Comments on: Legal Requirements for Self-Employed Persons

By: Singapore Company Registration

Singapore Company Registration — Sat, 08 May 2010 03:46:08 +0000

I was amazed on your infos on Legal Requirements for Self-Employed Persons. Thank you for sharing Daniel.

By: Alabama Laws

Alabama Laws — Fri, 07 May 2010 22:46:10 +0000

Very nice article you’ve got there. We have something in common because we both blog about laws & legal systems

By: Paige Price

Paige Price — Wed, 05 May 2010 19:32:46 +0000

i run a small business both online and offline and they serve as my primary source of income. my small business at home is a mini hyrophonics vegetable farm.”-:

By: h&r block tax return calculator

h&r block tax return calculator — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 07:58:09 +0000

I wonder what the ratio is between the cost of compiance and collection and the total tax collected.

By: Ron Ang

Ron Ang — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:06:04 +0000

Thank you for this information. It was exactly what I needed and saved me alot of research time. Thank you again Mr. Greene.

By: Daniel Greene

Daniel Greene — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:59:57 +0000

“A little dust on it” ha ha. Can dust collect on electrons?

Glad to see that people are still getting something out of this post. I didn’t mind paying a certain amount in retroactive fees, but I agree that there are limits, Pat and CAnn. Good luck with you business, Timothy.

By: Timothy W. Crane

Timothy W. Crane — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 07:00:08 +0000

I was glad I came across your post. I was simply looking for some general info, and low and behold, you came up in my Google search. I recently took the leap into Independent content production via freelancing, and as I am just sitting in the valley next to you (El Cajon), even the post has a little dust on it, I thought I would post a reply. I hope business is good,as 2009 is a little bit shaky economically compared to 2007.

By: CAnn

CAnn — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 22:40:42 +0000

Pat,
I am a publishing freelancer and just got the same letter from the Mayor’s Office/Meredith Brown (Office of Small business) demanding $301.84. I read Muni Code 30.0110 and see that there is no requirement for the city to ever notify anyone of the fact that self-employment/freelance work requires a business tax certificate, so, conveniently, they can assess the late fees (in addition to a processing fee, aargh). I am searching for any stories about people who have contested this rip-off, but can’t find much. Turko (KUSI) did cover the issue last year, I think, as it related to some ladies who got together and had a little investment club and actually made a few dollars; when they reported the gains on their state tax returns, to which the City of SD recently bought en masse access, it triggered the tax letter. They were outraged and I think the City Attorney’s office is reviewing whther such clubs are appropriately classified as businesses.

I know of no media coverage otherwise. Frankly, given that the business tax is a revenue-generating tax, and not regulatory, and carries only a potential misdemeanor charge for nonpayment, it seems fairly unenforceable. I doubt that much would come of it if you just ignored it. In theory, the Treasurer’s staff can come and search your house without a warrant, looking for evidence of you conducting a business. I’d really like to see that. Let me know if you find out anything. I’m debating whether I will just ignore the charges, because as of this year I am no longer doing freelance work… I would be fairly OK with forking over $34 x 3 = $102 for years 2005-2007, but >$300? Not.

By: PatM

PatM — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:10:09 +0000

Does anyone have a reply to my April 10 comment above.?

By: PatM

PatM — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:02:16 +0000

I just became aware that I needed a Business Tax Certificate when I received a letter from the city advising me that with penalties added I owe them about $300! The certificate itself only cost about $40 per year times 3 years is $120. I quite annoyed that they took 3 years to tell me about this. What’s interesting is that they can only collect penalties for up to 3 year. What a coincidence that they waited until now to contact me. I am entitled to a hearing if I want to fight the penalty. Has anyone had experience with this and is it worth my time? I just think this is unethical for them to wait 3 years to contact me.