For people in NY City, let’s say you have a sales idea for a business (service, not goods). You take a few steps, and make some money (say $500). Now out of the blue another different one you advertised works out (different service sold) so you get another bit of cash. Now, you find yourself making ok money going back and forth between 2 or 3 of these services. My question is, if i need a license from the city, at what point do i need it? And is it one lic. only, or multiple ones? Anything else to keep in mind?
Answers
Hi Jerry,
It seems the New York City website would be a good resource here: I haven't checked it yet, but hard to imagine they wouldn't have something regarding licensing small businesses, etc. NYC has quite a few legitimate street vendors, for example, and they typically do have to apply for permits -- particularly food vendors.
I guess one small benefit to a major bureaucracy: their website should have enough information telling you what to do!
JS
When I think about the logistics of starting a new business, I think broad and work my way narrow.
World - If you want a website, URL availability can guide your business name choice. If that isn't a need for your businesses, no problem.
National - Chat with an accountant but when it comes to the IRS, income from side gigs often can be declared as part of your normal tax return. But if you really want to start a business you will need to get a tax ID number (EIN). Think of it as a social security number for your business.
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-ss-4-application-for-employer-identification-number-ein
State - Often states require someone to register a new business at the state level, and often need a business name and EIN to do that.
https://www.ny.gov/services/business
City - Business Licenses are often issued at the city level ( or county). These are often simple for something like a consulting job where you work from home but don't have clients there, or can be more complicated if you need special licenses (like food handling or serving liquor).
https://www.nyc.gov/business
I suspect that this will take a little time and research in NYC (where my wife is from), but here in Salt Lake City, UT the process can only take a couple hours for all of the above. A local branch of SCORE (https://www.score.org) or SBA (https://www.sba.gov) likely can help you navigate this (with no charge for the help).
Good luck!
-Paul
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