Starting an internet business in Florida?

Question

I just launched my website this month and I have some questions that I can't find answers to (in layman's terms). I just now (literally) filed my ficticious name form online thru Sunbiz.com. I'm not even sure I filled THAT out correctly, though! What else do I need to do? I have an EIN already. I don't have any employees and this is a website operated out of my home by my husband and myself. I am not selling any "products" per se, but I am selling advertising space on my website to advertisers in all 50 states. Do I have to collect sales tax or anything from these sales? I have already gone to my county's and state's websites for info, as well as sunbiz, but I feel like I am just chasing my tail. I have a "regular" full-time job so I don't have the time to go to my county government to have them walk me thru this. Can anyone tell me what else I need to do/get so that I don't get in trouble with the law or IRS? I'm sure I sound like a complete idiot but I am so confused by everything that I am already about to give up on working for myself! These are the sites I have already gone to for assistance: sunbiz, SBA, my state's website and my county's website. If it makes any difference, I am in Volusia county.

Answer 1

If you are not selling tangible consumer goods then you don't need to collect tax. If you get a tax ID from the state then you will be required to file taxes on income earned from your business and taxes collected from your sales so if you don't want to get into that hassle then don't ask for a sales tax number. Your EIN is sufficient for the time being for your business.

Selling advertising on your website is one of those gray areas. Who controls the Internet and who has a right to tax it? Until that question is answered by the government then there is no tax for selling "webspace".

That doesn't mean you won't have to report your earnings from your business as taxable income, but it is not considered something your business should charge tax for.

Answer 2

You need to get a state tax ID # from Talahassee. Sales are only taxable if the buyer is in Florida.