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If I'm crafting items to sell at craft bazaars, for private orders, and eventually online, do I need to file for tax id number, etc.? I am planning on filing for a dba in the county where I live, but all of the information out there is confusing. HELP!!

By MamaWheeler Asked Feb 25 2008 6:43AM
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by SarahK on Mar 9, 2008 at 5:18 am Permalink

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If you plan to be serious about this (as it seems you want to be), you'd only need the DBA if you plan to set up a business name. You could be a sole proprietor, in which case you would not need a separate tax id number. Personally, I'd suggest trying to go for a LLC taxed as a sole proprietorship as it would help shield you from personal liability beyond the business should things go south. If you're a sole proprietor, you can end up risking your house and other assets. Crafts don't tend to be something people sue over, but you never know.

You may want to contact the SBA (Small Business Administration) or SCORE (Service Corps Of Retired Executives). What sort of crafts are you planning to make? You may also want to check out etsy.com to sell on. Best of luck!
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Avatar MamaWheeler Mar, 11 2008 at 05:49 AM
Thanks, Sarah! I'm making sock critters. I've checked out etsy.com for inspiration and ideas. What a great site! Thanks for the helpful answer!
Avatar SarahK Mar, 12 2008 at 06:47 PM
No problemo! I've made "bath buddies" before as a gift to new moms and they were well-liked. I'll be making bath buddies as well as some stuffed creatures for my new business, too, once I get things a bit more established. Have you seen "Sock and Glove" by Miyako Kanamori? There are some cute projects in there. BEST OF LUCK!

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by veriria on Feb 25, 2008 at 6:50 am Permalink

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Keeping in mind I'm no expert, I've read in multiple places that if you make less than $5,000 a year you don't have to pay taxes on it. If you'd like to set that sort of thing up and be kosher though, all you really have to use is your social security number, you don't need to get a separate tax ID number.
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Avatar MamaWheeler Feb, 25 2008 at 06:54 AM
Thanks, veriria. That's what I was thinking I was getting out of my reading, but I'm peranoid that I'm going to blow it and get in some kind of trouble.


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If I'm crafting items to sell at craft bazaars, for private orders, and eventually online, do I need to file for tax id number, etc.? I am planning on filing for a dba in the county where I live, but all of the information out there is confusing. HELP!!

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