee or whatever they call it). But I also need to protect my personal assets, so a corp works for me.
This is not tax, financial or legal advice. It's worth the $350 to talk to a lawyer. Actually, I paid her $500. How many providers make $500 for an hour and keep your clothes on? Originally Posted by austin_voy
I don't recommend LLC (limited liability company). Like an S-Corp, that is usually done for liability protection for business owners. LLC's are generally partnerships, although you can have a single member LLC, or choose to be taxed as a corporation. In addition to a whole lot of paperwork you don't need to do (like registering with the Secretary of State to qualify to do business) you will end up being subject to Texas Franchise Tax (yes, contrary to popular belief, Texas does have a form of income tax).
For the simply filing a tax return to report some amount of income, and to establish a work or business history, I would recommend just running your business as a a "sole proprietorship". If you prefer to use a "business name" (like "Susie's Hobby Services") you can register your dba ("doing business as" name) at the County Clerk's for a few bucks, and even get a Federal Tax ID number over the internet so that you don't have to use your personal social security number.
Remember that there is a Chinese wall between the IRS and LE... meaning filing an income tax return does not mean that the authorities are privy to this information. But if you don't report the income, that is a crime... that is how the FBI locked up Al Capone...income tax evasion.
Your tax guy is your advocate, not the IRS, and not LE... So, you can seek his or her advice about "hobby" income and business expenses without necessarily hiding what you do. That doesn't mean of course that I advise sharing all of the details, just on a need to know basis. Originally Posted by austinkboy