About John A. Troland Expertise I am a professional accountant, small business consultant and business
plan writer with 43 years experience ( I am also listed on allexperts
website as a volunteer in the category of Writing Business Plans).I can answer questions on what needs to be done to start a small business; forms of legal organization;financing for the business; need for a business plan; questions related to the purchase of a
business; risks and rewards of owning a small business; marketing and promotion questions and questions concerning bookkeeping, accounting
and tax considerations when starting a small business
Experience
Past/Present Clients numerous clients over 43 years in retail, wholesale, service and the
manufacturing sectors
I'm a college student planning on starting a publishing business just as a side hobby (nothing too serious). Since I will be the sole proprietor of this business, I am not too sure how to proceed. I know I need to obtain a federal tax i.d. Do I also need to register the business name? How about licenses? I tried going through business.gov, but there seems to be more than I need--seller's permits, permits to collect sales tax, etc... Since I will be selling this books to friends/ family as a hobby, I'm not sure if I need all these? Any advice is much appreciated.
Thank you very much.
-Joseph
Answer Joseph: Depending on local and/or state rules and regulations you MAY need to register your business name. I am located in CT; I assume you are located in a state other than CT. My best advice: contact your local SCORE/Service Corp of Retired Executives chapter. SCORE can be contacted at 800-634-0245 or www.score.org. They offer FREE one on one counselling and assistance in all areas you would need help/assistance in.
