Sadly frightening competition.

[Yellowdog]

When you don't carry insurance, don't have a-1 equipment, don't care, etc. you can make a living! Just come visit good ole Bandera Texas and see all the fly by nighters!

 

[Ryan Willock]

insn't that the truth!!!

 

[Stumper]

Yellowdog, You and I have different outlooks. I would never sic the bureuacrats on anyone, primarily because I think that the various regulatory agencies are in direct opposition to the principles that made our nation a bastion of freedom and a world economic power. Quality work will sell itself over time. On the other hand not all "hacks" are 'fly-by-nights'. They can and do endure sometimes despite their ignorance of proper technique. Hard work and low prices can keep them going.

 

[Yellowdog]

I figure, if I have to pay sales tax, then Joe Tree Cutter should. I hate the paperwork!!!! At least in Texas, most services are taxable and I get really upset when I find out that one of the lowballer's doesn't charge sales tax or have to deal with the beaurocrats like my higher profile company does. I hate to be a narc, however, business is business and since it really is a dog eat dog world, one must do what he thinks is right to keep the playing field level.. Just my 2 cents.

I do agree that quality work will sell itself, however, how long someone can stay in business following the rules is a different matter. I have to pay taxes on my equipment, I pay insurance, sales tax, texas workforce commission tax, federal employee taxes, etc. I follow the rules.. it stinks but its the rules. Others don't and they can get home from work and not have anything to worry about except whether or not their beer is cold. That ain't fair...

 

[TREETX]

You don't have to pay sales tax, you merely have to collect it and then mail it to Austin every quarter. Great being a goverment agent - as if I didn't have enought to do.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

I guy on alt.forestry calls the gov'mint borocraps

 

[Yellowdog]

Got me. I meant collect and send in. Not pay...

My bad..

 

[TREETX]

The lady at the Comproller's office said that most companies not collecting and paying sales tax get caught because they are reported by competitors.

 

[Yellowdog]

Exactly. My wife worked at a bank. She told me horror stories of companies having their assets frozen during an investigation. I prefer to play by the rules. I am no believer in big government but since we vote for people who make the rules, I try to follow them. I am one of those scardie cats that doesn't want to get into trouble. I spend extra time dotting my i's and crossing my t's..

 

[TREETX]

I am with you on the CYA part. Even if there is only a 1% chance of being caught cheating and having your assests frozen, if it happens to you, it happens 100%.