I need a little homebased business advice

[AshMeyer]

Well, I'm finally making the move to register my business name and obtain a business license. I'm running my business from home, but plan to sell online via mail so there's no need for me to have various zoning permits.
Buuuut, to get my business license an inspector must come out to check my office/work space. What are some things this inspector will be looking for? I do not have a seprate room for my office. Will this be an issue?

[Kimberly Porrazzo]

Ashley - I think the requirement to use a room soley for your business is a tax issue. I don't think you can take the "home office" deduction unless you use that room ONLY for the purposes of running your business. A business license is something different. That's usually a city issued license. They probably just want to come out and check that there is a physical location in which you do your work. Some zoning requirements won't allow certain types of businesses. That's my guess. I'm not an expert, though. Talk to your city reps and your tax accountant.

[AshMeyer]

Thanks. I figured it was more to prove there is an establishment for the business and maybe that it meets certain fire codes or what not. I just remembered reading somewhere about having a seperate office space and I guess that's what I was thinking about. So, no tax deduction for me... but license, here I come. :)