Online-only Business. Taxes? Business? The Woes of information.

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by Kestal, Feb 10, 2009.

  1. #1
    So I am taking one of my websites (An online browser based game) to the next level and I am unsure how to proceed. I'd like to point out that this is my first time, so be gentle ;) This is the first time I have had to worry about this kind of thing with an online-only experience. I've seen so many sources that have very different pieces of information and it just confused me.

    My primary focus is an online browser-based game (which took me about a year to create) which I have created from scratch and I am literally about a week away from being able to release it. (We actually already have offers for it - we obviously wont sell, but its a nice feeling :D)

    What do I need to do in order not to get burned by my gov't or anyone else? I will be obtaining money online 100% of the time, there is no offline/local component to the game (unless we decide to do merchandise later on - which is doubtful.).

    In terms of paypal, or even in the eyes of the Canadian Government (My partner is in the UK), would I need to register myself as a business? Is there something specific that I should go to for an online-only business? Why do some domain registrar's have a business registration option on them?

    All the transactions will be going through paypal (among other payment gateways such as Moneybookers and egold). How would that work for tax purposes? I mean, the only main expenses after release would be Server, Advertising, and Artwork/Graphic design (on almost a continuous basis for advertising and graphics - as we will continue to expand on it). There are only 2 'employees', me and my partner. He lives in the UK.

    Would I just be taking my invoices on a monthly basis and printing them out for tax purposes?

    I'd really appreciate any help/information/advice that can be given to me. Thanks. Should I not worry about this stuff just yet?
     
    Kestal, Feb 10, 2009 IP