I know this is sort of a long drawn out question, but I have been freelancing for the past few months, and it has been going fairly well.

My question is this, I want to incorporate, but I'm curious to know what the best way to do this is, what should I expect to pay, are there any accounting firms/lawyers that will help me out for minimal fees to get me up and running.

Any of you that have incorporated, please share your stories/comments/opinions/suggestions.

Thanks in advance

My first question is: why incorporate. I've done it, and it ain't worth the hassle. But get a lawyer, the whole thing should be under $200. Don't skimp, you'll be sorry.

But really, why in the world would you want to do something like this? The taxes are horrendous (both in $$$ and just paperwork), and the ongoing paperwork is a major pain.

I dont really want to do it either, lol.

What other options do i have as a fulltime freelance graphic artist?

Set yourself up as a sole owner business. Take out some good issue against issues.

That is about all you need when starting out.

Talk to your local SCORE or chamber of commerce, they'll have lots of info on setting up a local business.

- Noel

There is a big drawback at being a sole proprietor:

"Its liabilities are your personal liabilities and you undertake the risks of the business for all assets owned, whether used in the business or personally owned." - http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98202,00.html

Blues is correct.

The down side to have a sole owner business is for one, if you have kids and want to leave the business to your kids or someone else in your family, you cant. And second, you can be sued professionally and personally. I went LLC and my personal assets are protected.