Fitness Model as small business

[mindyk]

Hey there,

Just sort of looking around for info about registering myself as a business for the modeling work that I do. So hopefully if there are any Canadian gals or guys out there that can help, as I'm sure it will be different in the USA.

So just wondering if anyone has done this? I know exotic dancers get to claim many of their expenses (outfits, etc) because dancing is a source of income to them.

So obviously if I'm drawing an income for having a fit body, there are things I need to purchase in order to maintain a look that will be suitable for work in the industry and to make more money (gym membership, travel expenses).

I also noticed from a male fitness model who was looking for sponsors, offered a tax receipt for them. He is in the US, so once again I'm sure the laws and such are different here.

So if anyone can help me out or where to start that would be great, any info is appreciated! I apologize if there might have been a thread about this previously started, I just want to get the ball rolling!


Thanks!!

[Italianangel]

I am a trainer so I use that business, modeling is a small part of the competing end which is a hobby so I roll it all into the training side myself.
But that is a great idea becasue the suits adn shoes cost me tons and its touchy writing that off as a trainer...
Linda

[firecracker3]

Hey there,

Just sort of looking around for info about registering myself as a business for the modeling work that I do. So hopefully if there are any Canadian gals or guys out there that can help, as I'm sure it will be different in the USA.

So just wondering if anyone has done this? I know exotic dancers get to claim many of their expenses (outfits, etc) because dancing is a source of income to them.

So obviously if I'm drawing an income for having a fit body, there are things I need to purchase in order to maintain a look that will be suitable for work in the industry and to make more money (gym membership, travel expenses).

I also noticed from a male fitness model who was looking for sponsors, offered a tax receipt for them. He is in the US, so once again I'm sure the laws and such are different here.

So if anyone can help me out or where to start that would be great, any info is appreciated! I apologize if there might have been a thread about this previously started, I just want to get the ball rolling!


Thanks!!

Pm me....I am about to get a GST number myself!

[Italianangel]

I have a gst number, how does that help a model?
Linda

[firecracker3]

I have a gst number, how does that help a model?
Linda

Sorry Linda, the GST number is for my PT business moreso....I am though registering myself, but there are benefits against doing this as well depending on the situation -- as I am discovering

[Hardness23]

I'm sure you know as a small business owner to promote yourself! Yesterday I went down to a car dealership out of the blue by myself in a tube top and jeans, and told them "I am an up and coming fitness model doing a figure competition and want you to sponsor me for my next show, and if you sponsor me I'll model by your cadillacs." Guess what? They went for it! They said just let them know what I want. So I've learned to just put myself out there in every way and as women we have so much power to get what we want. I'd like to brainstorm with you too or anyone to come up with ways to make money in this business. It's good I went to this dealership because the owner not only knows big names in Vegas who deal with modeling agencies, he also hires models himself out of Miami to pose for an energy drink he invented and at car shows. There have got to be a ton of ways to make money we just need to be creative and network around, and of course always flaunt what we have and look our best. Any ideas yet?

If so send me a private message in case I forget to check back

[mindyk]

thats awesome news for you,

I'm more interested in knowing the steps to get myself registered so that I can start writing off the expenses I incur doing the modeling work and such.


being able to write off trips, gym memberships, etc is what I'm after....


and I'm working on it!

[v4lu3s]

your best bet is to start learning tax law. its not going to be THAT different from the USA. Basically you will be reporting self employment income, and itemizing your taxes to take advantage of the expenses you incur in the process of making money modeling and competing. I cannot see Canada having that drastic a difference in how self employment income is reported and what expenses are allowed. the key is of course keeping records of EVERYTHING.

[muladesigns]

if you have an accountant, just give him/her all your receipts for the year for anything related to keeping up with your looks, and health. they will advise you best on what to or not to use. Its pretty easy. i have my own busines in the US while not modeling, you would still get the same benefits. car payment, insurance, gas, etc.
last year i dropped my taxable income by more then 55K just from write offs! just make sure you have a very knowledgeable accountant.

[CRL244]

Hey I just sent a thread out asking the same thing then i ran across your thread and thought u guys my be able to help me... mindyk ur trying to get a write off on ur expenses of being a model which would be great and good luck in doing so... but on another note I am a 21 male and one of my life goals is to become a fitness model... i was wondering if anyone has any direction they could point me in to start pursuing this dream, any information would be great: agency names, websites, emails, etc....

Any help would be great

Thank you

[AussieBB]

Hey all, I'm new here....

I am not Canadian, but I don't see why you can't somehow utlize the taxes. An American friend of mine does, she competes, does some modeling, and also runs a member site which she draws income off, and she basically writes off many competing expenses. She has checked it all out, keep receipts, does it all legally.

Best of luck.

[firecracker3]

I was recently at a photoshoot with O2 (a Canadian based publication) and started asking questions -- to the stylist, MUA, Photog etc...all freelance in the business...the concensous was that until you reach the 30-50 grand (depending on your accountants opionion) it isn't worth it.....???

[mindyk]

yeah I get a lot of different answers and opinions, I'll probably have a meeting with my best friends accountant (she is self employed as a massage therapist), so hopefully I can get some answers.
but yeah, I have heard that you have to ear a certain amount before it's really worth it.....

[labradarep]

Hey Mindy

Deanne enquired with our accountant & he said you have to earn $$ to be able to claim. If you are being paid for photo spreads or shoots you could probably use that as a start.