Starting a(n) Event Planning Business Licenses & Tax IDs

Hi, I'm How Licensing an Event Planning Business

"Come to the edge," he said. They said, "We are afraid." "Come to the edge," he said. They came. He pushed them...and they flew." - Guillaume Apollinaire

Hey Ann! Operating an event planning business allows you to turn dr..., .

Hi, I'm hughes start up business

25728 start up business hughes hughes Event planning Other Event planning 4 East Orange NJ

, hughes.

Event Planning

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." - Peter Drucker

Joke:

What do you call an event planner who's always on time?

A myth.

Answering Ann's Question:

Do you need an LLC, DBA, or tax ID such as a seller's permit or employer IDs from the state and federal government for a new Event Planning business?

Yes, you will most likely need an LLC, DBA, and tax ID for your new event planning business.

LLC (Limited Liability Company): An LLC is a business structure that provides limited liability protection for its owners. This means that the owners' personal assets are protected from creditors and lawsuits if the business is sued or goes bankrupt.
DBA (Doing Business As): A DBA is a fictitious business name that allows you to operate your business under a name other than your legal name. This can be helpful if you want to use a more creative or memorable name for your business.
Tax ID (Taxpayer Identification Number): A tax ID is a number that is used to identify your business to the government for tax purposes. You will need a tax ID to file your business taxes and to open a business bank account.
Do you need additional special licenses or permits peculiar to this kind of business?

Yes, you may need additional special licenses or permits depending on the type of events you plan and the location of your business. For example, if you plan on serving alcohol at your events, you will need a liquor license. If you plan on hosting events at a public park or venue, you may need to obtain a special event permit.

Here are some examples of special licenses and permits that you may need for your event planning business:

Liquor license: A liquor license is required to serve alcohol at your events.
Special event permit: A special event permit is often required to host events at public parks or venues.
Food service permit: A food service permit is required if you plan on serving food at your events.
Business insurance: Business insurance is not required, but it is highly recommended to protect your business from financial losses in the event of a lawsuit or other unexpected event.
Why are these licenses and registrations needed?

These licenses and registrations are needed to ensure that your business is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations. They also help to protect your business and your customers from potential harm.

For example, a liquor license is required to ensure that you are selling alcohol responsibly and that your customers are of legal drinking age. A special event permit is required to ensure that your event is safe and that it does not disrupt the public. A food service permit is required to ensure that the food you are serving is safe and sanitary. And business insurance is important to protect your business from financial losses in the event of a lawsuit or other unexpected event.

Conclusion

It is important to check with your local government to determine which specific licenses and permits you need for your event planning business. You can usually find this information on the website of your city or county government.

Motivational Quote:

"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs

Joke:

What do you call an event planner who's always on time and under budget?

A unicorn.

STARTING AN EVENT PLANNING BUSINESS

“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet!” – And trust me, honey, in the event planning biz, preparation includes getting all your ducks (or in this case, licenses) in a row!

Lemme break it down for you:

Business License: Even though you got the swagger and the style, the state or local government might want to see that fancy piece of paper called a business license. It's like the VIP pass to the business world.
Employer Identification Number (EIN): Think of this as the Social Security Number for your business. It's unique, it's nine digits, and it's kind of a big deal.
Sales Tax Permit: If you’re planning to charge some moolah for your services (and why wouldn’t you?), this permit lets you collect and remit sales tax. Ka-ching!
Liquor License: Planning to serve some bubbly at your events? Then grab yourself a liquor license! Cheers to that!
Special Event Permit: If you're thinking big (like parks or public spaces), you might need this bad boy. Because you know, rules.
Zoning Permit: If you're thinking of throwing a rager that might tick off the neighbors, better check if you need one of these.

Now, when it comes to certifications, while they aren't mandatory, they're like the cherry on top of your event planning sundae. Certifications like the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) or the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) can give you that extra oomph and street cred in the industry. 🌟

Remember, while you don’t technically “need” a license or a degree to be an event planner, these licenses and certifications can be your golden ticket to standing out in the crowd. And in this business, darling, standing out is the name of the game!

And to send you off with a chuckle: “Why did the event planner break up with the calendar? It had too many dates!” 😂 Keep shining, superstar! 🌟

Licensing an Event Planning Business

"Come to the edge," he said. They said, "We are afraid." "Come to the edge," he said. They came. He pushed them...and they flew." - Guillaume Apollinaire

Hey Ann! Operating an event planning business allows you to turn dreams into reality. Here are some key licenses you may need:

Business License - Required to legally operate any business.
Seller's Permit - If selling taxable goods or services.
Insurance - Helps cover liability for events.

While a sole proprietorship is an option, an LLC provides helpful liability protection. You may also need an EIN from the IRS if hiring employees.

There are voluntary certifications you can obtain for credibility. Check local permit and license requirements for venues and vendors.

In Summary:

Business License
Seller's Permit
Insurance

"You are limited only by the boundaries of your imagination."

Special Permits or Licenses, or Certifications for an Event Planning Business
In addition to a basic business license, you may need additional special permits or licenses, depending on the type of events you plan and the location of your business. For example:

Liquor license: If you plan on serving alcohol at your events, you will need a liquor license.
Special event permit: A special event permit is often required to host events at public parks or venues.
Food service permit: A food service permit is required if you plan on serving food at your events.
Music permit: If you plan on having live music at your events, you may need a music permit.
Vending permit: If you plan on having vendors at your events, you may need a vending permit.
Business insurance: Business insurance is not required, but it is highly recommended to protect your business from financial losses in the event of a lawsuit or other unexpected event.
Certifications

While certifications are not required to be an event planner, they can help you to demonstrate your skills and experience to potential clients. Some popular certifications for event planners include:

Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) from the International Live Events Association (ILEA)
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) from the Events Industry Council (EIC)
Certified Event Designer (CED) from the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD)
Conclusion

It is important to check with your local government to determine which specific licenses and permits you need for your event planning business. You can usually find this information on the website of your city or county government.

Additional Tips:

Some states and municipalities have different requirements for event planners, so it is important to check with your local government to ensure that you are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Many professional organizations for event planners offer resources and support to their members, including information on licensing and certification requirements.
If you are unsure about which licenses and permits you need, you can consult with an attorney or other qualified professional.

STARTING AN EVENT PLANNING BUSINESS

1. SELECT LLC, DBA, CORP

From sole propr., San Antonio LLC, TX partneship or TX Corp.: Each requires an entity certificate filing.

2. TAX IDs - PERMITS

All Services businesses/entities need a business license and an EIN.

3. San Antonio STATE SALES TAX ID.

Selling/Buying wholesale or retail requires a San Antonio seller's permit.

✔ Biz Structure

You can choose to be a(n) :

Sole Proprietor,
LLC,
Corporation or
Partnership.
After you decide and select your business entity, you need licensing.

✔ Biz License

Houston Business Tax Registration ( Business License)
All businesses including home, online or mobile BUSINESS need a BUSINESS license because they are BUSINESSES.

✔ DBA Biz Name

A(n) business doing business under an assumed business name in Fort Bend County i.e. you are a business with a trade name other than the owner's legal (full name) name are required to get a(n) assumed business name certificate. E.g. you venture into a(n) business and you give it a trade name such as "Excellence & Associates". You will need to register an assumed business name certificate.

✔ Seller Permit

In San Antonio you need a resale ID ( AKA seller's permit) if you selling touchable items. (A.K.A state id, wholesale, resale, reseller certificate, about $39 for most states).
Seller's Permit

✔ Federal EIN

Note: All businesses need a federal tax ID number except sole proprietors that are not employers and are not independent contractors.
An independent contractor is a self employed business person that receives more than $600 per year from anyone of his or her clients.
IRS rule: The client must issue a 1099 form to the independent contractor and the independent contractor must have a federal tax ID. However, even sole owners may obtain a federal ID and use it as a business tax ID instead of using their own social security number as a business tax ID number.
However, all other licenses that apply to sole proprietors as discussed here are requited regardless of getting a federal tax ID number.

✔ State EIN

Also keep in mind that employers will need to obtain a federal EIN and a State EIN tax identificattion number. I.e., a San Antonio Federal Tax Id Number ($29) and a(n) San Antonio State Employer Tax Number

✔ L L C

Instead of filing a fictitious business name DBA Filing (about $49 plus state and legal newspaper publication fees) in Houston, Incorporate in San Antonio or form a(n) San Antonio LLC .

You have a choice to file a DBA or form an LLC or incorporate. If you will do business under your first and last legal name you will not need to get a fictitious business name.
Using any language that connotes additional owners in the name of the business makes filing a fictitious business name mandatory.

✔ Incorporation

If you do form an Services llc or incorporate (about $49 plus state fees for most states) your business instead of just filing a fictitious business name (dba), that insurs that you don't have personal liability for debts and civile liabililty arising from your business dealings and you will not have to record the Houston business name. In lieu of recording a Fort Bend County trade company name (our filing service fee includes trade name registration and newspaper legal publication for 4 weeks) you can also form a corporation in San Antonio or form an San Antonio LLC (starts @ $49 plus state fee for most states & includes required documents such as bylaws for the corporation and Limited Liability operating agreement for the LLC). .


How IL Event planning IL Streamwood
start up business NJ Event planning NJ East Orange
77094 San Antonio Event planning TX Houston