Hey there all Thought I'd take a minute and ask a simple question. How do you all handle the business license part. does your area require you to have one and if so what advantages do you have if any. Or do you just do it as a hobby type of thing and hope no one says anything? Just trying to decide how to go on this sort of thing. Thanks for your help and Keep on Smilin'

i dont have a buisness license yet but want to get one for the simple fact its easier to write off your clown supplies on your taxes. also it is good to have one so you can be insured as a business.

Save all your reciepts. I do that because I'm a musician. You are allowed, Like 700.00 in write offs without itemizing. (I think, Check with an accountant) I have never had more expenses for the year that were more than that. Also, I guess you can either write off bigger items (Up too a certain dollar amount ) as a lump sum rather than doing it over a few years.
My suggestion would be to add up all of your income from clowning, subtract all your expenses, and enter it on your forms as other income.
Don't forget to save the reciepts. Balloons, magic tricks, having your clown shoes resoled, Makeup, etc.

What? You mean you can actually make money doing this?

I do okay with tips at my local pizza joint, but it only enough to pay for gas and balloons with a little bit extra. I usually end up spending this on clown stuff anyways, so Iright now just consider it a hobby.

I do have insurance tho, because I want to be covered just in case anything happens...

Personally, I've always considered it a hobby. I've never made enough to do nothing else, but I've always had a great time and came away smiling... In a tramp sort of way.

I also do it more as a hobby, All though I do believe alot of clowns make a good living at this. But for me its fun, I don't ever want to make it a have to. A JOB. Physical Therapy is my job and I love it too. In both clowning and the medical field, you feel like you make a difference in peoples lives for the better. Clowning is also for me, Ever noticed no matter how stressed you are, get in make up, make some one laugh or smile, and how much it changes your outlook?