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Understand Legal and Tax Issues

Every year, many small businesses get into difficulty because of not knowing their legal and tax responsibilities. Save yourself from a similar fate by consulting with a professional who knows the complicated world of state and federal tax and can guide you through the maze of regulation. In addition, keep your business out of legal hot water by putting all your important business agreements in writing. Keep proper records, and make sure your employees acknowledge that they're "at will" employees.

Featured Article

Are There Common Legal Problems Businesses Should Avoid?

Small businesses make legal mistakes all the time, some of which can be disastrous and difficult to recover from.

Video + Podcast Library

Small Business Burdens: Taxes and Regulations

Chad Moutray, chief economist and director of the Office of Economic Research at the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy, discusses the burdens of taxes, regulations, and zoning on small businesses.

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The Business of Helping Animals in Need

The director of the Kirshner Wildlife Foundation is dedicated to saving animals and educating the community.

Featured Columnist

How Small Businesses Can Comply with Advertising Laws

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the main federal agency that enforces advertising laws and regulations.

Other Related Articles

Top Small Business Tax Mistakes

Make tax time a happier time for your business by avoiding these common pitfalls.

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Self-Employment Tax Concerns

If you're totally bewildered by the tax and payroll logistics of self-employment, here's some advice for someone just...

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OSHA Exceptions for Small Businesses

OSHA, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, is a federal agency with over two thousand inspectors who are...

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Consumer Protection Regulations

If you sell merchandise or provide services to consumers, you are subject to the rules and regulations set...

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Complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits the exclusion of people...

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Environmental Regulations for Small Businesses

Be sure your business is in compliance with the numerous acts the Environmental Protection Agency has put in...

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Complying with Equal Opportunity Regulations

Many Equal Employment Opportunity Commission laws do apply to small businesses.

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What Federal, State, or Local Laws Apply to Your Employees?

Employment laws can come from federal, state, or local sources and it can often be confusing to figure...

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Dealing with Zoning Laws for Your Home-Based Business

Is your business at risk? Here are some helpful hints that will help you determine if your business...

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Legal Issues for Home-Based Businesses

Consider these important legal issues before investing your time, money, and effort into a new home-based business.

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Starting a New Business with Bootstrap Funding

Here's some great news for anyone who wants to start a business: most successful ventures don't require a...

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Quarterly Estimated Taxes for Sole Proprietors

If you're a sole proprietor, that is, you solely own an unincorporated business, the federal government requires you...

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Are There Common Legal Problems Businesses Should Avoid?

Small businesses make legal mistakes all the time — some of which can be disastrous and difficult to...

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Tax Considerations for New Businesses

Starting a new business? Here's what's most important from a tax perspective.

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Eight Employment Laws You Must Follow

To discourage discrimination, there are a variety of federal and state laws governing hiring practices.

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What IRS ID Do I Need for My Business?

In order to operate a business, the IRS requires either an Employer ID Number (EIN) (also known as...

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Business Laws That Small Businesses Should Worry About

It would take several volumes to include all of the laws that pertain to business, particularly if you...

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What Kind of Records Should I Keep for My Business?

From a tax standpoint, according to the Internal Revenue Service, you may choose any recordkeeping system suited to...

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Hire Outside Legal Experts

Interview with Robin Wilson, a general contractor with Meridian Builders and Developers

video

Small Business Burdens: Taxes and Regulations

Chad Moutray, chief economist and director of the Office of Economic Research at the U.S. Small Business Administration's...

video