PHOTOGRAPHY
EDUCATION
A place to share what I've learned as a Full Time Professional Photographer
4 Reasons To Run Your Photography Business “Legally”
1. Peace Of Mind
You can focus on your clients instead of worrying about the IRS.
2. Build Trust & Gain Confidence
Many clients feel more comfortable hiring a photographer with a licensed business. They know their committed & trust them to follow through with delivering their images.
3. Reduce The Chance Of Obstacles
Running a business requires order, keeping accurate records, and being current with tax filings & business documentation. If questions come from a tax agency, local government, or a client. Its important to be prepared to answer.
4. Grow Your Business
Without registrations or records, you can’t
open a business bank account. Qualify for business financing. Work with schools, venues, or commercial clients that require proof of a legitimate business.
The Steps I Took To Become A Professional Photography Business
BUSINESS EDITION
If you’re a photography, videography, or content creator business. Your “business entity” is likely a Sole Proprietorship. A Sole Proprietorship is the simplest type of business ownership. It means one person owns and operates the business, & the business is not legally separate from its owner.
✔ Register Name-If your business name is not your legal name, you can register with the Parish Clerk Of Court. This lets you operate under a business name other than your legal name and creates a public record of ownership.
✔ NAICS Code- 6 digit code that identifies what type of business you operate. My NAICS Code is :541921– Photography Studios, Portrait
✔ Authority Account Number – For Louisiana photographers. Register for a Louisiana sales tax account through LaTAP.
https://latap.revenue.louisiana.gov/_
✔ EIN (Employer Identification Number) For Louisiana photographers. Apply for this thru the IRS Website. Even if you don't have employees.
https://sa.www4.irs.gov/applyein/
✔ Occupational/Business License – Renew annually with your city or parish (its usually $50/per year). You will need to submit your income amount. I recommend keeping your yearly income on an excel, & on a note via pc desktop for quick access.
✔ Federal Income Tax – File yearly with the IRS (Schedule C if you're a sole proprietor).
✔ State Income Tax – File yearly with the Louisiana Department of Revenue @ LTAP (TurboTax can prepare both your federal and state income tax returns, This is what I do.)
How do I know if I need to pay Quarterly Estimated Income Taxes?
You may need to make estimated income tax payments if you're self employed and expect to owe a significant amount of federal or state income tax. Tax software or a tax professional can help determine if estimated payments are recommended based on your income and prior-year tax return.
✔ Parish Sales Tax & State Sales Tax – File and submit state and parish sales taxes monthly or quarterly, depending on your filing frequency.
For states Louisiana & Texas all photographers are required to pay tax on everything, the deposits, digitals, deposit, prints, etc. All of it except tips. Even if its a cash sale. For Calcasieu Parish sales tax is on https://parishe-file.revenue.louisiana.gov/default_1.aspx
I do sales tax monthly to stay on track. As of 2026, State & Parish combined their services so we can pay them together instead of separately. You will need to have an account via LTAP to get an Authority Account Number to add to your Parish E File account to do them combined instead of jointly.
✔ Business Personal Property Tax (LAT 5) – Report business equipment such as cameras, lenses, lighting, and computers thru a LAT5 Form.
✔ Bookkeeping
Track income, clients, sessions, expenses, receipts, mileage, and equipment purchases each year. I use Excel sheets for this rather than paying for a service.
✔ Organized Binder
Get an aesthetically pleasing binder & tabs to keep all of these topics categorized. Have everything in one place within reach.