Business Owner's Toolkit

Startup

• Entrepreneurship
  • What Are Your Goals for Starting a Business?
  • Finding the Right Small Business for You
  • Understanding Requirements of Business Ownership
  • Do You Have the Right Stuff To Run a Small Business?
• Evaluating Success
  • Evaluating Your Business Idea's Chances of Success
  • Doing Industry Research for Your Startup Business
  • Case Study: Using Government Resources to Research Your Industry
• Business Planning
  • Where Do You Open Your New Business?
  • When to Open Your Business
  • Protecting Yourself and Your Startup Ideas
  • Understanding the Benefits of a Written Business Plan
  • Evaluating the Need for a Business Plan
  • Creating a Written Business Plan
  • Gathering Information to Write Your Business Plan
  • Planning for Your Specific Type of Business
  • Finding the Right Sources of Information to Create Your Business Plan
  • Establishing Reasonable Planning Assumptions
  • Writing Your Business Plan
  • The Elements of a Well-Written Business Plan
  • Marketing Plan Component of Your Business Plan
  • Creating Action Plans for Your Business Plan
  • Planning Financial Statements and Projections Data
  • Using Your Business Plan
  • Using Your Written Business Plan as a Management Tool
  • Keeping Your Plan Current
  • Business Plan Case Studies
  • Measuring Your Startup Success
  • Avoiding Common Pitfalls for Startup Businesses
  • Recognizing and Resolving Problems
• Home-Based Business
  • The Challenges of Starting a Home-Based Business
  • Setting Up Your Home-Based Workspace
• Buying a Business
  • Buying an Existing Small Business
  • Should You Buy a Small Business Franchise?
• Financing a Startup
  • Doing a Financial and Legal Assessment of Your New Business Idea
  • Differences Between Financing a Startup vs. a Newly Acquired Business
  • Startup Business Costs: Making a Family Budget
  • Figuring the Costs of Setting Up Your New Business
  • Case Study: Figuring Startup Costs
  • Figuring the Costs of Running Your New Business
  • Case Study: Figuring Business Costs for the First 90 Days
  • Forecasting Sales for Your Startup Business
  • Managing Cash Flow Peaks and Valleys for a New Business
  • Minimizing Your Risk When Starting a New Business
  • Getting a Loan for Your New Business
  • Startup Business Accounting
• Form of Business
  • Choosing a Form of Organization for Your New Business
  • Starting a Sole Proprietorship
  • Starting a Partnership
  • Starting a Limited Liability Company
  • Starting a Limited Liability Partnership
  • Starting a Corporation
  • Starting an S Corporation
  • Starting a Nonprofit Corporation
  • Starting a Tax-Exempt Organization
  • Doing Business Out-of-State: Foreign Qualification
  • Selecting a Registered Agent for Your Business
  • Naming Your Startup Business

Running A Business

• Growth Strategies
  • Growth Strategies for Your Small Business
• Quality Assurance
  • Quality Management Can Deliver Big Rewards with Little Expense
  • Implementing an Effective Quality Management Program
• Deterring Fraud
  • How to Detect and Deter Fraud in a Small Business
  • Guarding Against Internal Frauds Committed by Employees
  • Detecting and Handling Phony Employee Disbursements
  • Detecting and Deterring Business Asset Misappropriation by Employees
  • Guarding Against External Threats of Fraud To Business
  • Small Businesses Should Be Wary of Various Insurance Scams
  • Investment Scams Can Cost You and Business
  • Impact of Bankruptcy and Mortgage Fraud Business
  • Protecting Your Business from Money Laundering
  • Preventing and Dealing With Virtual Fraud Cybercrime and Internet Scams
  • Recognizing and Avoiding Mail and Wire Fraud Schemes
  • Committing Bookkeeping Fraud Using False Statements
  • Manage Business Fraud Vulnerabilities
  • Anti-Fraud Resources Available to Small Businesses
• Asset Protection Strategies
  • Asset Protection Shields Hard-Earned Wealth
  • Understanding Debtor-Creditor Relationship
  • Different Lien Types Provide Creditors Different Rights
  • Battling Liens Against You
  • Effective Exemption Planning Protects Assets
  • Leveraging Homestead Exemption to Protect Assets
  • Qualified Retirement Plans Shield Assets from Most Creditors
  • Shield Assets Using Wildcard and Wages Exemptions
  • Protecting House Without a Homestead Exemption
  • Bankruptcy Provides Options for a Fresh Start
  • Chapter 7 Discharges Debts Provides a "Fresh Start"
  • Federal Asset Exemptions Apply in Bankruptcy
  • How to Avoid Asset Transfer Challenges
  • Actual Fraud Always Voids Asset Transfers
  • Know the Law Regarding Medicaid Transfers
  • Using Trusts to Protect Assets
  • Carefully Constructed Trusts Can Protect Assets
  • Offshore Trusts Can Offer Asset Protection
  • Protecting Your Assets
  • Use Business Structure to Limit Liability
  • Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships Can Be Risky Business Forms
  • Statutory Close Corporations Permitted in Some States
  • Leveraging Limited Liability for Asset Protection
  • Key Issues in Selecting Formation State
  • Overview of Tax Considerations of LLCs and Corporations
  • How to Form an LLC or Corporation
  • Using Holding and Operating Companies to Protect Business Assets
  • Protecting Assets Using a One-Entity Approach
  • Funding Entities to Maximize Asset Protection
  • Liens Can Secure Funding and Protect Assets
  • Be Aware of Tax Impact of Funding Decisions
  • Avoiding Day-to-Day Liability Risk
  • Beware of Tort Exceptions to Limited Liability
  • Take Steps to Limit Liability for Contracts
  • Options for Withdrawing Excess Funds from Business
  • Withdraw Funds from Business to Limit Amount at Risk
  • Salaries, Loans and Leases Can Withdraw Money from Entity
  • Piercing Veil of Limited Liability Results in Personal Exposure
  • Transferring Business Interests to Family Can Preserve Wealth
  • Drafting an Effective Buy-Sell Agreement
  • Don't Run Afoul of Securities Laws
  • Insurance Can Protect Assets
  • Liability Insurance Protects You From Yourself
  • Property Insurance Compensates You for Losses
  • Insuring Your Automobile Is Essential
  • Learn to Navigate Legal System to Protect Yourself
  • Control Litigation Risks by Avoiding It
  • Shift Risks by Making Loser Pay Legal Expenses
  • Plan for Pre-Trial Discovery With Record Retention Policies
  • State and Federal Laws Can Provide Remedies
  • Asset Protection Laws by State (51 Jurisdictions)
• Government Contracting
  • What Are Your Government Contracting Opportunities?
  • Is There Real Government Contracting Opportunity for You?
  • Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Government Contractor?
  • Government Contracting Through the Use of Electronic Procurement
  • Rate Your Readiness To Be a Government Contractor
  • Government Contracting Rules You Need to Know
  • Successfully Bidding On a Government Contract: Start By Thinking Like The Government
  • Identify Potential Government Contracting Customers
  • GSA Is Your Connection To Government Contracts
  • Get Registered with Government Contracting Agencies
  • Government Contracting Requires Registering for ORCA
  • How to Decipher Government Codes Relating to Contracting
  • Find Federal Contract Bid Leads
  • Understand the Mechanics of the Government Contract Bidding Process
  • Examine Your Government Contract Bid Carefully Before You Submit It
  • Get The Technical Data You Need to Create an Offer a Government Contract
  • How to Establish a Profit-Generating Price for Government Contract Bid
  • Write and Submit Government Contract Proposal
  • Final Steps to Take Before Submitting a Government Contract Bid
  • Negotiated Solicitations for Government Contracts Require Writing a Proposal
  • What Happens After You Place a Bid a Government Contract?
  • How To Develop Your Own Quality Assurance Program for Government Contracting
  • What To Know When a Government Contract Is Terminated
  • Your Right To Protest and Dispute a Government Decision Regarding a Contract
  • Case Study: Disputing and Litigating a Government Contract
  • Getting Paid for Work a Government Contract
  • Who Can Help You With Government Contracting?
  • Small Business Government Contracting Initiatives Can Give You an Edge
  • Small Businesses Get a Boost from SBA Contracting Programs
  • Government Section 8(a) Business Development Program for Disadvantaged Businesses
  • HUBZone Can Assist Small Businesses Located in Distressed Business Zones
  • Section 8(a) Mentor-Protégé Program Assists Disadvantaged Firms New to Government Contracting
  • Veterans Entrepreneurship Programs Help Vets Land Contracts
  • Assistance Measures for Small Government Contractors
  • Subcontracting Provides Huge Government Contracting Opportunities
  • Government Contractors Must Meet Quality Assurance Standards
  • Successful Government Subcontracting Requires Finding Right Primes
  • Evaluating Factors Essential to Government Subcontracting Success
  • Getting on Approved Preferred Vendor Lists Key as a Government Subcontractor
  • Tips to Seal Government Subcontracting Deal
  • Assuring Packaging and Shipping Requirements
• Going Green
  • Greening Small Business
  • Conserving Energy By Greening Your Business
  • Managing Waste in Your Small Business
  • Measure Cost Effectiveness of Efforts to Go Green
  • Find Resources to Adopt Green Technologies for Business
  • State Government and Private Resources to Help Your Business Go Green
  • Getting Started on Greening Your Business
• Exit Strategies
  • Options for Getting Out of Your Business
  • Planning for Business Succession
  • Initial Considerations for Selling Your Business
  • Internal and External Factors Affect the Sale of Your Business
  • Successfully Selling Your Business Requires an Expert Team
  • Accurate Valuation Is Critical When Selling Your Business
  • Using the Best Business Valuation Formula
  • Finding a Buyer and Structuring the Sale
  • Negotiating Payment Terms Before Locking Down Price
  • Defining Your After-Sale Role
  • Tax Aspects of Selling Business: An Overview
  • Options for Financing Your Business Sale
  • Steps to Completing the Sale of Your Business
  • Closing the Sale of Your Business

Marketing

• Marketing Overview
  • Business Success Depends Upon Successful Marketing
  • Understanding Your Target Market Is Critical for Success
  • You Must Understand Your Competition
  • Successful Companies Master Positioning and Distribution
• Market Research
  • Without Market Research You Will Miss Valuable Opportunities
• Product Development
  • Product Development Must Be An Ongoing, Intentional Process
  • Generating and Evaluating New Product Ideas
• Packaging & Pricing
  • Product Packaging Must Attract Customers
  • Product Pricing Means the Difference Between Success and Failure
  • Distribution Methods Affect Bottom Line
• Internet Marketing
  • Use the Internet to Effectively Market Your Business
  • Building Your Company Website
  • Grow Your Business by Embracing E-commerce
  • Search Engine Optimization Can Drive Results
  • Search Engine Marketing Promotes Your Business Via Paid Ads
  • Online Advertising Can Boost Revenue
  • Reach Customers Using Email Marketing
• Marketing Plans
  • Building a Successful Marketing Plan
• Advertising & PR
  • Planning Effective Marketing Programs
  • Effective Advertising Makes People Remember Your Name
  • Public Relations Builds Awareness of Your Business

Office & HR

• Your Workplace
  • Should You Run a Business From Home?
  • Setting Up a Workspace for Your Home Business
  • Legal Restrictions on Home Businesses
  • Is It Time for Your Business to Leave Home?
  • What to Consider When Making Business Facility Decisions
  • Evaluating the Neighborhood When Choosing a Business Facility
  • Presenting the Right Image Through Your Business Facility
  • Locating and Deciding On the Right Business Facility
  • How to Decide Whether You Should Lease or Buy a Business Facility
• Vehicles & Equipment
  • What to Consider When Equipping Your Business
  • Making Communication Equipment and Service Choices to Meet Your Business Needs
  • Assessing Computer Needs for Your Business
  • Using Personal Assets to Meet Your Business Equipment Needs
  • Leasing Equipment for Your Business
  • Case Study: Equipment Leasing vs. Purchasing
  • Tax Implications of Leasing Business Equipment
  • How to Save Dollars When Purchasing Business Equipment
  • Using Your Business Equipment Productively
  • Obtaining Vehicles for Your Business
  • Possible Liabilities When Employees Use Vehicles in Your Business
  • What to Consider When Disposing of Business Vehicles
  • Methods of Disposing of a Business Vehicle
• Security & Insurance
  • Minimizing Risks to Your Business Using Security Measures & Disaster Planning
  • Adequate Insurance is Key to the Success of Your Business
  • What Types of Insurance Should a Small Business Consider?
  • How Much Property and Liability Insurance is Enough for Your Business?
  • Exploring Alternatives to Traditional Insurance
• Hiring Your Workers
  • Recruiting and Hiring For Your Business
  • Making the Decision to Hire: Balancing Financial Considerations and Business Needs
  • Using Leased Employees in Your Business
  • Hiring Independent Contractors for Your Work Force Needs
  • No-Cost Staffing Options for Your Business
  • Understanding Your Legal Liability as an Employer
  • Anti-Discrimination Laws by State (51 Jurisdictions)
  • Using Contracts to Avoid Misclassifying Independent Contractors as Employees
  • Analyzing a Job's Requirements When Hiring
  • Defining Job Qualifications When Hiring
  • Creating Effective Job Descriptions
  • How Do You Publicize a Job Opening?
  • Writing an Effective Job Advertisement
  • Case Studies of Age Discrimination in Job Ads
  • Personal Recruiting To Fill Job Positions
  • Outsourcing Employment Recruiting Activities
  • Evaluating Your Employment Recruitment Methods
  • Preparing to Screen Job Applicants
  • Using Job Applications in the Hiring Process
  • Using Resumes to Gauge Job Applicants
  • Should You Test Your Job Applicants?
  • Tests to Consider for Job Applicants
  • Lie Detector Test Laws by State (30 Jurisdictions)
  • Drug & Alcohol Testing Laws by State (52 Jurisdictions)
  • Preparations to Make to Effectively Interview Job Applicants
  • The Dos and Don'ts of Conducting a Job Interview
  • The Importance of Background Checks for Prospective Hires
  • How and Why to Check Job Applicants' Employment References
  • When to Run a Credit Check on a Prospective Hire
  • When to Check Job Applicants' Driving Records
  • Conducting Criminal Record Checks on Prospective Employees
  • Case Studies: Using Arrest Records to Deny Employment
  • Criminal Record Check Laws by State (52 Jurisdictions)
  • Making a Job Offer: Information to Include
• Managing the Workplace
  • Completing the Required Paperwork After You Hire an Employee
  • Setting Up Employee Records and Personnel Files
  • Access to Personnel Files Laws by State (51 Jurisdictions)
  • Orienting New Employees
  • Review the Strength and Weaknesses of Your Hiring Process
  • How to Determine How Much to Pay Your Employees
  • Negotiating a New Hire's Salary
  • What to Take Into Account When Giving Employees Raises
  • Complying With Wage and Hour Law: The Fair Labor Standards Act
  • Minimum Wage Law Requirements for Employers
  • Tipped Employee Minimum Wage Laws by State (45 Jurisdictions)
  • Minimum Wage Laws by State (47 Jurisdictions)
  • Overtime Pay Laws for Employers
  • Overtime Pay Laws by State (36 Jurisdictions)
  • Are You Subject to Child Labor Laws?
  • Minor Employment Certificate Laws by State (50 Jurisdictions)
  • Complying With Gender-Based Equal Pay Laws
  • Wage and Hour Law Posting Requirements
  • Wage and Hour Recordkeeping Requirements
  • Wage and Hour Recordkeeping Laws by State (45 Jurisdictions)
  • Steps to Take to Set Up Your Payroll System Correctly
  • Wage Payment Timing Laws by State (52 Jurisdictions)
  • Calculating an Employee's Hours Worked
  • Meal & Rest Break Laws by State (46 Jurisdictions)
  • Nursing in the Workplace Laws by State (48 Jurisdictions)
  • Calculating Employees' Regular Pay Rates
  • Case Study: How to Calculate an Employee's Regular Hourly Pay Rate
  • Making Deductions From Employees' Pay
  • Options for Getting Their Pay to Employees
  • Wage Statement Information Laws by State (40 Jurisdictions)
  • Terminated Employee Pay Laws by State (47 Jurisdictions)
  • The ABCs of Employee Benefits
  • Employee Time-Off Benefits Required by Law
  • Voting Time-Off Laws by State (35 Jurisdictions)
  • Jury Duty Leave Laws by State (51 Jurisdictions)
  • Military Leave Laws for Employees
  • Military Duty Leave Laws by State (49 Jurisdictions)
  • Optional Time-Off Benefits You Can Give Your Employees
  • Processing Your Payroll to Account for Vacation Pay: Case Study
  • Observed Holidays by State (52 Jurisdictions)
  • What You Need to Know About Workers' Compensation Laws
  • Workers' Compensation Laws by State (52 Jurisdictions)
  • Should You Offer Employees Health Care Benefits?
  • What Type of Health Care Benefits Should You Offer Your Employees?
  • Health Insurance Coverage Laws by State (52 Jurisdictions)
  • Health Care Insurance Plan Options for Employee Benefits
  • Consider Health and Medical Savings Accounts as an Employee Benefit
  • Finding an Employee Health Care Benefit Provider
  • Administering Your Employee Health Care Benefit Plan
  • Offering Employees Flexible Spending Arrangement Benefits
  • Optional and Required Disability Benefits for Your Employees
  • Offering Life Insurance as an Employee Benefit
  • The Pros and Cons of Offering Employees Retirement Benefits
  • Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution Plans
  • What Are Your Goals for Your Retirement Plan Employee Benefits?
  • Why 401(k)s Are the Most Popular Employee Retirement Plan Benefit
  • Target Benefit Retirement Plans Offer Employers Unique Options
  • SEPs Are the Easiest Way to Provide Employee Retirement Benefits
  • Keoghs Are a Flexible Retirement Plan Choice for the Self-Employed
  • Administering Your Employee Retirement Plan Benefits
  • Providing Employee Fringe Benefits Can Increase Job Satisfaction and Performance
  • Should You Outsource Your Employee Benefits Administration?
  • What Employers Need to Know About COBRA Benefits
  • ERISA Requirements for Employee Benefit Plan Administration
  • Alternate Benefit Payees and Recipients: Complying With QDROs and QMCSOs
  • Workplace Rules Protect Your Business and Maintain a Positive Employee Environment
  • Identifying and Preventing Harassment in Workplace
  • State Laws Regulate Smoking in the Majority of Workplaces
  • Workplace Smoking Laws by State (52 Jurisdictions)
  • Implementing Workplace Policies for Drug and Alcohol Issues
  • Controlling Excessive Employee Absenteeism
  • Properly Handling Employee Insubordination Requires Having a Policy in Place
  • Preventing and Dealing With Violence in the Workplace Issues
  • Workplace Violence Laws by State (52 Jurisdictions)
  • Setting Limits on Gambling Activities in the Workplace
  • How Do You Handle an Employee's Arrest or Incarceration?
  • Detecting and Combating Employee Theft
  • Use Policies to Properly Limit Selling or Soliciting on Work Time
  • Instituting a Dress Code That's Legal and Appropriate for Your Workplace
  • English-Only Rules Must Be a Business Necessity
  • Your Workplace Rules Should Address Employee Political Activities
  • Employer Control of Employee Off-Duty Conduct is Limited
  • Do You Need an Employee Moonlighting Policy to Protect Your Business?
  • Protecting Business Information Through Confidentiality and NonCompete Agreeements
  • Using Policies to Address Employees' Personal Use of Business Equipment
  • Work Rules Must Be Communicated To Be Effective
  • Employee Handbooks Effectively Communicate Work Rules But Have Drawbacks
  • Taking Steps to Motivate Your Workers Improves Productivity
  • Identifying and Addressing Employee Turnover Issues
  • Gaining Your Employees' Loyalty
  • Is Your Employee Morale Suffering?
  • Improving Employee Morale and Motivation
  • Disciplining Your Workers Requires a Legally-Sound Policy
  • How to Effectively Deal With Employees' Complaints
  • Investigating Your Employees' Complaints and Problems
  • Dealing With Problem Employees
  • Navigating the Complex Rules Governing Employee Termination
  • Employee Firing Laws by State (52 Jurisdictions)
  • Using Proper Employee Termination Procedures
  • Handling Employee Resignations
  • Conducting an Employee Termination Meeting
  • The Unemployment Benefits System: How it Works and When to Contest a Claim
  • Balancing Requirements and Restrictions When Providing Employment References
  • Employment Reference Laws by State (13 Jurisdictions)
• Workplace Safety
  • Government Regulation of Safety in the Workplace
  • Understanding OSHA's General Duty Clause and Industry Standards
  • Complying With OSHA's Hazardous Material Requirements
  • OSHA Recordkeeping and Posting Requirements
  • What You Need to Know About OSHA Workplace Inspections
  • Employees' Rights Under OSHA
  • OSHA Resources for Employers
  • OSHA-Approved Consultation Services by State (52 Jurisdictions)
  • OSHA Regional Offices by State (53 Jurisdictions)
  • Developing an OSHA Compliant Workplace Safety Program
  • Implementing a Workplace Safety Program
  • Workplace Safety Issues Arising From Office Automation
  • AIDS and Other Medical Safety Concerns in the Workplace
  • How to Handle Bioterrorism Workplace Threats

Finance

• Getting Financing
  • Getting Financing for Your Business
  • Estimating the Money You Need
  • Personal and Insider Financing Options
  • Financing Sources for Your Small Business
  • Debt Financing for Small Businesses
  • Equity Financing for Your Small Business
  • Business Combinations and Other Sources of Venture Capital
  • Private Investors and Business Angels
  • Initial Public and Private Offerings
  • Financing Through Franchising and Employee Financing
  • Banks for Small Business Loans
  • Common Types of Bank Loans
  • What Banks Look For When Reviewing a Loan Application
  • The Real Cost of Borrowing Money
  • Asset-Based Financing
  • Government Financing Programs
  • SBA Loan Guarantees
  • SBA Regular & Special 7(a) Loan Guarantees
  • Short-Term Financing
  • Section 504 Loan Program (CDCs)
  • Export and Local Financing for Your Small Business
• Basic Accounting
  • The Accounting System and Accounting Basics
  • Accounting for Tax Purposes
  • Credit and Collections
  • Building a Credit Policy That Works
  • Accepting Credit Cards
  • Improving Your Collection Cycle
  • Streamlining and Managing Your Collection Activities
  • When Is a Debt Uncollectible?
  • Accounting for Bad Debts
  • Reporting or Retrieving Unclaimed Property
  • Time Limits for Claiming Property
  • Unclaimed Property Laws by State (51 Jurisdictions)
• Bookkeeping
  • Understanding Basic Bookkeeping and Working With an Accountant
  • Daily Recording of Business Transactions
  • Accounting for Cash Transactions
  • Maintaining Your General Ledger
  • Making Adjusting Entries for Otherwise Unrecorded Items
  • Preparing Financial Statements
• Cash Flow Management
  • Managing Your Business's Cash Flow
  • The Difference Between Cash Flow & Profit
  • Analyzing Factors Affecting Cash Flow
  • Establishing Credit Terms for Customers
  • Managing and Accounting for Your Inventory
  • The Relationship Between Accounts Payable and Cash Flow
  • Creating and Using a Cash Flow Budget
  • Projecting the Timing and Amount of Cash Outflows
  • Steps to Take to Improve Cash Flow Management
  • Improving Your Average Collection Period
  • Managing Cash Outflows to Maximize Your Financial Position
  • Options to Minimize Operating and Payroll Costs
  • Cash Flow Surpluses for Investment or to Pay Down Debt
  • Major Purchases & Projects
  • Financial Analysis of Major Projects
  • Implementing a Major Purchase
• Analyzing Your Financial Position
  • Analyzing Your Financial Position
  • Creating and Using Balance Sheets and Income Statements
  • Business Ratios
  • Efficiency Ratios
  • Measuring Profitability Through the Use of Various Performance Ratios
  • Solvency Ratios Measure Financial Risk
  • Inflation and Accounting Procedures Can Reduce Accuracy of Financial Analysis
  • Business Decisions and Cost/Volume/Profit Analysis
• Personal Finance
  • Steps to Build Your Personal Wealth
  • Setting Goals and Implementing a Plan
  • Compensation Is The Key Ingredient in Wealth Building
  • Building an Investment Fund Helps Ensure Long-Term Wealth
  • Now Is The Time to Plan for Retirement
  • Social Security Plays a Vital Role in Retirement Planning
  • Fund Retirement Plans Now To Enjoy Future Income
  • Life Insurance Should Be Included in Your Financial Plan
  • Protecting Yourself with Insurance
  • Understanding Types and Sources of Consumer Credit
  • The True Costs of Credit
  • Building and Keeping Good Credit
  • What to Do if You are Drowning in Debt
  • Form of Ownership Governs Property Rights
  • Plan Ahead to Pass Wealth to Your Heirs

Tax Center

• Federal Taxes
  • Federal Income Tax Obligations
  • Tax Avoidance Is Legal; Tax Evasion Is Criminal
  • Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships and LLCs Are Commonly Used Entities
  • S & C Corporations Create Different Tax Consequences
  • Profit Motive Required to Claim Business Deductions
  • Obtaining Your Business Identification Number
  • Tax Year and Accounting Method Impact Your Tax Picture
  • What Counts as Business Income
  • Business Income Can Include Income Not Derived from Sales or Services
  • Business Deductions Are Critical for Tax Savings
  • Startup Costs and Organizational Expenses Are Deducted over 180 Months
  • Business Related Travel Expenses Can Be Deducted
  • Properly Substantiated Meal and Entertainment Expenses Are Deductible
  • Business Use of a Car Can Be Deductible
  • Understanding Tax Consequences of Compensation
  • Providing Life and Heath Insurance Can Produce Many Benefits
  • You Can Deduct Certain Employee Benefits
  • Learn the Rules Related to Employees' Use of Vehicles
  • Home Office Deduction Can Convert Personal Expenses into Business Deductions
  • Business Use, Size of Space Determine Home Office Deduction Amount
  • Expenses Directly Related to Your Home Office Are Deductible
  • Should I Use the Simplified Home Office Deduction?
  • Casualty Loss Rules Differ for Personal and Business Property
  • Capital Asset Costs Are Not Deductible As Business Expenses
  • Methods of Recovering the Cost of a Capital Asset
  • Determining Basis Is First Step in Depreciation Computation
  • Depreciation Methods Are Constrained by Legal Requirements
  • Cars and Other Listed Property Are Subject to Special Rules
  • Use Expensing or Bonus Depreciation to Write Off Assets in First Year
  • Know the Tax Impact When Disposing of Capital Assets
  • Business Losses Can Generate Net Operating Loss Deduction
  • Using Credits Can Reduce Your Tax Bill
  • Tax Credits Commonly Available to Small Businesses
  • Tax Credits for Targeted Groups Can Help Some Businesses
  • Investigate These Personal Tax Credits to Save Money
  • Monitor Your Tax Situation to Minimize AMT Exposure
  • Determining Your Self-Employment Tax Liability
  • Plan Estimated Tax Payments to Avoid Penalties
  • Dealing with an IRS Audit
  • Due Dates for Returns and Payments Depend upon Business Form
  • Tax Credits Commonly Available to Small Businesses
• Payroll Taxes
  • Is Your Worker an Employee or Independent Contractor for Payroll Tax Purposes?
  • Determining What Constitutes Taxable Compensation
  • Employer Payroll Tax Obligations for Tipped Employees
  • Allocating Tips to Employees in Large Food and Beverage Establishments: Case Study
  • Determining Which Payroll Taxes Apply to Your Employees
  • Do You Have State and Local Payroll Tax Obligations for Your Employees?
  • Income Tax Withholding Payroll Tax Obligations by State (43 Jurisdictions)
  • Disability Insurance Payroll Tax Obligations by State (6 Jurisdictions)
  • Employers' Responsibility for FICA Payroll Taxes
  • Employer Liability for Unemployment Taxes
  • Unemployment Tax Laws by State (52 Jurisdictions)
  • Understanding Payroll Tax Payment and Filing Requirements
  • Income Tax Payment Rules by State (43 Jurisdictions)
  • Employee Payroll Tax Information Report Requirements by State (43 Jurisdictions)
  • Is Your Business Income Subject to Self-Employment Tax?
• State Taxes
  • Business Income Tax Laws by State
  • Personal Income Tax Laws by State
• Sales Taxes
  • Understanding Your Sales Tax Obligations
  • Which Transactions Are Subject to Sales Tax
  • What Are Your Sales Tax Responsibility as a Seller?
  • Some Transactions Are Exempt from Sales Tax
  • Understanding Sales Tax Rules for the Construction Industry
  • Understanding Sales Tax in the Reselling Industries
  • Understanding Sales Tax in Service Industries
  • Sales and Use Tax Requirements by State (51 Jurisdictions)

Tools and Forms

• Startup
  • Personal Strength and Weakness Assessment Checklist
  • Personal Monthly Budget Worksheet
  • Business Selection Checklist
  • Projected Staff Scheduling Template
  • Startup Costs and 90 Day Cash Needs Worksheet
  • New Business Cash Needs Checklist
  • New Business Startup Checklist
  • Business Plan Components, Sample Plans
  • Real Property Lease Checklist
  • Equipment Leasing Checklist
  • Franchise Agreement Checklist
  • Delaware Fee Schedule for Incorporation and Other Business Entities
  • State Annual Report Filing Dates
• Running a Business
  • Sample Operating Agreement for a Delaware LLC
  • Sample Action by Voting Members / Managers
  • Sample Equipment Lease
  • Funding Forms Templates
  • Assignment of Accounts Receivable with Recourse Template
  • Sample Articles of Organization
  • Agreement to Form Business Entity Template
  • Sample Business Closure Letter to Customers
  • Sample Business Closure Letter to Landlord
  • Sample Disaster Recovery Emails to Customers
• Marketing
  • Customer Satisfaction Survey
  • Customer Service Action Form
  • Internet Marketing Objectives and Strategies Worksheets
  • Internet Marketing Content Organization Worksheet
  • Internet Marketing Vendor Proposal Worksheet
  • Internet Marketing Implementation Worksheet
• Office & HR
  • Annual Vehicle Lease Chart
  • Equipment Inventory Form
  • Inclusion Amount Tables for Leased Cars
  • Used Vehicle Evaluation Checklist
• Finance
  • Sample Collection Letters
  • Trial Balance Worksheet
  • Unsecured Promissory Note Template
  • Cash Flow Budget Worksheet
  • Customer Statement of Account
  • Daily Cash Sheet Template
  • Income Statement (Profit and Loss) Worksheet
  • Monthly Bank Reconciliation Worksheet
  • Net Present Value Tables for Future Payments
  • Personal Financial Statement Worksheet
  • Sample Bank Review Form for Loan Applications
  • Balance Sheet Template
• Tax Center
  • Contributions and Deductions Table and Worksheets for the Self-Employed
  • Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
  • Form 1040A, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
  • Form 1040EZ, Income Tax Return for Single and Joint Filers with No Dependents
  • Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher
  • Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
  • Form 1116, Foreign Tax Credit
  • Form 2106, Employee Business Expenses
  • Form 2106-EZ, Unreimbursed Employee Business Expenses
  • Form 2441, Child and Dependent Care Expenses
  • Form 3903, Moving Expenses
  • Form 4562, Depreciation and Amortization
  • Form 4684, Casualties and Thefts | BizFilings Toolkit
  • Form 4797, Sales of Business Property
  • Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
  • Form 4972, Tax on Lump-Sum Distributions
  • Form 5213, Election To Postpone Determination as To Whether the Presumption Applies that an Activity Is Engaged in for Profit
  • Form 5305-SEP, Simplified Employee Pension - Individual Retirement Accounts Contribution Agreement
  • Form 6251, Alternative Minimum Tax-Individuals
  • Form 6252, Installment Sale Income
  • Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions
  • Form 8582, Passive Activity Loss Limitations | BizFilings Toolkit
  • Form 8615, Tax for Certain Children Who Have Unearned Income
  • Form 8812, Additional Child Tax Credit
  • Form 8814, Parents' Election To Report Child's Interest and Dividends
  • Form 8822, Change of Address
  • Form 8829, Expenses for Business Use of Your Home
  • Form 8839, Qualified Adoption Expenses
  • Form 8880, Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions
  • Form 8941, Credit for Small Employer Health Insurance Premiums
  • Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number
  • Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate
  • Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
  • Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions and Interest and Ordinary Dividends
  • Schedule B (Form 1040A or 1040), Interest and Ordinary Dividends
  • Schedule C (Form 1040), Profit or Loss from Business (Sole Proprietorship)
  • Schedule C-EZ (Form 1040), Profit from Business (Sole Proprietorship)
  • Schedule D (Form 1040), Capital Gains and Losses
  • Schedule E (Form 1040), Supplemental Income and Loss
  • Schedule EIC (Form 1040A or 1040), Earned Income Credit
  • Schedule F (Form 1040), Profit or Loss from Farming
  • Schedule H (Form 1040), Household Employment Taxes
  • Schedule R (Form 1040A or 1040), Credit for the Elderly or Disabled
  • Schedule SE (Form 1040), Self-Employment Tax
  • SEP IRA Checklist
  • SARSEP Checklist
  • SIMPLE IRA Checklist
  • Income Tax Withholding Payment Tables for 2014: Percentage Method
  • Income Tax Withholding Payment Tables for 2014: Wage Bracket Method
  • IRS Tax Tables and Tax Rate Schedules