Starting a home based business?

Question

Does anyone have any experience with starting a small business in the Greater Vancouver area? I'm looking into starting a home-based photography business, and don't anticipate making millions in my first year (ha!) do I need a business lisence? What about GST/PST?

Answer 1

Hi,

I have a lot of experience in this.  Legally, you need a business license unless you are living in an unincorporated area (ie: the middle of nowhere).  That doesn't describe the lower mainland... not even Surrey!  Haha... sorry...

That said, no one will know if you don't get one.  It's just a tax grab.  

As for GST, if you have significant amounts of input costs, you could get your GST back on the inputs you purchased (camera, supplies, etc).  In start up years, it is not uncommon to pay out more in GST than you collect.  Then you get a cheque.  If you don't have a number, you get nothing.

As for PST, call the government for clarification on your exact services.  I don't think you will need a PST number as most services are PST (but not GST) exempt.  Selling prints or negatives may require you to charge PST, so you could just bundle them into your services instead.

Good luck!

Answer 2

You better ask your city if it's ok, some places are very touchy about that..