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Old April 26th, 2005, 12:41 PM   #1
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Tax question on doing wedding video

Hi:

I just have the 5th client booked me to film the wedding this year. The cost will be $1000 per wedding so should I file for tax? Can some one point me to some place that has some more info on this?

Thanks
AP
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Old April 26th, 2005, 01:26 PM   #2
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Allan,

If you're referring to charging sales tax for your work, you need to consult your state's tax laws. Some states want you to charge tax for services and rentals, yet others do not. Here in Texas, we are supposed to include shipping charges in the taxable amount. I would look on your state's official website for the information. That's what I did here and it was very productive and helpful.

regards,

-gb-
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Old April 26th, 2005, 01:27 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Allan Phan
Hi:

I just have the 5th client booked me to film the wedding this year. The cost will be $1000 per wedding so should I file for tax? Can some one point me to some place that has some more info on this?

Thanks
AP

Well, that is a trick question LOL

Do they pay you in cash? If so, I wouldn't worry about it. If they pay you with a check, I would worry about it.

By LAW, you must report all income, that includes CASH payments!! Save your receipts for cameras, accessories, tapes, mileage, etc... you can adjust your income with those expenses. Meaning if you had $2000 in expenses you will have to pay federal tax on $3000.

Hope this helps, I am in no way a CPA but you can always hire one.

Good Luck, TAX AUDITS ARE WORSE THAN A TRIP TO THE DENTIST!
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Old April 26th, 2005, 01:28 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg Boston
Allan,

If you're referring to charging sales tax for your work, you need to consult your state's tax laws. Some states want you to charge tax for services and rentals, yet others do not. Here in Texas, we are supposed to include shipping charges in the taxable amount. I would look on your state's official website for the information. That's what I did here and it was very productive and helpful.

regards,

-gb-

You must collect STATE sales tax if you are paying taxes on your videography income, if not, you will be required to pay that tax as well.
This requires you to register with your county auditors office for the state. You must also register your business name as well. There are many steps that you must follow if you are a business.
Jon
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Old April 27th, 2005, 01:36 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jon East
You must collect STATE sales tax if you are paying taxes on your videography income, if not, you will be required to pay that tax as well.
This requires you to register with your county auditors office for the state. You must also register your business name as well. There are many steps that you must follow if you are a business.
Jon
Jon,

This is why I directed the original poster to seek tax information on his state's official website. For example, Texas has no state income tax and yes I am a registered as a DBA with the county in which I reside. Under Texas law, if I do business under my given name such as "Greg Boston" then list videography as my service, I am not required to register. They only want to know who the business owner is. However, registration is required for me to do business as Waspnest Productions. The Texas government website has great information on different types of businesses and what is and is not tax exempt. They even have a category for video and film production.

But, it goes back to each state is different so it's prudent to check one's own state tax laws.
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Old April 27th, 2005, 05:57 AM   #6
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Here's my suggestion.

Check with your attorney AND accountant to see what the requirements are in YOUR state. If you don't have a lawyer and/or accountant then find one or the other that is qualified to answer your questions thru the bar association. Most state bar associations have a referral service where you can sit with a lawyer for an hour for a very small fee. THAT is the way to get your questions answered correctly.

We are videographers not tax specialists, attorneys or accountants and even if we were the answers might not pertain to your specific situation in your area.

Just my taxable $.02 worth.

Don
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