Freelance on the side advice

[raster]

Hi all,

I am thinking to try doing retouching on my own. Before I will settle down with a solid list of clients and an extended experience dealing with clients etc, I want to do this on the side. I am currently working as a full time production manager for 2 magazines in Vancouver, BC. My questions is what is the best way to start in BC, Canada as a freelance, considering that I want to keep my full time job for now and don't have clients just yet (do I need to register the business, register the name of the business (I mentioned that won't be my name), apply for HST?

Thanks

[jcmartel]

Don't know about Canada, but in the US, you have to register your business and get an EIN Number. Your name can be registered fairly quickly and inexpensively as a "fictitious name". Most people do this as they don't want their "own" name making the rounds, while they are working for another place. A bit of advice, if you think that your employer would object - stay far away from any of their accounts. Also... in the US - the Feds want their taxes on your extra income. As well as the State and local Sales Tax.

[daygraphics]

JC... you are right about all of that. In fact, I had to do all of those things. But again, not sure how it all works in Canada. I do know that as I started out, I established a fictitious name "DAYGraphics" as I did not want my name to get around - as I was working for another group at the time. And Yes... I stayed as far away from employer's client base as I could. In a year, I had enough of a client base that I was able to break away, and go on my own. Not all happy times though - a lot more goes into being your own entity that meets the eye. Good luck in your endeavors and make sure you cross your T's and dot your i's. Cause I'll bet Canada is not much different than the US -as "they want their cut."

[shift studio]

Hi Raster,
Yes, you'll need to register your business - the registry will help you do a name search and apply for a GST number - maybe HST in BC not sure. As far as keeping your current job, yes, you'll need to stay away from their clients for now.

Hope this helps.
--Shift Studio.

[raster]

Thanks for your reply guys...much appreciate it. I know that unless I am making a revenue greater than 30000 per year, is up to me to register and to apply for HST. I was just curious to know what would be best to start with considering my situation: fresh start, no clients yet and most probably less than 30000 income per year. All of these through the expenses deductions as well, as I thought that choosing the right path, I might be able to take advantage of some of the tax deductions, at least for start up such as website cost.

Thanks again all.

Cheers