Game Development Community

Registering a sole proprietorship in PA

by Steve Fletcher · in General Discussion · 11/06/2003 (5:28 pm) · 3 replies

I have a game that's done. It's just in it's final testing phase. Only 3 pieces of art remain to be done (unfortunately, those 3 pieces of art are the 3 players, but one of the artists is working on it).

It doesn't look like any publishers want it - I've emailled several. I know this means I should be asking my self what is wrong with the game, but I want to move on to other things.

So I'm trying to start a sole proprietorship to sell the game.

I live in Pennsylvania (this varies per state).

It looks like I don't have to register the business itself or a fictitous name (since I'll just call it my last name + a description of the company).

It does look like I'll have to fill out the PA-100 form to register to pay sales tax so that I can sell the game to people in Pennsylvania.

As far as I know, that's the only form I need to fill out.

But that's not the only problem. How do I pay taxes other than income tax? For federal income tax I just add a schedule C to the tax form.

For social security tax, the social security website seems to be saying that just add "Schedule SE" to my federal income tax. But I thought it was supposed to be withheld quarterly. And, for that matter, aren't I supposed to pay my federal income taxes quarterly because I'm self-employed?

And how do I send in the state sales tax?

I just don't know what forms to fill out when.

#1
11/07/2003 (4:05 am)
My advice is to look into an accountant and lawyer to help you through the processes you need to go through.
#2
11/07/2003 (3:15 pm)
You'll probably want to consult with a business lawyer. I don't know about Pennsylvania law, but from what I've read in *MOST* states the revenue gained from a sole proprietorship are counted the same as income tax, and reported as such.

I don't know about sales tax though.
#3
11/07/2003 (3:45 pm)
I've found some more information, but you're probably right. I think I'll have to pay a business lawyer for help.

I think I'd be better off if I figured out alot of this stuff before I talk to one though.