Home FFL.....

[honda53s]

It all comes down to zoning. If you can get zoned for retail sales, there's no problem. If you can't get retail sales, you need to figure out another business model, such as Internet sales only. Transfers are considered sales. I started as a home FFL and then when I realized I would never succeed being Internet only, I found a friend with a small business and he let me rent some space from him.

I think you should contact an administrator and start up an Industry Partner account and start selling me some guns at cost

 

[bcr229]

Home-based FFL checking in...

I wrote this based on my experience. I did not have one of the biggest hurdles you will - zoning - as most of WV doesn't have it. I also don't need a local business license, just a tax ID number from the state.

Steps to getting a Federal Firearms License (FFL):

1) Check your local zoning ordinances and HOA CCR's, if any. If either document prohibits you from obtaining a business license at your residence, go no further until you get waivers permitting you to run a business or the ATF will not issue you an FFL.

2) Check with your homeowner's insurance to see how much it will go up if you run a firearm business out of your home. Hopefully you have a local agent who you've personally known and worked with for many years, as the flunkie on the toll-free call center phone will probably freak at your questions. You may find the increase in premium alone makes getting an FFL unviable.

3) Another question for yourself - are you comfortable filing federal and state tax returns every quarter, and monthly sales tax returns? If not, add CPA services to your list of expenses.

4) If you've gotten to this point, find an attorney to help you form a S Corp, C Corp, or LLC (most folks go with an LLC). This is not the time to go with a DIY document off the internet, especially if you plan on dealing in NFA toys. Besides, being in the firearms biz, you're going to need an attorney sooner or later anyway; might as well get to know one now.

5) Once your LLC is formed, obtain any necessary state and local business licenses to run a business. If you don't have these, the ATF will not issue an FFL. See #1 (and yes, they go to your county or city courthouse and check).

6) Call the ATF Distribution Center and ask for an FFL application packet. It will include several copies of the application (no carbons unfortunately), fingerprint cards, and instructions.

Note that all manufacturers (Type 06, 07, and 10 FFL's) must register with the Department of State and pay ITAR annually. This registration fee is $2250.00.

 

[m40sniper]

Used to have a storefront, business license and full FFL. When I wanted to move the business to my home the ATF/feds had no issues (at that time), the state didn't care, but St. Mary's county said no way! "No retail sales were allowed from your home unless you manufactured the item for sale". Then tried the gunsmithing route, still with no approval from the county. Found out after turning in my FFL and getting a worthless C&R, I should have stuck it out and went in person to planning and zoning. Hope things worked out better for you.

 

[Oldcarjunkie]

Friend of mine has a FFL that i believe he recently( last year or two) received, he doesnt have a store but he has told me that he is not allowed to have shop guns at his place and will have to find something commercial to rent to keep any guns at. he is looking for something so he can start his business.

 

[mikec]

BTW, this just doesn't affect people in MD. On another forum, one of the FFL's, from Florida, said in his town he could not operate from his home but there were home based FFL's in the next town.

 

[rico903]

I looked into it and as i live in rural Frederick County it would not be an issue. Then the wife freaked out when she heard I would be using the house as a gun store. So, for now the project is in fact on hold.

Dave

Sorry to hear about the wife problem but I can't blame her. Who would want unknown people coming and going from their house? I think it presents a major safety issue. While you may have honest csutomers, word travels and unsavory people always seem to find out.

 

[Jaybeez]

I wrote this based on my experience. I did not have one of the biggest hurdles you will - zoning - as most of WV doesn't have it. I also don't need a local business license, just a tax ID number from the state.

Steps to getting a Federal Firearms License (FFL):

1) Check your local zoning ordinances and HOA CCR's, if any. If either document prohibits you from obtaining a business license at your residence, go no further until you get waivers permitting you to run a business or the ATF will not issue you an FFL.

2) Check with your homeowner's insurance to see how much it will go up if you run a firearm business out of your home. Hopefully you have a local agent who you've personally known and worked with for many years, as the flunkie on the toll-free call center phone will probably freak at your questions. You may find the increase in premium alone makes getting an FFL unviable.

3) Another question for yourself - are you comfortable filing federal and state tax returns every quarter, and monthly sales tax returns? If not, add CPA services to your list of expenses.

4) If you've gotten to this point, find an attorney to help you form a S Corp, C Corp, or LLC (most folks go with an LLC). This is not the time to go with a DIY document off the internet, especially if you plan on dealing in NFA toys. Besides, being in the firearms biz, you're going to need an attorney sooner or later anyway; might as well get to know one now.

5) Once your LLC is formed, obtain any necessary state and local business licenses to run a business. If you don't have these, the ATF will not issue an FFL. See #1 (and yes, they go to your county or city courthouse and check).

6) Call the ATF Distribution Center and ask for an FFL application packet. It will include several copies of the application (no carbons unfortunately), fingerprint cards, and instructions.

Note that all manufacturers (Type 06, 07, and 10 FFL's) must register with the Department of State and pay ITAR annually. This registration fee is $2250.00.

LLC and corps require the owners to do background checks on tranfers to themselves. sole prop only requires a bound book entry, but doesn't provide as much legal protection.

in md its currently $300 per year to renew a LLC , but I think it might be going up to $1000. the renewal is paid when filing the business personal property return, that when md and the counties tax you yearly on all your inventory, real estate, and property used by the business. sole prop doesn't pay the yearly filing fee.

 

[Mark75H]

A friend of mine successfully had a home FFL a while back; I bought my first firearms from him.

He had good luck with the zoning ... he lived on a farm and at that time and location, you could sell just about anything from a farm ... its the nature of the beast, the ultimate source of all wholesale and retail

 

[bcr229]

in md its currently $300 per year to renew a LLC , but I think it might be going up to $1000.

Dang I pay less than $100 per year combined to the county and state.

And they say WV isn't business-friendly.

 

[torched02]

Hey guys on this same subject those of you that have your FFL's from home, what kind of questions are asked by the ATF inspector when he/she comes to do their home inspection. Thanks!

 

[mocoffl]

MOCO FLL requirements

Hi guys I am new to the forum. Does anyone know where I can find the rules and zoning requirements to establish a home FFL in montgomery county.

 

[Mark75H]

Hi guys I am new to the forum. Does anyone know where I can find the rules and zoning requirements to establish a home FFL in montgomery county.

Probably impossible. Near impossible in most other jurisdictions.

 

[Pinecone]

Contact MoCo gov about the zoning requirements.

BATFE will require the FFL to be located at an address zoned for the business.

 

[303_enfield]

Zoning, zoning and zoning. I have a few near me that the shop is in a shed, Aurthers Shooters Supply and Littletons. Three other had theirs in the garage.

 

[Alphabrew]

I wish they'd create an FFL for collectors, kind of like a C&R license but would let you get brand new guns shipped to your house.

 

[eddiek2000]

I wish they'd create an FFL for collectors, kind of like a C&R license but would let you get brand new guns shipped to your house.

+1. I'm on board.

 

[shocka04]

Def must depend on the area. Majority of the FFL's in southern Maryland are in their own homes.

 

[Clif]

My brother gave up his home FFL in SOMD when the fees began to close in on his profit. I deal with a home FFL in Virginia now, so it can still be done.

 

[Rob R.]

Bump, beyond obvious zoning hurdles for your area has anyone run strictly a online FFL?

 

[EarnestT]

IP Info - JLowe's Guns operates from his home.