Forms you'll need for a successful business

The Complete Book of Business Legal Forms provides you with what you need to save thousands of dollars in legal fees and protect yourself from liability.

The revised and updated 3rd edition of this best-selling legal guide contains all of the forms and instructions that a start-up entrepreneur will need to ensure business success.

According the United States Small Business Administrationâe(tm)s most recently released date, there are more than 9 million small businesses in the United States and almost 250,000 new ones started every year. Of those new businesses, half will fail in the first 12 months and part of that failure is due to the lack of information about how to start and develop that business. Without the right legal form of business, you may end up paying too much in taxes, failing to comply with certain laws, or miss out on certain breaks that you deserve. This book provides you with a complete guide, discussing all four major forms of business, which one is right for you, and how your decision may affect you in the future. The first thing you will read about is the list of non-legal issues you need to deal with before you start the business creation process. In addition, you will learn which form of business is ideal for your particular situation with a short overview of each type, a comparison of what each offers, and how the legal implications of each might apply to you. You will learn specifically how to choose between an LLC and a corporation in instances where it might not be immediately clear which is best for you. You will also learn which special business structures are best suited to your needs if you do not fit into any of the four primary categories. The process of structuring a partnership is outlined, along with how to create a written agreement and how to change a partnership after the business has been created. You will also learn how to create a corporation, including the structure you will use, how to establish financing, the compensation you will provide yourself, whether you need a lawyer, the 13 step process of starting and filing your corporation, and what you need to do immediately afterwards. The number of members needed to create an LLC is provided as well, along with how to structure management and determine financing and compensation. Hours of careful interviews were conducted with successful small business owners and legal experts to help create a comprehensive collection of materials that will guide you through the processes above, as well as how to handle transition of ownership and the extended process of naming your business âe" including the legal implications of this process, what you need to know about trademarks and service marks, how to protect your own trademarks, and where to do name searches. The licensing and permit processes, as well as the tax structures for each business type, are included for federal, state, and local laws, while additional information is provided on how to build your home-based business as opposed to one in a physical location. If you are looking to create a new business and do not know which format is best for your needs, this book will walk you through each step of the selection process, making sure your new business meets all applicable laws and regulations.

Advising the Small Business, Second Edition is a guide for general practitioners, small firm attorneys, and lawyers engaged in providing legal counsel to small, privately-held businesses. It provides extensive guidance on a number of issues that small businesses commonly face, as well as sample documents, checklists, and resources for obtaining additional forms and information.

Tailored specifically to the business and legal needs of illustrators, this important edition is expanded and thoroughly updated to include electronic rights. Also provided is a CD-ROM with electronic versions of each form.

Business owners are regularly confronted by legal questions and problems. But with lawyers typically charging $250 an hour, calling one can be a fast track to the poorhouse.Fortunately, Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business clearly explains how to: -- raise start-up money -- get licenses and permits -- buy or sell a business -- negotiate a favorable lease -- hire freelancers and employees -- understand business tax rules -- pick and protect a name -- resolve legal disputes -- and much more