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Starting a(n) Events Business Licenses & Tax IDs

Hi, I'm Ga Business And Wholesale License Events Flowers Event Planning General Business LicensesFor a home-based flower and event planning business, you'll typically need a general business license or permit. This allows you to operate legally within your jurisdiction. Additionally, you may require a home occupation permit, which specifically..., .

Events

✔ Biz Structure

You can choose to be a(n) Events :

Sole Proprietor,
LLC,
Corporation or
Partnership.
After you decide and select your business entity, you need licensing.

✔ Biz License

Brunswick Business Tax Registration ( EventsBusiness License)
All businesses including home, online or mobile BUSINESS need a BUSINESS license because they are BUSINESSES.

✔ DBA Biz Name

A(n) Events business using a fictitious business name in Glynn County i.e. you are a business with a trade name other than the owner's legal (full name) name are required to get a(n) fictitious business name. For instance you open a(n) Events business and you name it "Superior Events Group". You will need to file a fictitious business name for that name.

✔ Seller Permit

In addition note that in GA Events you may also need a seller's permit if you sell merchandise that is taxable. (A.K.A state id, wholesale, resale, reseller certificate, about $39 for most states). You will need it if you sell or want to buy wholesale any Events related items, such as food, materials, or merchandise.
Seller's Permit

✔ Federal EIN

Note: All businesses need a federal tax ID number except sole proprietors that are not employers and are not independent contractors.
An independent contractor is a self employed business person that receives more than $600 per year from anyone of his or her clients.
IRS rule: The client must issue a 1099 form to the independent contractor and the independent contractor must have a federal tax ID. However, even sole owners may obtain a federal ID and use it as a business tax ID instead of using their own social security number as a business tax ID number.
However, all other licenses that apply to sole proprietors as discussed here are requited regardless of getting a federal tax ID number.

✔ State EIN

In addition you will need a federal and a state EIN if you will hire employees. I.e., a GA Federal Tax Id Number ($29) and a(n) GA State Employer Tax Number

✔ L L C

Instead of filing a fictitious business name DBA Filing (about $49 plus state and legal newspaper publication fees) in Brunswick, Incorporate in GA or form a(n) GA LLC .

You have a choice to file a DBA or form an LLC or incorporate. There is a cicrcumstance that you may not need to register a trade name and that is when you use your full name as a business name if you use your full legal name as a trade name.
Also note that even using your first and last name may not help you avoid filing a DBA if the name has a suffix such as "& sons" etc.

✔ Incorporation

If you do form an Flowers llc or incorporate (about $49 plus state fees for most states) your Events business instead of just filing a fictitious business name (dba), it will help you avoid personal liability from wrongs arising from your business dealings and you will not have to file the Brunswick business name. Instead of just registering your Glynn County assumed business name (our fee includes assumed business name registration and legal newspaper publication) you can choose to setup a corporation in GA or form an GA LLC (starts @ $49 plus state fee for most states & includes required documents such as bylaws for the corporation and Limited Liability operating agreement for the LLC). .

Flowers Event Planning

Flower Power: Industry Overview

So, you're getting into the flowers and event planning biz—nice choice! It’s a blooming industry (pun totally intended). The U.S. floral industry is worth around **$5 billion** annually, and the event planning industry isn’t exactly sitting in the shade either, raking in about **$5 billion** as well. Combining these two? Well, let’s just say you’ll be in a field of opportunity. 🌻

LLC vs. S-Corp: Which Is the Bouquet for You?

When it comes to choosing between an **LLC** (Limited Liability Company) or an **S Corp**, here’s the scoop:

LLC: Great for small to medium businesses where you want to protect your personal assets (like your home, car, and that sweet coffee maker) from business debts or lawsuits. The LLC also provides flexibility in management and is generally easier to set up and maintain.

S-Corp: This is a bit more complex and comes with tax perks. An S-Corp allows you to avoid that nasty double taxation (taxed at the corporate level AND again on your personal income). However, it requires more structure, like having a board of directors, regular meetings, and strict payroll rules. It’s worth considering if you're planning on growing quickly and paying yourself a salary.

In your case, an **LLC** might be a good fit since event planning and floral businesses often start as small operations and can scale up. Plus, your clients will thank you for keeping things legally tidy if something goes wrong at that outdoor wedding during hurricane season.

Seller’s Permit: Do You Need One?

If you’re selling **flowers**—whether bouquets, centerpieces, or floral crowns for brides—and you’re **charging sales tax**, then yes, you’ll need a **seller’s permit**. It’s required for any business that sells tangible goods and collects tax. You know those beautiful arrangements you plan to sell? If you’re not charging tax, you might find yourself in a financial thorn bush. 🌹 This permit essentially allows you to legally collect sales tax from customers and remit it to the proper authorities. So, if you're selling fresh blooms at events, online, or in a brick-and-mortar shop, this is a must.

Do I Need an EIN?

You’ll also need an **EIN** (Employer Identification Number)—think of it as your business's Social Security number. If you're operating as an LLC or S-Corp and plan to have employees (even your cousin who “knows all about Instagram marketing”), you’ll need this to set up payroll, open a business bank account, and file your taxes. Even if you're a one-person operation, it’s a good idea to get one. It separates your business and personal finances, making things cleaner at tax time. Plus, it sounds pretty official to say, “Let me give you my EIN” when someone asks for payment details.

Do I Need to Register My Business Name?

If your flower and event planning business is something other than your personal name (like “Petal Party Planners” instead of “Jane Smith”), you’ll need to **register the business name**. This makes your business legit in the eyes of your clients and the world. It also prevents others from snatching up that amazing name you thought of while driving behind a flower truck.

Special Permits: Any Extras?

Depending on where you're operating, you might also need some additional permits or licenses related to **health and safety**, especially if you’re handling food (e.g., wedding cakes, catering) at events. But as a floral/event business, you’re mainly focusing on selling flowers, renting out décor, and offering planning services, so your primary concern will be the **seller’s permit** and ensuring your business structure is solid.

Money Talk: Startup Costs and Equipment

The good news is, starting a flower and event planning business doesn’t require a king's ransom, but it does require some capital. You’ll need to budget for:

**Flowers** (obviously) – wholesale purchasing

**Floral arranging tools** – scissors, wire cutters, floral foam, and those tiny little pins that never seem to stay in place

**Refrigeration** – a floral cooler is a must to keep those petals looking fresh

**Event supplies** – tables, chairs, linens, lighting, etc.

**Marketing** – a website, social media ads, business cards

For a small-scale operation, you’re looking at about **$10,000 to $20,000** to get up and running, depending on how fancy you want to go. If you're working out of a home office, that number could be on the lower end.

All Set?

Flowers Event Planning

Here's an overview of starting a flowers and event planning business, with industry insights, setup requirements, and some lighthearted elements:

Blooming Industry Numbers

The floral and event planning industries are perennial favorites, with the U.S. floral market expected to reach $43.2 billion by 2027. Meanwhile, the event planning industry is blossoming at a 2.9% annual growth rate. With these numbers, your business idea seems poised for success - just remember to stop and smell the roses along the way!

Capital and Equipment

Starting a flowers and event planning business typically requires $10,000 to $50,000 in initial capital. As for equipment, you'll need:

Floral refrigerator

Delivery vehicle

Design tools (scissors, vases, foam)

Computer and event planning software

Mobile devices for on-site coordination

Who knew you'd need so much gear to help people say "I do" or "Happy Birthday" in style?

Business Structure: LLC vs. S Corp

Choosing between an LLC and S Corp depends on your specific needs:

LLC: Offers liability protection and flexible tax options

S Corp: Provides potential tax savings on self-employment taxes

Both structures can shield your personal assets from business liabilities. It's like choosing between a rose and a tulip - both are lovely, but one might suit your garden better.

EIN: Your Business's Social Security Number

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique identifier for your business, used for:

Filing taxes

Opening business bank accounts

Hiring employees

Think of it as your business's social security number, but without the anxiety of someone stealing it to buy a yacht.

Seller's Permit: Your Ticket to Retail

A seller's permit allows you to collect sales tax on retail transactions. You'll need one if you're selling physical products like flowers or decor items. It's like getting a backstage pass to the world of retail - exciting, but with more paperwork.

Special Permits and Licenses

Your flowers and event planning business might require:

Home occupation permit (if operating from home)

Health permit (for food-related events)

Zoning permit

Professional license (varies by state)

These permits ensure your business operations are as squeaky clean as a freshly polished champagne flute.

Business Name Registration

Registering your business name protects your brand and prevents others from using it. It's like calling dibs on the last slice of wedding cake, but for your business identity. Remember, while these elements are crucial for setting up your business, the most important ingredients are your creativity, passion, and ability to turn dreams into unforgettable events. Now go forth and make the world a more beautiful, well-organized place!

Flowers Event Planning

General Business Licenses

For a home-based flower and event planning business, you'll typically need a general business license or permit. This allows you to operate legally within your jurisdiction. Additionally, you may require a home occupation permit, which specifically authorizes you to run a business from your residence.