What to know for businesses on the go

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Victoria H. Taylor
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England-- --  Becoming an entrepreneur requires a mix of characteristics that are both innate and learned.

For military members and their families, there is an added responsibility to uphold the Air Force core values while still representing the U.S. Armed Forces.

Side businesses, such as an independent consultant, free-lance photography or catering are rapidly becoming more popular around RAF Mildenhall. Military members and their dependents taking advantages of these opportunities must do their research on the legal side of opening business before diving in.

"Although private commercial enterprises are outside the scope of what the 100th Air Refueling Wing Legal Office is able to handle, we do offer pamphlets that have helpful advice for Airmen and their families to get started on the right foot," said Capt. Carrie Christy, 100th ARW assistant staff judge advocate from Dallas.

For those interested, Christy mentioned the local Citizens' Advice Bureau that provides a solicitor referral service where more in-depth information can be acquired.

"It's imperative that all entities that do business in the U.K. comply with local and national regulations," said Christy. "You may want to consult a local solicitor who specializes in setting up businesses."

Unlike military salaries which are not subject to income taxation, all tax income earned by Department of Defense personnel, home businesses and any off-duty employment must be claimed. It's the entrepreneur's responsibility to comply with the reporting requirements of household income that is non-military.

"Members who are receiving non-military income must obtain a tax ID number," said Christy. "The Airman and Family Readiness Center can assist in acquiring one."

Per agreements with the U.K. government, service members are allowed to import goods into the country tax and duty free for the benefit of U.S. military personal use only--not for business use.

"There are specific provisions that prohibit the use of tax free items for resale purposes," said Christy. "This includes using your APO box to send and receive merchandise in order to gain profit. These items need to be shipped directly to their consumer."

Service members and their dependents must comply with U.S. domestic laws, DoD and service regulations as they apply to sales and APO privileges to entitled personnel.

"Any person who wishes to start their own business in the U.K. needs to be aware of both local and national law," said Christy. "That includes, but isn't limited to any licensing or tax requirements. The bottom line for those interested in starting a business is to do your research."

One of the most commonly abused privileges that business owners must be aware of is the illegal use of tax free petrol. According to Air Force instruction, this resource is for duty-driving only which is defined as "all driving in support of the U.S. military mission done both in the performance of normal duties and in order to serve and participate in mission-related activities."

"Service members are given these privileges' to support our mission, when these benefits are abused they give an unfair advantage to small business owners who would otherwise be required to purchase items on the local economy," said Christy.

For more information on starting a business, contact the A&FRC at DSN 238-3406 or commercial at 01638 543406 and for legal questions contact the legal office at DSN 238-2028, or commercial at 01638 542028.