I'm a Teenager and I'm opening a small lawn mowing/snow shoveling/raking business. A few questions...

Question

I'm opening my business and so far, I have no transportation for my equipment. So, I am only offering the services to two close by streets to where I can walk the lawn mower and things to.

Is there anything I should know about this type of business? (Advertising, Best Ways to Mow, etc.)

I have made fliers and I'm wondering if it is illegal to put them in Newspaper boxes (I know its illegal for mail boxes). If it is, where could I distribute them?

Also, do I have to pay taxes to the government or something, or do I have to register something because I'm a business?

Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

It's illegal to put them in newspaper boxes, yes. And no you don't need a business license. You're a kid doing yard work for your neighbors, it's not really a "real" business.

Answer 2

I would go door to door and introduce yourself. You cannot put flyers in a US Mail box without buying postage. As far as taxes, I would not worry about it too much until you see what kind of money you take in. As long as you don't have any employees, you are likely able to just claim the money as miscellaneous income and not file as business.

Answer 3

idk good luck

Answer 4

i wouldnt put fliers in the newspaper boxes and dont pay taxes you're not going to make alot of money, that is just dumb

Answer 5

I think you can put flyers on electricity polls

Answer 6

I would either go door-to-door, or mail out an introduction letter with the flier to the neighbors.  Yeah, you'll pay a little money for the stamps, but I would hire someone who took the initiative to mail me a letter, over someone who just stuck a flier in my newspaper box.  Even if it isn't illegal, it's annoying.   If you are under the age of 15, then you do not have to report the income.  If you are over 15 and make more than $2,000.00 (I'm pretty sure on this amount.) then you do have to report.  Though you won't pay much in taxes.

Answer 7

i think you can tape the fliers to mailboxes.  you need a riding lawnmower for sure.  you're gonna need a truck most likely unless you get a trailer and put a ball hitch on your vehicle.  ride around and find yards that look like elderly people live there and make sure to tape the fliers to those types of houses.

Answer 8

Your teenager needs to know that the money she brings in babysitting and mowing lawns is considered earned income by the United States government. She will have to pay self-employment taxes on it if the amount is above what is set for that year. For instance, in the year 2007, if he/she brings in more than $5,350 of earned income or a combination of $850 earned and unearned income, she will need to file.

http://parentingteens.about.com/od/money...

Please also read up on  the "Kiddie tax".  This could apply to you

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22670137/

Generally, kids who earn income in cash have not been scrutinized about their income.  Working kids have been admired by the rest of society for saving for college, being constructive, and helping out the neighborhood.

All that aside, you will be paying for your equipment and you could declare that on your tax forms...if you make enough money in the first place to declare the taxes.  That may be hard at first if you only have a few neighbors.

I know of teens here who make money doing yard work.  Their reputation has spread around the neighborhood so now they just schedule their work with the neighbors.  This works for both gardening and snow shoveling.  You may even be able to schedule every Saturday as your day you work in your neighborhood.

Answer 9

1. It's not illegal to put them in newspaper boxes. It's only illegal to put in Mailboxes because of Federal Law. Mail is controlled by our Government.

2. You can put flyers up at your local post office, grocery store, and possibly put them on telephone polls depending on where you live. If I were you I would just make up a bunch and go door to door with them and offer your services. That way the people can meet you and ask you question if they need to.

As to the taxes, it is Federal Law that you have to report any income you make. But if you make under $10,000 or are a Student you can file exempt on your tax returns and you won't "owe" any money. Ask your parents how to do this.  

Answer 10

You need to figure out whether injuries sustained while you're working are covered under your parents' insurance.

Answer 11

i dont know too much about the rules on fliers, but you should go door to door if you can and talk to your neighbors about it

Answer 12

DONT REGISTER WITH IRS?!?!? DONT!!!

You arent going to be making THAT much money and even if you did, you dont want them taking your hard earned money!!! DONT LISTEN TO ANYONE!!!

DOnt put your fliers anywhere that you might have second thoughts about. ALWAYS stick to your word! If you say your giong to be there at 3:00 then get your a$$ over there at 2:50!!! If your in business then your word is your bond!!! Also, you arent your own boss even though you might think so. Your clients are your boss and your neighbor so do a good job because you will look stupid if you dont! QC your own work after every job! Have the owner of the property walk around and make sure they like it. If you do that then you need to make sure you get paid every single time. None of this IOU c**p! If these grown ups act like they dont understand then push it. Grown ups will try to take advantage of you since you are young and inexperianced. Make sure that you aggree with the home owner about price location and other job related details!

The ONLY reason you should buy a book and keep money info in there is to see how much you are making and how much you have spent from it.

Folow this religiously and ALL your neigbors will flock to your good service. Some people dont want to waste their money on you and your service since times are tough so prove it to them that you are by your attitude and your actions and your work should speak for itself!

Good luck on that and congrats on wanting to make your own money!

Answer 13

About the transportation, one thing that I use in my business is the client's own mower! Though awkward in some moments, it is sufficient and smart :)  if they're lawn needs mowing, chances are they have their own mower.

As a joke, if you had a rider you could just ride over to the client's house XD

But for the legal mumbo-jumbo, I couldn't tell ya!

Answer 14

Landscaping at your level requires that you go door to door advertising your service.  I use to do it by walking around the neighborhood seeing who needed their lawn mowed.  So door to door advertising and word of mouth.  

No one reads flyers that's for sure.

If someone else can claim you as a dependent, you will need to follow these filing requirements. You must pay taxes if you have any of the following:

unearned income more than $850 (stocks, mutuals funds, ect)

earned income more than $5,350 (mowing yards)

If you make more than 850 bucks from the interest on stocks or mutual funds or something like that then yes.  I don't think you own any stocks or bonds do you?

If you make more than $5,350 in mowing yards then yes you do.  Just keep track of how much you make but keep it below 5350 a year.  Or if you want to make more then you have to pay the tax on it.

Answer 15

well thats a tuffy!

you can i (think) put them on ther doorstep and go door to door!