Karaoke Forums

Ok, this topic might wanna be moved to the legalities section,, that's ok too. But here is my question;

How many of you actually have a business license issued by the state/province that you live in? Does it cover you being "mobile"? or only in the city/municipality that it was issued? How many hoops did you have to jump thru to obtain the license? and the costs? I really am not asking for opinions on the legalities themselves, just do you have one? and what it took to get it.

Thank you in advance
Scott

State License: $200. Need it to get the others. They have an exception to the fee if you can prove you will make less than something percent of the average salary but you still have to register. Easy for mobile karaoke. Mainly filling out name and address on line. Oh--but also have to do ficticious name filing if you use one. Also use tax permit required (for things you buy from out of state to use in the business--then you have to pay use tax quarterly). Also form for workman's comp/insurance or swear you have no employees. Also form to say whether or not you are under a child support order.

All of the above was mainly just filling out forms on line and paying fees. Don't need building inspection/fire inspection and all of those other hoops.

County Licnese for county we reside in: Was only $25-50, I think. They gave us a conditional use permit because there would be no actual business conducted at the home so we got to forego many other hoops like inspections, etc. Still needed to file fictitious name with the county. Then a business property assessment form for the equipment. You have to pay an assessment each year.

County Licenses for where we have shows even though we don't live there: One was $100 and one I think was $60. Again fictitious name statements filed for each.

City LIcenses for cities within counties that also require a license even though we have county license: One sticks it to us for $150 as we aren't residents. Another prorates by income but we keep putting that one off until we see if the show lasts. Again fictitious name statements.

All of this sounds daunting but much can actually be done on line. Also there are ways to pay quarterly with some so you don't have to blow it all until you see how the show goes. Another thing is it sounds complicated when you read it but if you just go in and ask what they will require for you, they will often cut you slack for just being a small mobile business rather than something requiring parking/signs/road usage, etc. Then they will lead you through it.

Some places evidently don't require a license at all so it may be easier, depending on where you live. But don't believe what you hear from others and check to make sure. Can often be done on line.

Michigan doesn't require a "business license" for a D.J. or K.J.

Can you share your state and city?

I am guessing there is no specific DJ license in most places. If anyplace. Some states require a business license, but nowhere near all do. I have owned several businesses and never had to get one (though I probably did the equivalent by incorporating my current main livelihood).

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[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Fallon, NV - Churchill County

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Kevin

No license required or available for mobile DJ/KJ in Wisconsin, therefore I do not have one.

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DJ Tony
Let It Rip Karaoke

I just checked the ct state licensing website and there is zero mention of DJ's on the site. Checked the entertainment portion and nada so I am assuming that a DJ/KJ does not need a license.

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The Line Array Experiment is over. Nothing to see here. Move along.

Contra Costa County, CA City Hall states: “If you plan to operate a business within the city limits, a business license is required. If you plan to operate a business in your home, a home occupation use permit is required before obtaining a business license”.

My business, Karaoke/Disc Jockey (self-employed) is being conducted at home; small office and a business phone. The home permit is free. I pay $25 yearly for business license (tax deductible).

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To be fortunate enough to derive an income from a source as fulfilling as karaoke music has got to be as close to heaven as we can get here on earth!

Thanks for the replies peeps, they are most appreciated. Seems that the licensing requirements vary greatly by state and even county. I live in a small town in central Utah. I haven't called yet on what the requirements are, but will do so soon. What is any issues are there to this subject pertaining to things like weddings and special events in your areas? I am curious as to what I might need. I am looking at leaving the bar scene (reasons in an earlier thread) and doing more of individual events, such as weddings, parties, dances and car shows. Again, thanks for the input.

For me, I would only be satisfied with calling your local office and finding out. I can't imagine a govt. losing out on making revenue off of someone so not seeing DJ/KJ mentioned as needing a license may not mean you don't need one. In many states it will just say anyone doing business, including independent contractors needs a license. They are more likely to define the exceptions (in our state clergy and two other things I forget) rather than list every single occupation requiring a license.

I have read that some areas consider you covered under the license of the venue who is paying to have entertainment. But if you are doing private events, that puts you more into an independent contractor status. I know some others have reported that some "services" don't requre licensing in their state.

You just don't know for sure until you ask.

I also live in Michigan. This is handled by the local counties. I know in my county (Muskegon) they absolutely require that a sole proprietor or unincorporated partnership register their business at the County Clerk's office.

I did this years back, but have since filed articles of incorporation (LLC) in the State of Michigan and elected to be taxed as a partnership. This is SO much better than being taxed as a sole proprietor or a standard corporation.

Back in the day in Southern Calif when I was mobile doing weddings & anniversaries I use the local Pennysaver to advertise. There’s a section in the form to fill out about business license number. With the county business license number indicated, it looks good on print. Same as on business cards I passed around.

When I get calls from prospective clients they tend to ask for my license number. I think it’s some kind of an assurance they’re not dealing with a fly by night dj kj. Nice to know I am in an advantageous position.

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To be fortunate enough to derive an income from a source as fulfilling as karaoke music has got to be as close to heaven as we can get here on earth!

Having been on both sides of that fence, if you are supposed to have a license and you get one, you are then free to advertise and not worry about attracting the wrong attention--otherwise you have to lay low and can't reach your full potential. And it does lend you some credibility, as Alan says.

The other thing, which is probably rare, but did happen in our area, is a competing KJ may get angry with you and turn you in. One did that to another here because he got angry at her for going off on her own. What was funny was, the council minutes show him applying for one, too, on the same agenda.

I know Mr. Scott didn't ask for that kind of stuff but it is something to consider.

To be specific to Mr. Scott's question, when I was trying to figure it all out myself, it seemed complicated, too much hassle, not relevant and daunting. When we finally went in to do it, they cut us all sorts of slack because we weren't opening a restaurant or having a storefront of any kind so they didn't require we jump through many of the hoops that would apply to most other businesses. They knew just what we needed and helped us to do it and it hardly took time at all.

I just got back from city hall where I found out what was required for me and what I am doing. Yes, I am required to have a business license, tax ID, and file with the local and state. But as far as it appears at this point, with the simplicity of what we do, it's not going to be complicated at all. And in fact it should only take a matter of a few days to get everything in order. Plus the costs are not high at all. So, wish me luck everyone. If all goes well, I should be rockin' and rollin' in just a few short weeks. After licensing, then it's just a matter of getting my name in the hands of the right people. Yeeeehaaaaawww!

Good luck Mr. Scott! It's a pain in the butt to take that first licensing step but such a feeling of freedom and legitimacy when you get it over with. Now you can set yourself loose on the world and not have to look over your shoulder. Watch out Utah!

Thank you for your support and input. I really am excited about making the changes necessary to move up and onwards in my business. Now all I get to do is convince the wife. Damn stubborn red-heads!! hehe

Gosh darn?? did I say that?? nope,, i don't have that type of potty mouth!!! lmao