Hello,
I am trying to find out what is needed in the way of licenses, permits, etc...
I have been getting different info everywhere. Originally I was told that I only needed a permit. Now it is a dominoe effect and I don't know if I will even have time to have this all for the show I want to do. Any help from your experience will be appreciated.
1. Do I have to register and get a Federal ID # (EIN) if I have no employees?
When I tried to register for a sales tax certificate it asked for an EIN.
2. Do I have to register with fictitious names? (is that State?)
3. Get a City permit? In each city you do a show?
4. Do you know how long any of this takes?
Thank you!
Donna
Replies
Many shows in Florida supply a sales tax form when you do the show, to be filled out and mailed within 7-14 days after the show. If you have a Florida sales tax ID, you can postpone paying the sales tax, based on your filing frequency. Elle has it right -- call the FDOR and they should be able to get you started with a sales tax ID.
That said, if you don't file promptly in Florida, they will fine you $50 each time you miss the deadline. Ask me how I know this.
It gets more complicated when you do shows outside your home state. Sometimes you can just collect sales tax and file the form the show provides. Sometimes you absolutely have to have a state sales tax number, regardless of how miniscule your sales are. Call the individual show director when you are accepted and ask them if they do any of the up front work (form in packet, out of state vendor, etc).
You probably need to register your business name with your county courthouse, even if you are a sole proprietorship, doing business in your own name, or under a fictitious name (DBA). It can't hurt, and it legitimatizes you as a member of the business community. Usually that can be done with a visit to your local courthouse and may cost you $10-25. Bring ID. They will notarize your signature. Having a business permit locally will allow you to open a business checking account, and having a sales tax ID will allow you buy supplies intended for use in manufacturing goods (read: making stuff) without paying the local sales tax.
It will take a few hours of your time.
Hi Donna First, I would recommend calling the Florida Department of Revenue and asking them or go to their website. See if there are licenses/permits needed since you live there. Second, you usually can use your social security number if you are a sole proprietor instead of a FIN or EIN. (You can go ahead and apply for a FIN/EIN if you want, it's free I think) You will have to register with Florida if you are going to have a DBA. If city permits are needed for shows, usually the forms will be in the packet of information the individual shows send you. Same with temporary sales tax forms when you are out of state. If not though, you can usually get them from the state's department of revenue website.
As to how long it all takes, I am not sure. I would estimate you would have it all done within a month. TO my knowledge, not having these things done now should not prevent you from doing a show. You can always call the show and ask them if there are any special permits you need for that show. Hope this helps!
P.S. I live in Florida.