Trying To Avoid Paying Employment Taxes By Hiring Independent Contractors? Be Careful!

Usually, the most expensive part of running your own business is hiring employees.  This is because, outside of a salary, an employer must withhold and pay Social Security Taxes, Medicare Taxes, and pay unemployment taxes on those wages.  This is not required if you hire an “independent contractor”.  However, just because you categorize someone as [...]

Have You Thought About Your Web Advertising Agreement?

If you are planning to generate revenue by selling ad space on your website, a Web advertising agreement can define the key rights of each party. A well written agreement would include important safeguards for you as the website operator. Examples of this would include such things as prior approval over the advertisements, placement, size [...]

Have You Named a Personal Guardian for Your Child?

Have you thought about who would take care of your children if something were to happen to you? Usually if one parent dies the other parent has the legal right to assume sole custody. However if this is not the situation, a “personal guardian” must be appointed to raise the child. If you have minor [...]

Two Legal Must-Haves For Starting An Online Business

Terms of Service (TOS) and a Privacy Policy/Agreement (PA) are two essential elements of an online business.  The TOS lays out the terms by which users can visit and use a business’ website.  It also defines how commercial transactions will take place.  Basically, you will need this agreement to define the boundaries of the relationship [...]

Did you hire independent contractors? Remember to issue 1099′s…

When you have made payments during the year to independent contractors (those who are not your employees), you have to issue a Form 1099-MISC. These payments have to be reported if they were made during the course of your occupation or business.  Specifically, a Form 1099-MISC must be issued when you make payments for a [...]

Don’t Name Your Business, Brand It!

One of the biggest mistakes that a new business can make is choosing a name that sounds exactly like every other company out there. For example, if the business is a nail salon, names like “EZ Nails” or “Glamour Nails” is a quick solution that gets straight to the point. Sure, the name is easy to [...]

Corporate Compliance Recorder- Beware of Fraud!

  A client of mine received a letter from the “Corporation Compliance Recorder” with a return address in Los Angeles, CA. The envelope included a very official looking seal that if not given a second look, could be misinterpreted as a government seal. The envelope contained an “Annual Compliance Notification” quoting sections of the California Business [...]

Avoiding Employment Claims… Part 1

Sometimes, as a business owner, liability issues may not be as apparent or pressing as other immediate matters.  Too often, lawyers are consulted only AFTER a claim or lawsuit is filed.  With a little forethought, and legal counseling in the beginning of your business, you can avoid potential liability as your business grows.  One of [...]

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