Candle Kits

Candle Making Home Biz HELP!?

Can anyone help with the legalities of starting a home-based business? I have the know-how of making candles, but don't know how to claim/file taxes. Will I need an accountant or professional? Do I need certain licenses? I am located in Ohio.

I have been practicing, making gifts for friends and family and make them for charity donations ((raffle items)). Everyone compliments my work and the strong scents, so I am considering turning this hobby into a jobby ; )

I'd appreciate any experienced & informative suggestions/answers.
I am pretty creative when it comes to advertisement ideas. I started a free web site & email account to share with my family and friends but didn't want to actually advertise until I figured out the legalities to a home-based business.
CHECK OUT MY FREEWEB AND FEEL FREE TO GIVE ANY HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS TOO!

http://www.freewebs.com/customcandlesbyclaudio/

I'm familiar w-ebay, the home made candles do not fair well there. I do purchase candle making supplies on ebay though!
TYVM for the insight, CandleCravings!

How do you file/claim your taxes? Where do you get the required license or know which one you need?

My plan is to make them from home and keep it small for now. I may do craft shows or sell them on consignment. I believe I have the option to add a pay/order link on my freeweb… so I'm guessing that may be the most successful tool in selling.

all you need is a tax id and local business license to get started and a million ideas for creative candles. I have been making candles for over 20 years but didnt make a real profit until I started making creative candles.Now Im up for my own tv show on Hgtv.

starting a candle business is like starting any other business. Its alot of trial and error.Get videos and books about your craft and buy the easy info downloads on ebay they are great. The most important thing is quality ingredients. quality wax and additives and above all quality fragrance.
hit the closeouts of bittercreek and shop for good prices. The better your prices the better price you will have for clients .

get a good website …lots of variety is key. pay for search engine inclusion but not 300 and 400 dollars at a time. a simple inclusion from ineedhits is fine for 20.00 at a time.

shipping is key make sure you have quality shipping products,boxes,bags,labels,shrink wrap,peanuts,craft paper and more.nothing worse to spend hours making candles and have ups ruin them. most important charge for your time dont work for free. alot of candlemakers dont pay themselves a wage thats crazy dont work for free! no sense in having a business if you dont charge. your materials+time at what you want per hour.x 2.5. some times I charge three. repays me ,replaces product and profit.

above all practice. read read read.a great learning site is candlecauldron.com .