A mobile welding business owner travels to clients to perform welding services, such as creating sculptures or repairing damaged metal. Even though the business is mobile, the owner is still operating as a regular business entity by offering a service or product in exchange for monetary compensation. Mobile welding businesses operating in the Los Angeles, California, area must follow local laws in the city, along with California business laws.
Instructions
1. Apply for a welder's certificate from the American Welding Society. Although it is not a legal requirement for welders working in the United States, it does add credibility and shows a level of expertise for independent welders. The American Welding Society offers certification in general and fabricator welding. Fabricators perform welding services under a given quality system, whereas the general welder's certification tests and qualifies working welders in terms of techniques and practices. At the time of publication, the certifications are received when a welder completes a seminar and an examination for a total price of $690.
2. File a fictitious name statement with the Los Angeles county clerk office. The fictitious name statement registers the business with the state of California for a processing fee of $70 to $100, depending on what form is required for the specific business structure. Corporations are more costly to register than sole proprietors in California. Sole proprietors may operate using the owner's legal name to present the welding business; if the sole proprietor operates under a name different from the owner's legal name, a fictitious name statement must be filed.
3. Use the online application system on the Internal Revenue System, or IRS, to get an employer ID number. The number must be present on all tax filing documents, so the IRS links the tax returns to the mobile welding business located in Los Angeles. If the mobile welding business owner decides to operate independently as a sole proprietor, he may use his personal Social Security number when filing quarterly taxes.
4. Apply for building and zoning permits with the Los Angeles Department of City Planning, if the welding projects performed by the business involve developing land or modifying or constructing local property. Permits may be needed on a per-project basis, especially if the welding involves altering public buildings or projects. Some businesses may obtain the permits on behalf of the welder, but the welder must ensure he obtains the permits before starting the welding work on any project that needs it.
5. Purchase a truck for the welding business, if one is not already available. It may be useful to use a truck with an extended cargo bed, so there is adequate room for the welders, electrical generators, cables and smaller toolboxes.
6. Purchase supplies needed for the welding company. The common supplies, tools and equipment used by welders include welding guns, torches, cables, cable covers, chipping hammers, wires and electrodes, safety glasses, hearing protection, first aid kits, helmets, protective gloves and wrenches. You may also need to purchase specific tools and equipment for special projects.
Tags: fictitious name, fictitious name statement, name statement, welding business, American Welding
