Ross

Hey guys, I've been looking into getting a business license and was curious how other bloggers do it. I've looked at the Washington state business license application, but can't figure out how to classify it. There isn't a blog option, I'm not selling products, I'm just so lost.

Is virtual space (links/banners) considered a service or product? What about affiliate programs? Please share what you did if you don't mind.

Those are considered advertising, I believe. I have an LLC and do have a business license. (Although I do other things in addition to blogging, too.)

I looked at the WA Licensing Bureau Jen and you don't need to apply for a professional license. Publishing of any kind isn't a regulated industry in your state. What you will have to do, however, is check with your city & county (if you have those) to see what the business licenses cost.

 

Technically speaking, every business should be paying for a license, regardless of type unless there is a home-based business exemption where you live. It'd kind of the law 

You actually went and looked into it. How awesome are you! 

Thanks so much Eric! I'll try to check into the city/county requirements this week. That's cool that I'm not required to get a state license.

While I'm not a professional at this, I think that as long as you are paying the correct taxes for your business, you'll be fine. 

I have my stuff set up as a sole prop. and pass through the income on a Schedule C. 

I believe that the only benefit to getting a business license is if it is required by a vendor for tax-exempt resale purchases, which as a blogger, you probably won't have. 

Hmmm...thanks Jacob. 

I was thinking that having a business license would make things more official for me, thus making me more serious about things. I'm really all over the place, but still spend about 60 hours on blog(s)-related tasks.

Also, I'm hoping that having it set up as a business would save me on taxes because I could claim all of the expenses. I know nothing about taxes, so we'll see.

I just filed LLC paperwork with my state and treat the income as pass-through (schedule C) on my taxes.

Thanks Eric.  I'm not exactly sure what that means, but I'm sure it'll help later on.

Things to try could include publishing, commuications, and information services.

This reminds me; now that I'm back in city limits, I need to pay for Fort Collin's rediculous home-based business license. Way to discourage small business, jerks!

Thanks Edward. 

Sorry they're out to get you man. 

For taxes I classify my business as Internet Publishing.  It's NAICS Code 519130.  May help you in your endeavors (at least at tax time).  

Thanks Robert, I'll keep this in mind. 

Technically speaking, every business should be paying for a license, regardless of type unless there is a home-based business exemption where you live. It'd kind of the law 

I have my stuff set up as a sole prop. and pass through the income on a Schedule C. 

I believe that the only benefit to getting a business license is if it is required by a vendor for tax-exempt resale purchases, which as a blogger, you probably won't have. 

This reminds me; now that I'm back in city limits, I need to pay for Fort Collin's rediculous home-based business license. Way to discourage small business, jerks!

Is virtual space (links/banners) considered a service or product? What about affiliate programs? Please share what you did if you don't mind.