Is a business license needed?

[btra fan]

Asking for US requirements. I know that it depends on your location such as state/county/city but is a business license required to operate such a business. I'm specifically asking for a membership pay site that will be offering digital content.

Generally speaking do you need one, also do you have to register your business for tax purposes?

Thanks!
BFan

[Jim]

You should have a minimum a business license. Being incorporated is best.

But, you could always do it just using your name.

[papagmp]

Depending on the state, an LLC may offer enough protection for the type business you are entering. I would never operate a business in my own name with no legal separation between my home and my business. I currently have 7 LLC's and 3 INC's – most turn a profit. The various structures have both legal and financial ramifications so sit down with your attorney and accountant and decide which is best for you. If you don’t have an attorney and account, get one – if my memory serves me properly, the SBA claims that 85% of the businesses that fail, do not have proper legal and financial advisors.

[SheepGuy]

I'm not in the US but what papa says is true and is just common sense.
Cover your ass if you plan on making money.

[papagmp]

Cover your ass if you plan on making money.

Sure SheepGuy, now just practice what I preach - |jester| - Please!

ROTFLMAO

[SheepGuy]

Sure SheepGuy, now just practice what I preach - |jester| - Please!

ROTFLMAO

I have beers with my lawyer at least twice a week, and my accountant every 3 months or so. I'm cool.
LOL! Occasionally I do have to air my ass out though ;)

[Schpork]

we can see that my dear friend =p
*looks shyly at your avata..........................*GODDAMN* I did it again

[btra fan]

Thanks guys, really appreciate it. Only thing I had in mind so far was registering my business name. All I want to do for my business is produce digital content and get it on a paysite. I'll look into the LLC thing.