I did everything I was suppose to do with the planning and zoning and now they tell me I don't have enough land for my business. *******read planning and zoning reference here in the BIGINNERS***** we are missing .85 acres. I went to school to do this..... paid good money! I was not in it to make a fortune... just enough to make family and friends happy with their mounts. So now the question IF its considered a hobby can you still take it off of your taxes? if not now what? this really sucks....I was just wanting something to make a little money on the side to have for my own. I have everything I should have.
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I got some bad zoning news today myself. At this point I suggest consulting an accountant and search the IRS site concerning how to manage taxes, deductions, etc. Check definitions about income/occupation. It'd doable somehow. Good luck.
Remember that sometimes UNanswered prayers turn out to be the best answered ones in the long run. Its hard, believe me I know, but just trust God, keep working at it and things will work out for the best somehow. Maybe you can just work out of you're home without a sign out front? People who want to and need to find you will. If all you want is a small business this would be better anyway.
I don't know why local government can't be more accommadating. Personally, I applied for my license and tax # and never checked the zoning (didn't want to be told no). I've always lived by the rule it's better to ask forgivness than permission. Good luck, things always work out if you want them (make them).
But seriously I am not a full timer and I usually make about $7,000.00 per year on taxidermy. So I am pretty much considered a hobbiest. But according to my accountant I can still deduct all of my receipts and expenses. I am not sure how much money you have to make before it is not a hobby. I would reccommend talking to an accountant or IRS rep.
Todd B
If you are doing taxidermy work you are operating a business, if you know it or not or make a profit or not. Your CPA (yes you better see one) will make sure you are ready for an audit - you will sleep better at night. Your tax attorney (don't pay one, just take my word for it) will show you how to keep four sets of books; one set for the for your CPA and the IRS that shows that you lost money, one for your bank that shows you made a ton of money - in case you ever need a loan, one correct set for yourself so you know what is really happening and of course one set showing you are a complete failure and broke for your future ex-wife and her lawyer.
A set for the ex-wife. That takes the cake! John, you're in for a ROUGH life with your current beliefs. Kelie, see if your city counsel has a zoning review board. I had to go before a board, express my intentions, and get an exception to run a small business in a non-commercially zoned area. All worked out well in the end. Sometimes you have to do this more than once. Just DON'T give up. And by ALL means, don't try to slip one by them. If you get busted and then have to go before a board, your chances are grim. Follow your heart. Good Luck. Jeff F.
Here in NY there is VERY strict zoning when it concerns businesses, signs, etc., so everyone puts the above on wheels. (trailers, wagons, etc.) This is legal as it is not considered a permanent structure.
Good luck at any rate. As for me, I have a DBA and work in my home. I write everything off!
Is this a home you are trying to do business out of, or are you trying to work out of a storefront?
If you had a home business such as baby-sitting, or sold insurance, or sold investments from your house, would you still be short on the size of the property? What profession is considered a home business in your township?
I would call it a hobby right now, get your biz license, don't tell the township that you did, advertise and go for it. No big signs in the yard, just keep it underground. I know a taxidermist that works this way and has done 200 deer a year for the past 7 years, out of his basement. You would never know it when you drive through his hood. You would have to find him only by his address.
The township doesn't have to know everything you do.
Sorry haven't got back to you all. We are zoned agricultural. We have what they are calling is an illegal lot size. It has to be 3 acres or more before they can issue a conditional use permit. So I didn't even get a chance to go in front of the zoning board.
Ok so another question who do you contact to get a business lic.? And do I need a tax # too? I have my state lic. and the federal will be coming soon.
Any one doing doing it for a hobby did you get your business lic. and ect?
thanks
Becareful, in most states, if do a service for NON profit, it is not considered a buisness, but if you make a profit, it is one. Check all your laws before you listen to these guys. As a 14 years full timer, the last thing you need is the state coming in and you having to explain to all of your customers that the state and the US Fish and Wildlife service has their animals. Follow the laws and do what you need to do. An illeagle buisness can haunt you.