What's Needed To Register A Business

[addaminsane]

Upon looking into registering for the PokerVT affiliate program, i realized its time that i need a business registration number so that i don't have to enter my personal SSN every time i sign up for a product or service affiliate program.

I was wandering if in this thread some members may be able to give info or refer me and some other ignorant members to sources that discuss the steps needed to take to declare you're affiliate marketing a business.

Can you set up a personal business name so that it encompasses web design, affiliate marketing (programs), and other freelancing services?

Basically, i guess i want to have a business registration # that i can use to claim all my online earnings on, whether it be web design, affiliating, selling websites, etc.

Im confused/ignorant about the order/amount of steps needed to be taken to setup a "business" and get a "business registration number".

I'm primarily referring to USA but if members want to include info about non USA as well go for it.

Thanks.

[Self Made]

If you're a sole proprietorship without employees (as opposed to contractors) you don't really have to do anything but file a schedule C with your 1040.

An IRS Employer ID Number is the SSN alternative you're talking about, and it's free and easy to get one.

You may also want a DBA (doing business as) to operate under a name other than your own and open a business bank account in that name. Google your state law for that.

It gets more complex if you have employees or create a business entity (corporation, S corp., LLC, etc.), but sole proprietorships are really easy in the US.

[addaminsane]

okay thanks for that info, i'll check that out and any other tips are appreciated

[actyper]

fyi pokervt does actually use that ssn and sends you whatever it is at the end of the year since they are a u.s. based business.

[addaminsane]

Yeah i know, which is why i definitely wanted to do it correctly. PokerVT is a legit service that looks to be around a while takes pride in the product. They aren't just trying to sign up players and get a some subscription revenue.

Anyways, yeah, in the future i would like to be more involved in marketing products and services that do infact take taxes seriously. I'd also like to start associating some financial accounts i use for freelance work with a business id.