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Starting a(n) Business Licenses & Tax IDs
Hi, I'm   72653 Video Games Choose a Business Structure Sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, etc. Consider liability and tax implications. Register Your Business Register your business name or form an LLC/corporation Obtain an EIN from the IRS Apply for any required local business licenses Comply with Regulations Ensure your...,  .
Hi, I'm   55369 Video Games

FAQs - More...
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Choose a Business Structure

  • Sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, etc. Consider liability and tax implications.

    • Register Your Business

  • Register your business name or form an LLC/corporation
  • Obtain an EIN from the IRS
  • Apply for any required local business licenses

    • Comply with Regulations

  • Ensure your home meets zoning requirements for a home business
  • Obtain seller's permit if selling tangible products

    • Develop Your Business Model

  • Decide what types of games to develop - console, mobile, PC, etc.
  • Determine your role - game development, publishing, distribution, retail, etc.

    • Build Your Operations

  • Obtain necessary software, hardware, development tools
  • Hire graphic designers, developers, testers, etc. if needed

    • Market and Sell

  • Promote your games through online platforms, social media, influencers
  • Sell through your website, app stores, marketplaces, retailers
    • Starting a video games business from home is an exciting venture, but it requires careful planning and adherence to legal requirements. Here's a general guide to help you understand the steps you need to take. Note that specific requirements can vary significantly depending on your location (country, state, city), the nature of your business (development, retail, online, etc.), and the scale of your operation. It's crucial to consult local government websites or legal advisors for precise information.

    Research Your Business Structure


  • **Sole Proprietorship:** Simplest structure, directly owned and run by you, with no distinction between the business and you, the owner.

  • **Limited Liability Company (LLC):** Offers personal liability protection, with profits and losses passing through to your personal income without facing corporate taxes.

  • **Corporation (Inc.):** More complex, suitable for larger operations with external investors.

    • Register Your Business


  • **Choose a Business Name:** Unique and adheres to your state's naming requirements.

  • **Register Your Business:** Depending on your structure, this could involve filing with your state, county, and city. For an LLC or corporation, this is more complex than for a sole proprietorship.

    • Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits


  • **Business License:** Required by most local governments to legally operate.

  • **Sales Tax Permit:** If you're selling goods, most states require registration for sales tax collection.

  • **Home Occupation Permit:** If operating from home, some localities require this to ensure your business doesn’t disrupt your neighborhood.

  • **Special Gaming Licenses:** Depending on the nature of your video game business (e.g., development, retail, or running a gaming café), you might need specific permits related to digital content, copyright, or public entertainment.

    • Consider Zoning Laws


  • Ensure your home business complies with local zoning laws, which may restrict certain types of business activities in residential areas.

    • Understand Tax Obligations


  • **Federal and State Taxes:** Register for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if you plan to hire employees. Understand your tax obligations for federal and state income tax, sales tax, and employment tax if applicable.

  • **Keep Detailed Records:** Maintain meticulous financial records for tax purposes and potential audits.

    • Comply with Additional Legal Requirements


  • **Insurance:** Consider business insurance to protect against liability and property damage.

  • **Intellectual Property Protections:** If you're developing games, consider copyright and trademark protections for your games and brand.

  • **Privacy Policies and Data Protection:** If your games collect personal information, be aware of laws like GDPR in Europe or CCPA in California that regulate data protection and privacy.

    • Build Your Business Plan


  • Create a detailed business plan outlining your business model, market analysis, marketing strategy, operational plan, and financial projections.

    • Establish Your Online Presence


  • **Website and Social Media:** Essential for marketing and selling your games or services.

  • **Digital Distribution Platforms:** If you're developing games, consider platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, or mobile app stores for distribution.
    • ✔ Biz Structure

    You can choose to be a(n) Video Games :

    • Sole Proprietor,
    • LLC,
    • Corporation or
    • Partnership.
      After you decide and select your business entity, you need licensing.


    ✔ Biz License


    Hicksville Business Tax Registration ( Business License)
    All businesses including home, online or mobile BUSINESS need a BUSINESS license because they are BUSINESSES.


    ✔ DBA Biz Name

    A(n) Video Games business doing business under an assumed business name in Nassau County i.e. you are a business that uses a DBA doing business as trade name to trade that is other than the full legal (first and last -- full name) name of a sole proprietor or a name other than the LLC or Corporation business name need a(n) assumed business name certificate.   E.g. you venture into a(n) Video Games business and you give it a trade name such as "Excellence Video Games & Associates". You will need to register an assumed business name certificate.
    ✔ Seller Permit

    In NY you need a resale ID ( AKA seller's permit) if you selling touchable items.  (A.K.A state id, wholesale, resale, reseller certificate, about $39 for most states).
    Seller's Permit

    ✔ Federal EIN


    Note: All businesses need a federal tax ID number except sole proprietors that are not employers and are not independent contractors.
    An independent contractor is a self employed business person that receives more than $600 per year from anyone of his or her clients.
    IRS rule: The client must issue a 1099 form to the independent contractor and the independent contractor must have a federal tax ID. However, even sole owners may obtain a federal ID and use it as a business tax ID instead of using their own social security number as a business tax ID number.
    However, all other licenses that apply to sole proprietors as discussed here are requited regardless of getting a federal tax ID number.

    ✔ State EIN

    In addition you will need a federal and a state EIN if you will hire employees. I.e., a NY Federal Tax Id Number ($29)  and a(n) NY  State Employer Tax Number  

    ✔ L L C

    Instead of filing a fictitious business name DBA Filing (about $49 plus state and legal newspaper publication fees) in Hicksville, Incorporate in NY  or form a(n) NY LLC     . 

    Filing a DBA is not required if you will set up an LLC or form a Corporation. If you will do business under your first and last legal name you will not need to get a fictitious business name.
    Also note that even using your first and last name may not help you avoid filing a DBA if the name has a suffix such as "& sons" etc.

    ✔ Incorporation


    If you do form an Merchandise Retail llc or incorporate (about $49 plus state fees for most states) your Video Games business instead of just filing a fictitious business name (dba), that insurs that you don't have personal liability for debts and civile liabililty arising from your business dealings and you will not have to record the Hicksville business name. In lieu of recording a Nassau County trade company name (our filing service fee includes trade name registration and newspaper legal publication for 4 weeks) you can also form a corporation in NY or form an NY LLC (starts @ $49 plus state fee for most states & includes bylaws for the corporation and Limited Liability operating agreement for the LLC that is required to open a business bank account). .
    		 
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