For Jeff S

[lswote]

Jeff, I emailed the NASE concerning health insurance at the link you gave me and finally someone contacted me today.  The pre-existing health condition and my wife's short residency that excluded us from private insurance also exclude us from health insurance through the NASE but the insurance agent told us about something else to look into.  It seems that in Florida, August is open group insurance registration for small business owners and that supposedly we can't be denied insurance if we register as a small business owner and spouse.  The thing is, how do we establish we are small business owners?  The agent talked about 1099s or previous tax returns but we don't have any of those things.  Do you have any ideas?

[Jeff S]

... in response to For Jeff S, posted by lswote on Jul 30, 2003

Bruce:
Just set up a business. Get a name (file a fictitious business name statement with your county or state [also called DBAs "Doing Business As.."]- small community newspapers have the paperwork.) In California it costs about $75, then open a bank account in the name of that business, and get a business license from your city. I have one doing engineering and writing from my home - I think it's $20 a year or so. Then you're in business. Your business doesn't have to make much money. Run your consulting income through it, ebay sales, writing income, whatever. You can also write off things that otherwise wouldn't be a tax deduction, like printer refill cartridges, magazine subscriptions, some travel, etc. I'd find a good CPA to get you started. For a couple hundred bucks they'll get you going in the right direction and probably save you ten times that amount in newly found tax deductions. Those three things - a DBA, Bank Account and Business License will establish you as a small business - they don't really care if you make any money at it. E-mail me at captainjeff@usa.com if you'd like more info.

- Jeff