Small Press Game Company Startup

[Aries]

I am curious if I were to create a small press game company would it be possible to do it without a business license? Getting a business license is not a problem and I could get one with ease.

I wasn't sure if I needed a business license to accomplish my goal, or I could report any income (if there is any) as additional income on my taxes.

Any help is appreciated.

[Guildofblades]

At the very minimum you should get a DBA (Doing Business As) license from your local county. It will be a lot more professional looking when your customers send invoice checks to that business name as opposed to your personal name.

Unless you incorporate, ultimately you will have to post your year end "profits" as personal income. That stands true if you are run a sole proprietaorship, partnership, limited partnership, and I think limited liability corporations...or was that S type corporations?

If you do not know the differences between these different business structures, I highly suggest doing a LOT of reading about them ahead a time.

Ultimately most people jump into game publishing because they have a knowledge of how to create games. But its more important to the financial success of your business that you know how to actually run a business.

[Aries]

Originally posted by Guildofblades
At the very minimum you should get a DBA (Doing Business As) license from your local county. It will be a lot more professional looking when your customers send invoice checks to that business name as opposed to your personal name.

Unless you incorporate, ultimately you will have to post your year end "profits" as personal income. That stands true if you are run a sole proprietaorship, partnership, limited partnership, and I think limited liability corporations...or was that S type corporations?

If you do not know the differences between these different business structures, I highly suggest doing a LOT of reading about them ahead a time.

Ultimately most people jump into game publishing because they have a knowledge of how to create games. But its more important to the financial success of your business that you know how to actually run a business.

I have actually run a business and know how to run a business. Plus, I have many other contacts that can help me along the way.

Your answer is what I thought, and it will not be a problem to get one.

Thank you

[SmegMOnkey]

You could live outside the law??? :p
Or just run a stand at your local markets??
Or drive naked through a police station disco??
Or you could be sensible and do what guildofblades says??

[flyingmice]

Originally posted by SmegMOnkey
You could live outside the law??? :p
Or just run a stand at your local markets??
Or drive naked through a police station disco??
Or you could be sensible and do what guildofblades says??

I don't see what the problem is, SmegMOnkey. GuildofBlades says "get a DBA (Doing Business As) license", and LoneGamer answers "it will not be a problem to get one". Sounds to be like he *is* doing what GuildofBlades suggested. Do you see something there that I don't? :O

[SmegMOnkey]

Originally posted by flyingmice


I don't see what the problem is, SmegMOnkey. GuildofBlades says "get a DBA (Doing Business As) license", and LoneGamer answers "it will not be a problem to get one". Sounds to be like he *is* doing what GuildofBlades suggested. Do you see something there that I don't? :O

sorry touche mouse