Need Input about Business Licenses for Storytellers ASAP!

[Lisa Hicks]

I tell in a lot of cities and counties. Today I got a letter from a city asking if I had a license to conduct business in that city. Surely I can't be required to get a business license in every single city and county? I'd go broke! I'm not making much as it is. I'm looking at taking on another job now because I'm not making much. Does anyone have any information about this? Please share! What do you do? Thanks for any input!

[Lisa Hicks]

Thanks!

[K. Sean Buvala]

No problem. It's easy to let the biz overwhelm the art. Keep telling. :-)

[Lisa Hicks]

Thanks for your input.

[K. Sean Buvala]

And I have to say, you really need to be talking with your lawyer and/or your accountant about this. The laws vary all over.

[K. Sean Buvala]

The joys of being a working artist. The laws and rules of each city are different. In some cities in Arizona, for example, you need a license to do any type of business at all, sales or not. In some cities, only if you do retail of product. In other cities, they tax both the labor and the sales.

In all cases, the responsibility for compliance lies with you and not with the city or taxing authority to tell you.

How do you survive as a working artist while not having any product to sell?

It can be kinda scary out there. :-)

[Lisa Hicks]

I am not selling any products at my performances.

[K. Sean Buvala]

Yes, you can be required to get a license in every city you perform in. It's not the usual request, but I have found it more often in Minnesota, Texas and New Jersey. Right now, with every city going broke, we are going to see more of this. If you are selling product at a live event in another city, then, yes, you do owe them sales tax.

You do have the proper city and state license in your own area, right? Often times, that is enough for most other locations. I