Читать книгу Start & Run a Bed & Breakfast - Richard Taylor - Страница 35

To obtain reliable information on starting a B&B, the following sources should be consulted:

(a) Municipal government: Municipal governments will be concerned with and have information on the location and facilities of your proposed B&B. Bylaws, zoning, and municipal licenses fall under their jurisdiction. Visit the planning department or clerk’s office of your municipality and ask for any pertinent information.

(b) Regional government: Depending where you live, there may be another level of government that has jurisdiction over a group of municipalities. Generally, regional governments coordinate services that stretch across a number of municipalities. Health and fire regulations could be regional concerns, for example.

(c) State or provincial government: This level of government is interested in the collection of some taxes and in the registration of the business. They are also good sources of general information on how to start a small business, and they may have grants available to the small business entrepreneur.

(d) Federal government: The federal government is concerned with the collection of income taxes and federal sales taxes. They will also be interested in the tax impact of any additional revenue obtained through your customer fees. The federal government may also have grants available to small businesses.

(e) Your accountant: We highly recommend that you seek the advice of a knowledgeable, professional accountant early in your planning stage. His or her advice will allow you to gain the best tax advantages during both the planning and operational stages. An accountant can also advise you on the advantage or necessity of registering your business with the government.

When you are choosing an accountant, select one that has other B&B operators on his or her client list. Ask other B&B operators for their recommendations. Remember that some or all of your accountant’s fees can be charged as a business expense.

(f) Your lawyer: If you seek the advice of a knowledgeable accountant and follow all the zoning and bylaw requirements of your local government, then you probably do not need the services of a lawyer. However, you are in the best position to evaluate your own situation. If you are planning a very large operation or if you are going to form a corporation, we recommend the services of a lawyer.