I want to start computer consultant business, do i have to have permits to start if i run it from my home?

Question

I want to compete with the "Geek Squad"
No overhead,,strictly from home business
i am in South Carolina

Answer 1

All businesses must have a license in the community where they do business. Other than that, in order to sell your product, (in this case compter repair), you need to show prospective customers that you know what your doing. To do that, you need certifacations in the operating systems and hardware that you will be working wirh.

Answer 2

It depends on where you live and exactly what you will be doing.

If all you are selling is services and you will not have any customers coming to your house you will probably not need anything.

If you plan on making a profit on parts or systems you will need a sales tax permit. The requirement for the sales tax permit may trigger a need for city or county business licenses also.

You will also want to take a look at your local zoning restrictions as it is usually illegal to operate a business in a residential neighborhood. As long as you are small and don't have any customers coming to your house this is not usually an issue but it may become one as you grow. it may also make it difficult to obtain commercial insurance, which you will need as your business equipment/supplies will no longer be covered by your standard homeowners/renters insurance.

My suggestion is to contact your local chamber of commerce and city/county clerks office for more information.

Oh, and you will probably also want to contact your Secretary of State to register your "Tradename" so that no one else can use it.

EDIT: The above is based on the assumption of you being a sole proprieter. If you are instead planning on forming either an LLC or a corporation (which I strongly suggest) different requirements may apply..again, contact your city county clerk/secretary of state/chamber of commerce for more information.

Answer 3

That depends on you local zoning laws. There is such a thing call occupational license. This is one of the ways your county and cities collect taxes to pay for municipal services. You should call your city or county offices and ask them. The fees are usually vey small.