* Your city-of-residence probably requires you to file (and pay annually) for a business license, even if you are doing a purely online business.
* If you accept payments in any name besides your own (e.g., a website name), and you don't have an LLC/corporation/partnership, you probably need to apply (and pay) for a DBA (no, not that kind of DBA - a "Doing Business As"). Accepting payments in a name other than your own without this could result in prosecution for fraud.
In my personal IANAL opinion, the LLC (Limited Liability Company) is the best "side projects for profit" option. Relatively simple and inexpensive formation (order of $100 w/o lawyer), limited liability (how limited? courts will tell), no "double taxation" from a corporate structure.
* If you accept payments in any name besides your own (e.g., a website name), and you don't have an LLC/corporation/partnership, you probably need to apply (and pay) for a DBA (no, not that kind of DBA - a "Doing Business As"). Accepting payments in a name other than your own without this could result in prosecution for fraud.
In my personal IANAL opinion, the LLC (Limited Liability Company) is the best "side projects for profit" option. Relatively simple and inexpensive formation (order of $100 w/o lawyer), limited liability (how limited? courts will tell), no "double taxation" from a corporate structure.
But do your own research beyond asking on forums.
kb