If i wanted to just setup a website, which would sell it's own products, would this be legal or not? If not what process would i have to go through? Thanks, Jamie
Ya it is legal and you dont need to get any permission until you reach the criteria when u have to pay tax for that business
This would depend greatly on the requirements for your specific country. In general there's nothing illegal as such, but many countries require you to do a certain amount of things before starting a business: You might need a license from your municipality/country You might have to register the business as such You will need to pay income tax on all profits made (some countries have a threshold, so unless you earn more than a certain amount you won't have to pay any income tax [although you might still have to be registered nonetheless]) Depending on the products you sell, and to whom you sell, you might need to be registered as an exporter and pay export tax, VAT (sales tax etc.). The best thing would be to contact a Small Business Association or similar agency that can help you with the details and requirements you need to fulfill.
Assuming you are in US, anyone can set up a website and sell products, as long as those products do not violate local or national laws (gambling, child porn, weapons of mass destruction, etc). You don't want to do that do you? Taxes (profits, losses, expenses) will pass through to you as a sole proprietor. If you get to doing much business, you may want to convert to a LLC or subchapter S Small Corporation. For free legal advice, check out Nolo.com. Craig Jones