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Applying for a business license?

As Rover advises, I checked with my state laws regarding working as an independent contractor (which all of us sitters on Rover are classified as) and needing a business license. I found out that in my city (Seattle) independent contractors are indeed required to have a business license and need to check with their property's zoning laws. For instance, laws about how many animals can stay at a residence at the same time, etc. I got approval regarding my home being zoned for a small business and applied for a business license which is awaiting review. I'm wondering if anyone else has been through this process and, if so, is there any reason the state would deny a business license if all the zoning conditions are adhered to? How do taxes differ? I'm gathering as much info as I can via the internet but would love some anecdotal info since I learn better from that. Thanks!

3 Answers

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I am in Florida so Im not sure if I can answer you properly. But here as an independent contractor you need to have you federal business name registered (this is free if you include your name in your business) getting a tax ID and pay fed taxes every 3 months. Then you have to have a license based on your business address this may be just 1 with the county but if your address requires you to get a licenses with the city you also have to have one with the county so minimum 2 but it varies from city to city some city's such as Orlando require 5 licenses to walk dogs plus the county license. Once you make $600 or more you have to register at least with the Feds. I recommend calling your local licensing department to find all the rules here it is called "department of licensing and agriculture Florida" and are usually located close to a court house. I hope this helps.

Comments

I am in Sarasota county and trying to figure this out! Help!

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Yes, and it should be required by rover for sitters to submit their licensing info to be approved to avoid legal action against sitters who might not be aware thet have to report as self employed and pay in taxes etc.

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I hadn't even thought of this! This is good info! Thank you, for asking, and answering!

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Yes, I recently applied for my EIN and as an LLC on the advice of my Accountant. Want to do everything on the level and have the best experience all around.