I am a US citizen with a MFA living in China. As a professional Artist, how do I setup an LLC in the US?
540029
Setting up a corporation is not necessary to get recognized as a business.  Most small businesses are proprietorships (i.e., not corporations).  And having a corporate structure will not help you in most ways anyway.  The main reason to have a corporation is to separate your assets and liabilities from those of the business.  But frankly, an artist is not likely to have a lot of liabilities as a result of the business.  The bottom line on this is that I think you are wasting your money to set up a corporation.\n\nHowever, if you are determined to do it, you can either go to a lawyer and have him arrange it, or you can go to a publisher of legal forms (most office supply stores will have them) and see if you feel comfortable filling out the forms yourself.  For the little bitty corporation that you would form, it is not that difficult or expensive, although it can be a pain in the butt to get everything you need together.  After you have the forms, they are filed with the Secretary of State for the state in which you want to work. I can't give you an address, because I don't know which state you will settle in, but the Secretary of State's address should be on the Web, and may even be on the forms themselves.\n\nGood luck.  But think again if you really need the inconvenience of a corporation (two tax returns to fill out, a board of directors, various reports, etc.)
1116354
As with everything else in business, it depends.  I'll make some basic assumptions, since you didn't have any other detail in your question.  My assumptions are:  \n\nA) You are exporting a handmade product from the USA to at least one foreign country and attempting to make a profit.  Also, that your export does not qualify as a "hobby", which I will give you the definition of shortly.\n\nB) You are a US Citizen and receiving the income from the transactions as income in the United States.\n\nC) Your business is organized as a sole proprietorship and not as any other entity (partnership, corporation, LLC, etc.)\n\nIf those are all true, then you would report your income and expenses on a Form 1040, Schedule C, which then carries to the Federal Form 1040 for the calculation of income tax.\n\nDifferent rules apply for hobbies.  The elements that the IRS considers in determining if your activity is a business or a hobby includes:\n\nWhether you carry on the activity in a business-like manner\n\nThe time and effort you put into the activity indicate you intend to make it profitable, \n\nWhether you depend on income from the activity for your livelihood, \n\nWhether your losses are due to circumstances beyond your control (or are normal in the start-up phase of your type of business), \n\nWhether you change your methods of operation in an attempt to improve profitability, \n\nWhether you, or your advisors, have the knowledge needed to carry on the activity as a successful business, \n\nWhether you were successful in making a profit in similar activities in the past, \n\nWhether the activity makes a profit in some years and the amount of profit it makes, and \n\nWhether you can expect to make a future profit from the appreciation of the assets used in the activity. \n\n(http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99239,00.html)
1077715
There is something called "Universal Default" that you need to be aware of.....If an individual screws up on one credit card and another credit card finds out, they can and will shoot up your interest rate in a flash.  It's not enough to protect the standing of just one credit card anymore.  \n\nUnless your business was created properly, via an LLC, you and your "married" assets are vulnerable.    You need an attorney for Chap11.
454317
There are a lot of international laws that govern these things.  I would contact a bank that works internationally and an international business lawyer to help you get setup.\n\nGood luck with your venture
701155
Go to the CA Secretary of State website (http://www.ss.ca.gov/) for information on starting a business.\n\nI would HIGHLY recommend that you DO NOT be a sole proprietor, and do NOT use your SSN (get an Employer ID Number from the IRS for free--see www.irs.gov for how to do that).  You pay a LOT more in taxes if you are a sole proprietor (pay double for Fed, Social Insecurity, and State taxes).\n\nI would recommend a corporation (for reducing tax liability) or a Limited Liability Company (LLC) for reducing personal liability, and you can have an LLC taxed as a corporation, too.\n\nYou do have to go to the county clerk's office to register the business, pay the money, and advertise the formation of the business in a local newspaper (the clerk will have this information for you).\n\nGo to www.alglaw.com for additional info.
166457
Copyright your work ASAP then. This can be done by completing one application & paying a fee of $30 to the US Copyright Office. That way, if the publisher does infringe upon you, you will be able to take legal recourse.\n\nHere's what the Copyright Office has to say:\n\nIn general, copyright registration is a legal formality intended to make a public record of the basic facts of a particular copyright. However, registration is not a condition of copyright protection. Even though registration is not a requirement for protection, the copyright law provides several inducements or advantages to encourage copyright owners to make registration. Among these advantages are the following: \n\nRegistration establishes a public record of the copyright claim.\n\nBefore an infringement suit may be filed in court, registration is necessary for works of U. S. origin.\n\nIf made before or within 5 years of publication, registration will establish prima facie evidence in court of the validity of the copyright and of the facts stated in the certificate.\n\nIf registration is made within 3 months after publication of the work or prior to an infringement of the work, statutory damages and attorney's fees will be available to the copyright owner in court actions. Otherwise, only an award of actual damages and profits is available to the copyright owner.\n\nRegistration allows the owner of the copyright to record the registration with the U. S. Customs Service for protection against the importation of infringing copies. For additional information, request Publication No. 563 "How to Protect Your Intellectual Property Right," from: U.S. Customs Service, P.O. Box 7404, Washington, D.C. 20044. See the U.S. Customs Service Website at www.customs.gov for online publications. \n\nI have to ask...why are you working with someone you do not trust? Perhaps that's your real question. Just a thought.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
1031831
You should first find a competitive productive activity (manufacturing or natural resources) in your location and then try to establish a relationship with the providers, this activity may be, for example, artcrafts.  then you have to visit craftman in your location and show interest in buying their products.\n\nInternational clients are highly demanding, so you must carefully consider build a poll of providers that guarrantee you: quality, quantities and reliability.\n\nOnce you have selected the provider then you have the first half (but the most difficult is to come)  now you have to build trust in potential buyers abroad of the product you selected to export.\n\nIn my experience I founded very useful the help of my country embassy in other countries, as well as this I highly recommend you to build an online (and printed) catalog. You should be extra careful with details in those marketing materials, NO typos, no false statements, try to be as accurate as possible and, of course, try to have those materials in at least two languages. Also be ready with quotation templates and check the payment method best suits you. again trust is important in this regard.\n\nIn this stage you may find in statistics about export of your country (given in any Economy Ministery website) about top foreign countries that most likely buy the kind of products you choose to sell from your location, keep it simple but be persistent as it takes a lot of work to get the first order, however, once you start, yopu will be in one of the most lucratives activities of the world and prosper you, as well as your family.\n\nAs you don´t give further details in your question I assume that you are starting from scratch, so, don´t worry, try to strenght relations with your friends and family, and the friends of your friends and the family of your family, try to find in your personal network those fellows that may help you connect the chain (find the best provider or find the first client) in any case prepare your selling speech for each case and be ready to show leadership and motivation, remember that doing business is a human activity and in involves inter-personal relationship skills.\n\nAlso, remember to keep it simple, export follows the same principle of local selling, you buy as cheap as possible and sell as expensive as possible (your profit will be the difference)\n\nbuy cheap and sell expensive (but be fair in both sides)\n\nDon´t kill the gold eggs chicken by trying to get all the eggs at once, keep you baance and try to not be so greedy.\n\nBeware of international scams!.  In my website www.somosnegocios.com  I have many recommendations for doing business internationally, check in the FAQ section, If you have further questions feel free to ask me.\n\nBest regards\n\nAlejandro
642683
The rules and procedures depend on the state. I suggest you go to your state's Secretary of State website. They would have a page on how to start a business in the state, then look for the link on how to start and register a partnership in the state. Without knowing the actual state, we will not be able to point you to the right direction.
725414
Well it depends on what you want to do with this label.  Are you only going to produce your own stuff, or are you going to produce other artists?  Either way you have to set up a company of some sorts whether it be a corporation or an LLC (you DO NOT want to do a sole proprietorship) and then go from there.  You're going to have to make sure that the name you're using doesn't belong to someone else so you'll have to do a trademark search which Thomson & Thomson in Boston does a thorough search for about $350 or so and you'll have to search the names registered as companies with your Secretary of State or whoever governs corporations in you state.  Also, it helps to get the book by Don Passman that tells artists how to break into the music business just so you know what you're up against.  If you can get an entertainment lawyer at a decent price (which I am in the State of Florida) then they will know all the paperwork and steps necessary and can better guide towards what you need to do.  However, it is something that you can do yourself if you know what you're doing.
1172964
You need to buy a patent. A copyright would only be available (and would be automatic and free) if your invention had artistic qualities.
165245
?!\nWhat country/state requires a license to start a small business?!\n\nIn the US, you can run a small business as a sole proprietorship with no paperwork.  You just file your earnings as a sole proprietor along with your personal taxes.\n\nHowever, it is often in YOUR best interest to establish a trade name for your small business and get a federal ID number.  This will separate your business from your personal finances, which is especially nice if it happens to fail and you need to close up shop.\n\nExactly what is required depends on where you are doing business.  Outside the US you might need a license, but inside the US you don't.  Specifics do vary from state to state.
313688
A couple different ways I can think of.\n\nFirst, you could start a new LLC and just use the same name; e.g., if it's XYZ Event Planning, organize XYZ Travel Agency.  Ownership of the new LLC would mirror that of the event planning business.\n\nSecond, don't start a new LLC, just run the travel agency as a separate division from event planning (separate financials, although you'd only file one tax return for the business).
243561
It is a painful process to set up a business in China....too many thing and too many tips I would have to give you. \n\nBest thing to do is to find a local that you can TRUST....and get him to help you. Beware though...you could get raped (businesswise) in the process.
593273
A friend of mine has a framing business. She has fabulous books of art works, prints and posters she orders for her clients. \n\nBeautifully crafted, sophisticated pottery is another option, as well as the (frameable) work of local artists. Instead of putting your own money into their works, contact local talented potters and artists and take their work on consignment. Use contracts and make it a business agreement. This gives them an outlet for their work and gives you merchandise without an outlay of your own cash. It also gives you an artistic 'gallery' atmosphere. \n\nDo you have enough space to rent to artists to give group art classes? These people would be future customers of yours and allow you to make the space pay.\n\nIf you use any of these ideas and it works out let me know. I would be interested to hear. Good luck with your venture!
21937
Self-publishing could be a good option. Check out the sources for some sites. There's also plenty of books on the subject -- check out Amazon or even your local library.\n\nAlso, be sure to copyright your work. You can do this at the US Copyright Office. Go to the 5th link in the source box for Literary Works. The application is fairly simple & the cost is $30 per application.\n\nIf you are selling any products in connection with your works(e.g. toys, clothing, etc.), it is strongly advised that comprehensive research be conducted to ensure that the name you're interested in is truly available. \n\nThis entails searching the pending & registered Federal and State trademark files as well as the US National Common-Law files. Then, if clear, you can decide if you would like to file for a Federal or a State trademark. \n\nResearch is needed to make sure your trade name is legally available, before opening, before expansion, before incorporation or before designing your logo. Similarities in sound, appearance and meaning affect you too!\n\nThere are 16+ million trade names in use in the United States. Similar names matter, if close in sound, appearance or meaning. Similar names in related classes, distribution channels and customer matter too. You are affected by Common Law use (14 million), State Trademarks (500,000) and Federal Trademarks (2 million).
546870
All documents submitted to USCIS must either be in English, in two or more languages (one of which must be English), or in a foreign language accompanied by a translation. If your name is the only thing that appears in Chinese, then that is all that needs to be translated.\n\nKeep in mind that you do not need to pay for a translator service. You can get anyone you know who is fluent in both languages do the translation for you. If you choose to do this, then the translator must sign a statement indicating that he/she is fluent in both English and Chinese and that the attached document (the translation) is a true and correct translation. It would be wise to have the translator sign the statement before a notary public as well, but that is not essential.\n\nGood luck!
875796
OK - just so you know, I have a full C Corporation and three LLCs that I am currently running.\n\nYour first statements are correct - and yes, I would suggest getting an EIN for your LLC as that adds more credence to the fact that you are doing business as a company when you file your taxes (http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.html)\n\nOK - the very next thing you should do (even before transferring the vehicle or worrying about legal issues) is to find a really good accountant for a LLC - this will be a LOT HARDER than it sounds.  As I have already noted, I found one that is both an accountant and a tax lawyer (even more rare)!  You want to find someone who really understands a small LLC and is willing to push to get all the tax benefits for you that are legal in today’s tax code.  Many accountants do not really understand the tax codes for LLC.  This one item can save you tens of thousands of dollars in very short order!\n\nMy advice here is to read the book Rich Dad Poor Dad (if you have not already) and use that as a basis to question accountants to see if they know how the tax codes work for small C corps.\n\nThe next thing to do is start setting up your advertising to be as much word of mouth as you can possible stand (good way to use that vehicle to mentioned to get around to network and meetings).  You want to plan as best as you can to ensure that you have as much cash flow as your company will need.  Depending on the type of business you are in, there could be any number of natural ups and downs that you will need to plan for.\n\nAs for the vehicle – again the accountant should be able to advise you best.  I have been told that the safest way to have the company own a vehicle is for the company to lease one.  This then become a full write off.  Yes, you will still need to keep track of mileage and/or other information as directed by your accountant.  The LLC can also put money in a 401K or other retirement plan for you and your employees.  \n\nYou should set things up so that medical expenses are paid by the LLC.  My wife retired with a good pension and medical benefits (although the company is cutting back on retiree benefits now), so in my case, my C Corp picks up all unpaid medical that is not covered by the insurance company.  Also under medical can be health club dues for medical reasons – thus one of my LLC’s has a fitness complex that is on it’s property that my C Corp then pays dues for the use of it.\n\nYou might also want to check you local area to find out if there are other small LLC owners.  If so, you might want to ask them to join you in developing a master mind group where you can all share ideas on everything from building your organization to benefits from sharing resources (like accounting, purchasing office supplies, payroll services, etc.).\n\nThus you are right – there are a lot of tricks to the trade of learning how to run a LLC to benefit you and the company and also pay your legal (albeit small) amount to Uncle Sam – play like a big boy using their tools in a small company.\n\nGood Luck.\n\n\nAlso, you probably already know the following, but just in case, here is what I typically recommend to those thinking about starting out in business:\n\nAnytime you want to start any kind of business, there are several basics that you will need:\n\n* You should first sit down and think about what it is you want to do and then write out the scenario in detail!  This may sound tedious, but it will help you clarify what it is you are thinking about.  Also, when you talk to anyone about the business (mentor, bank, clients, prospective investor), you will have a clear vision to share with him or her.  You can check any number of books at your local library or the Internet for ideas on creating a business plan or goals list.\n\n* Is there anyone out there doing something like what you want to do already?  Can you research what it is that they do and maybe even talk with th