Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Becoming Legit

Life is funny sometimes, and God always seems to have an uncanny way of getting a job done through you when you have missed the mark, or have been too stubborn or afraid to get it done. There manages to be the smallest nudge that undeniably forces you to the next stage in life.

I received that nudge about a week ago. It came in the form of a W-9 tax form. I have been successfully selling jewelry items in Elle Bee. It hasn’t been a smash hit, but definitely keeps me receiving a check in the mail every month, which means that my creations are being worn on ears, arms and necks outside of my circle of family and friends.

So, I received this W-9 form, which I have never had to fill out before for doing consignment. I am actually very familiar with the form as I have to get those that do contract work with my job to fill them out in order to get paid. Although familiar, I never really took the time to get familiar with the forms for my own purposes. As a matter of fact, subconsciously I didn’t want to be involved with them, although I knew sooner or later I would need to in order to properly fill out tax forms for my businesses. Notice I said businesses with an s (but that is for a different blog).

The section that got me sweating said sole proprietor, LLC, and some other options besides other, that I cannot recall off the top of my noggin. I was sure that I could pass with checking other until I read exactly what other entailed (nothing that I could subscribe to).

I consulted a great lawyer friend at that moment and asked if it was possible that I would get penalized if I just checked other without an explanation. Of course, she said sooner or later it would catch up with me, and that I should just register as soon as possible. The law may be slow to cash in their monetary reward, but when they do, they manage to try and take you for all you are worth in addition to the pair of draws on your behind.

I took the plunge and did so the next evening. With the assistance of my friend, the process was almost painless and as a result, my business is birthed:

Exo 31 Art LLC

I am blessed to be in such company that can give me advice on how to get these matters straightened out. She did so effortlessly, as if she did it in her sleep daily, and without looking for compensation. The saying “you reap what you sow” is indeed correct. Lord knows that I have been diligent in sowing wonderful seeds, not because I have the intuition to do so on my own, but because the Christ in me demands me to do so. So, I say thank you to all those that sow good for the sake of sowing for the greater good.

Pearls of Wisdom:
Your little hands in the big hands of GOD always equals success, even if that success is not immediately tangible.

Be blessed!

4 comments:

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

congrats on LLC

The Artist In Me said...

Thanks a bunch Mr. Stephens, and for the record, I have not forgotten about our business deal!

Babz Rawls Ivy said...

I am THRILLED!

So sorry for getting over here so late! I am so proud of you!

I am cheering you on!

Babz Rawls Ivy said...

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you continued success in the new year!