Small businesses in ABQ.

[Jackson]

So I'm thinking of starting my own small business along the lines of running errands for people, being a personal assistant, or fashion consulting. Basically it would be pretty much just me working. My question is: Do you have to have a business license in Albuquerque for this type of business? And do you have to file business taxes for this small of a business?

[Lou]

probably. it;s relatively easy to get set up.

[jeff]

small business development center, your best first stop.

[Jackson]

Thanks so much Jeff! Thats just the kind of resource I was looking for.

[jeff]

no problem - but curious - why not get a job in an architecture office?
you too could end up with your own office someday and be sketching floor plans at 12:23am!

[Jackson]

I've tried, but it seems like no one wants to hire a first year college student that hasn't even been accepted into the architecture school yet.

But I am thinking about maybe trying to get a CAD job at either an architecture or engineering firm. I have 3 years experience with CAD.

[jeff]

CAD (you mean AutoCAD?) is a dinosaur - get yourself some modeling skilz - revit, maya, rhino, sketchup.

[Jackson]

Yes, by CAD I mean AutoCAD, and all the other programs. I know how to use revit, inventor, etc. Pretty much all of them.

[Flaca]

Yes and yes. You also have to get a state business license. I was thinking of pretty much dong the same thing a while back, but my life changed greatly. Good luck

[Kelly]

I think you mean that you need to register your business with the state (free), for which you get a gross receipts tax id number. There is no such thing as a state licence, only a city one, which costs $35.

[Jacqui Lewnes]

You may want to talk also to Caroline Hooper and Greg Sweet at Tax Line, 343-1200 The first year setting up your business is going to be intense, treat yourself to a tax proffessional.

[Khan]

Jacqui is my personal adviser in these areas.

Yeah, you have to get your Tax ID #, then you can get your business license. The ABQ website about where to get your TIN is a little outdated, we aware. It sent me to the 9th floor of the bank building at Central & San Mateo, but indeed the offices for that are right there on the first floor. However, and the ABQ website doesn't mention this either, I don't think, you can apply for your TIN online. There was a scrolling message screen there at the tax office that said as much, so my buddy and I bailed, though I haven't gone online to find that page and use it. (Some help I am , eh?)

[Edith Grove]

That's good advice from Jacqui. I went to see my accountant before setting up my business and I'm very glad that I did. She helped me through the paperwork and how to handle the quarterly taxes. And you can write off the cost of the accountant visit as a business expense.