A business plan is essential for every new business, from home operations to multimillion-dollar corporations. The cost varies depending on the type of business plan you need. Companies with specific planning needs such as market research, financial projections, or limited time can hire a business plan company to prepare a business plan. Generally, a professionally
Obtaining a business license is not the same as forming an LLC or other legal entity for your business. A business license is generally required if you own and operate a business in order to comply with local laws. There can be general licenses from your state, county, or municipality, as well as special licenses
Both copyrights and trademarks are important tools for protecting your intellectual property, but figuring out which one you need can be confusing. Understanding intellectual property can be difficult, but doing so correctly can mean the difference between fighting a vicious court battle to protect your legal interests and quietly enjoying the fruits of your creative
Business entities such as corporations, LLCs, and partnerships require a registered agent. In many cases, it’s a legal requirement. For limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporations, a registered agent is responsible for receiving legal communications and other documents on behalf of the business. Small businesses often appoint an owner or employee as their registered agent. However,
In order for a business name to be chosen as one-of-a-kind, making sure it is owned and trademarked by the business is an important step. A trademark protects a company’s name or brand from intellectual property theft or misuse as the company grows. On the website of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, you can
Many new business owners are confused about the differences between a limited liability company (LLC) and a sole proprietorship. This guide explains the difference between sole proprietorship and LLC in terms of formation, legal protection and Paperwork/compliance, etc. Business owners often wonder whether it is better to be taxed as a sole proprietorship or a
Creative thinking and market research can help you find the perfect business name. Once you choose your name, you should register it with the appropriate agencies so that you can protect it. When choosing how to register a business name, several factors must be considered, such as the type of business structure, the location of
The majority of states require you to have an LLC registered agent. Provided they meet the state’s criteria, the agent can be a professional service, yourself, or a colleague. Registered agent services come with a number of benefits. You probably know by now that you will need a registered agent if you’ve recently decided that
One of the most popular business structures for small businesses is the limited liability company (LLC). There are several advantages to the LLC structure compared to other structures. But, really do I need an LLC to start a business? The formation of an LLC is not necessary to start a small business, but in most
Convert LLC to S Corporation may save you money on taxes. According to state law, an LLC is created for federal tax purposes. You can treat it as a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. A business owner should decide whether an LLC or S corp is best for their company. When it comes to income
What is a Sole Proprietorship? A sole proprietorship, also known as a sole trader or proprietorship, is an unincorporated business owned by just one person who pays personal income tax on the profits earned from the business. Due to a lack of government regulation, sole proprietorships are the easiest type of business structure to start
It is important to understand the full implications of forming a limited liability company (LLC) or a limited liability partnership (LLP) before registering your startup. In the course of starting a new business venture, you may want to explore different business entities to limit your personal liability. Both are easy to set up, but may
Yes, It is possible to convert a sole proprietorship to a limited liability company (LLC), if you are currently running a sole proprietorship. As a business entity, LLCs offer greater protection, tax advantages, and other advantages. This simple question reflects a deeper concern about when changing from a sole proprietorship to an LLC might be
When you’re deciding how you want to run your business, you have a few options. Some people will choose to set up an LLC, while others will look into setting up an S corporation or a C corporation. While they have just one letter difference, how they operate isn’t exactly the same. This guide provides
Although LLCs and S corporations operate differently in terms of business operations, they are not mutually exclusive. S corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) are often grouped together, but this is misleading. Starting a business is an exciting undertaking that has plenty of learning opportunities, regardless of whether you’re thinking of forming an LLC or
One of the most important decisions you will have to make when starting a business is selecting the right type of business entity. By filing as an S corp you can protect your assets and save yourself from self-employment taxes as compared to if you were a sole proprietor. Unlike a corporation, a sole proprietorship
What is a Business Tax ID Number? Tax Identification Numbers, also known as Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), are assigned to a business by the federal government for identification and taxation reasons. An EIN is similar to a Social Security number, except it pertains to businesses rather than individuals. Your own company’s EIN can be found
What is an S corporation? S Corporations pay fewer taxes than other types of corporations because they are formed to reduce tax. Shareholders can do this by filing their taxes using the company’s income and losses. An S corporation must file with the IRS as such, but not all businesses qualify and those that do
What is a C corporation? Corporations that are taxed separately from their owners, or shareholders, are called C corporations. The most common form of corporation, the C corporation, is also subject to corporate income tax. Profits from the business are taxed at the corporate and individual levels, resulting in double taxation. There are so many
The incorporation of a business creates a separate and distinct legal entity. An incorporated business is independent of its owners. The process of incorporating a business involves converting a sole proprietorship or general partnership into a company recognized by your state of incorporation. What Does Incorporated Mean in Business? In other words, when a business
How much does it cost of starting a Business? The truth is that no business is the same and many small businesses can get started for as little as $3,000 or less. These companies are often home-based with low upfront investments. While your average Main Street franchise may require a larger investment, home-based franchises can
