Why Register Your Business?

Posted by Bonny Albo Jan 2, 2007

In most of the cities I've lived in over the years, each community has required business registration. Ranging anywhere from $30-150/year, the benefits to registration have differed dramatically well. In fact, most of my experiences have been: register or else the taxman will come a' knockin'.

This seems to be one of the debates in West Warwick's city hall at the moment, where concerns range from not knowing what type of businesses people are running to tax evasion to police concerns. Their main problem, however, is enforcement - as is the issue with most communities. How do you prove someone is running a business, and if they are, how do you force them to pay a set fee and register?

Many business owners find that local business registrations are only cash cows for the city (which incidentally was also mentioned in the West Warwick meeting), while others find their fees a valuable contribution to the community in which they are housed.

What's your take? Feel free to discuss your ideas and opinions here.