Q: Do authors need a business license?
??: Technically, if you’re running a business out of your home, you should have a business license, but most authors don’t.
Show of hands: How many people have business licenses?
(About half of the audience raised a hand.)
??: If you sell books In California, you are required to register with the Franchise Tax Board and collect and pay sales tax.
Ruth Schwartz: That’s only if you’re selling off your own website or in person. If you’re selling through Amazon, they collect and pay the sales tax.
??: Can you get a resale license without a business license?
Ruth Schwartz: Yes.
Karin Fisher-Golton: I have a business license for my publishing company, but not as an author.