The Business of Game Businesses

Another newbie question...

What have some of you done when starting your indie game business?

Have you Incorporated (LLC, etc)?

Do you need to have a Business License to sell games on Google Play, iTunes Store, Windows 8 Shop?

If you have not Incorporated, how do you handle income from the games in regards to taxes, etc - if any (I am smart enough to realize there may not be any)?

I'd think you need some official type stuff as you would be making transactions with the store as they take their cut. I too would like to know though. I wouldn't consider this a newbie question, we are creative content developers not businessmen <img src="smileys/smiley2.gif" border="0" align="middle" />

PS: Up is a good movie

Edit: I think this should be moved to general game design.

I think the only right answer is seek the advice of a local accountant for the tax concerns and a lawyer dealing with business law to guide you in setting up the right corporate entity if applicable. With that being said the following link does offer some good tips/advice. Just remember laws are always changing so the information there if accurate may be outdated(So seek out an accountant and business lawyer)

Some answers here

I think the only right answer is seek the advice of a local accountant for the tax concerns and a lawyer dealing with business law to guide you in setting up the right corporate entity if applicable. With that being said the following link does offer some good tips/advice. Just remember laws are always changing so the information there if accurate may be outdated(So seek out an accountant and business lawyer)

Some answers here

Interesting link, honestly quite jealous of the OP. But what about before you make anything, when registering with stores and getting your first bits, do you need anything special then?

Not to beat a dead thread... but I wanted to chip in here... I formed an LLC. The reasoning is that with an LLC you have some protection if you get sued. They can go after the company but not your personal assets. With a partnership or as an individual you have no protection at all. Your money and the companies money are the same. So if your app causes an issue that results in a court case, your own livelihood is at stake.

With an LLC you can still file taxes as a partnership so you get to do your taxes the same way which makes it easier, but you do get a good deal of protection from the mean mean world out there.

Also copyrights and trademarks can be lifesavers in the right situations. If your game suddenly becomes a hit, be prepared for others stealing your IP (Intelectual Property)... you need some protection. Just my 2 cents...