Posted on 11/27/2011 9:26:50 AM PST by SmithL
If you have trouble falling asleep, here's something new to try. When you curl up in bed tonight, bring along a copy of the local municipal code to read.
Slogging through the lawyerly fine print will not only make your eyelids heavy, it could help you unearth some surprising discoveries.
I learned the other day that if you earn an income working at home -- anything from lacing lanyards for a craft sale to consulting on paramilitary projects for Halliburton -- most East Bay cities require you to have a home occupation permit and a business license.
There are a few exemptions, such as nonprofit organizations and youngsters under 18, but they are as rare as burned kernels in a bucket of popcorn.
Every community is slightly different, but Walnut Creek reflects the norm: $50 for an occupation permit and graduated licensing fees based on gross receipts, beginning with dollar one. The lowest fee is $23, then it swells into the thousands, depending on how successful you are at peddling lanyards. The license must be renewed each year.
If the ordinance seems absolute, well, it is. By law, even a retired music teacher who charges neighbor kids for piano lessons must file papers with City Hall. If you alter slacks and skirts in your home to earn some fun money, the city says you are a business.
"If you're doing anything that's business-oriented, you're required to have a license, . .
(Excerpt) Read more at contracostatimes.com ...
...Even day laborers seeking work outside Home Depot are supposed to be licensed, which seems as likely as flying saucers landing at Heather Farm."They're independent contractors," said Concord business license agent Mike Snow. "If they're hiring themselves out, then, yes, they need a license."
In practice, no one working from home files the paperwork. Its just too much of a hassle. Kalifornistan should want to do everything to create new jobs and bring in more revenue. And with business-killing measures like city paperwork for a bbusiness license, it wonders why its broke.
Go figure.
In practice, no one working from home files the paperwork. Its just too much of a hassle. Kalifornistan should want to do everything to create new jobs and bring in more revenue. And with business-killing measures like city paperwork for a bbusiness license, it wonders why its broke.
Go figure.
Technically. In practice, no self-employed or small business people obey those laws. No one could run a business if they had wade through mountains of government paperwork, the only intent it seems, is to eat through the substance of one’s existence. There are lots of laws on the books that never get enforced because society would grind to a complete halt if they were enforced.
Technically. In practice, no self-employed or small business people obey those laws. No one could run a business if they had wade through mountains of government paperwork, the only intent it seems, is to eat through the substance of one’s existence. There are lots of laws on the books that never get enforced because society would grind to a complete halt if they were enforced.
Technically. In practice, no self-employed or small business people obey those laws. No one could run a business if they had wade through mountains of government paperwork, the only intent it seems, is to eat through the substance of one’s existence. There are lots of laws on the books that never get enforced because society would grind to a complete halt if they were enforced.
I regard such impositions as previews of what would happen if Citizens United had gone the other way: Potentially any grouping of people could be redefined as a “corporation” and thereby would have no speech rights.
In practice, if you want to take in money you have to comply with those laws. If you take money and the Franchise Tax Board finds out, woe be unto you if you are not in compliance.
But they are there to be selectively enforced against certain undesirables who do not vote correctly.
Or rather, they will be enforced if you incur the displeasure of the "authorities" and they have noting better to stick you up with.
"Did you really think that we want those laws to be observed?" said Dr. Ferris. "We want them broken. You'd better get it straight that it's not a bunch of boy scouts you're up against - then you'll know that this is not the age for beautiful gestures. We're after power and we mean it. You fellows were pikers, but we know the real trick, and you'd better get wise to it. There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws. Who wants a nation of law-abiding citizens? What's there in that for anyone? But just pass the kind of laws that can neither be observed nor enforced nor objectively interpreted - and you create a nation of law-breakers - and then you cash in on guilt. Now, that's the system, Mr. Rearden, that's the game, and once you understand it, you'll be much easier to deal with."
FR is slow this morning. At least its still up! Thank heaven for small favors! ;-)
Our church Pastor and part time janitor are the only paid employees and we have to pay worker's comp on them.
Problem with your droid?
(2 triple posts?)
Are you getting that “Service Unavailable” error that has been happening all day to me?
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