[Outrageous.]

Hi everyone. I want to start up my own Graphic/Web Design Business. I've been trying to find out what licenses I need, if I do need one, how I become my own business, what kinds of contracts I should draw up, etc. The whole process is confusing, so I thought I would come on here and see if someone could break down the process for me as best they could?

My business will be run by just me, I will not be hiring anyone to work for me as I will not accept more projects than I think I can handle. I plan on working from home once I get a new computer (old one crashed).

1. What what kind of license would I need to run a business from home?

2. Should I apply to become an LLC or is that not an option/too much of a hassel for me?

3. While I'm starting up my business, I will continue to hold a job and not just rely on my business as my source of income. How will this affect my taxes, if at all? I would basically just be recognized as having two jobs, right?

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4. If my business is successful enough that I can quit my day job and rely on it as my sole source of income, how will this affect my taxes? Will I have to pay more? Do I get any write-offs?

5. What would be the best way to keep track of my business finances? Something like Quickbooks or a simple Excel worksheet?

6. IF I need to borrow money from a bank for my business, what will I need/how to do I come up with a business plan (what would the bank like to see, what should be included in it)?

7. Should I hire a lawyer to draw up my contracts or do them myself?

8. If there are any freelance Graphic or Web Designers out there reading this, how much did it cost for you to start up your business? Is it doing well?

It's been my dream for quite some time to start up my own business like this. Any help with this is greatly appreciated. Thanks!