San Leandro, CA asked in Business Formation for California

Q: Special business permits etc for a freelance writer in CA.

If I am a starting up as a freelance writer working out of my home in California, are there any sort of permits or business licenses that I need?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Shawn R. Jackson
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Answered

A: Well ... some of the answer will depend upon your address location ... and what your local city or county requires for "home businesses". Additionally, since the advent of SB5 [employee/independent contractor status] most individuals and businesses will want you to have a business license, a business account and other indicia to keep you from being classified as an employee of your clients. Also, you will want to consider a legal entity to protect you against most liabilities as a "writer". I am an author of more than nine books ... and exposure to liability is often an issue. The next step is for you to schedule at least two initial video calls with attorneys of your choice ... let us know your thoughts ... thank you.

Fritz-Howard Raymond Clapp agrees with this answer

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