Articles
How We Created Our Affiliate Program and What You Should Consider
Date: Tue, Jul 27th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics
Ever wonder how an affiliate program is created...especially how the payout to affiliates is determined? In this article, I've tried to consolidate months of work into a simple to understand explanation of how we created the most popular and high paying affiliate program in the incorporation services industry. Does your website or blog cater to people are in business or may be soon? You should take a look at this and see if you could make money when your web visitors decide it's time to form an llc or incorporate a business.
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Taking Your LLC Green
Date: Thu, Jun 24th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories:
Whether you are forming an LLC or have been in business for years, taking steps to make your LLC energy efficient just makes sense. By reducing your energy consumption you can save big on monthly bills like gas, electricity and water and also know you are doing something good for the environment.
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OSHA: Keeping Your Employees Safe
Date: Thu, Jun 24th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories:
Whether you recently formed an LLC or incorporated a business, keeping your employees safe should top your priorities list. Small LLCs and large corporations are both required to comply with OSHA. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, also known as OSHA, requires every employer maintain a safe working environment for their employees.
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Using a Demand Letter to Benefit Your LLC
Date: Thu, Jun 17th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories:
Are you familiar with a demand letter and how it can benefit your business? When you form an LLC you have high hopes that every customer pays every bill on time. Sorry, it’s just not that easy. When you form an LLC some of your customers are just not going to pay. But before you head off to court, try a demand letter it may help you get the desired results and save both time and money. Demand letters help LLCs and other businesses resolve 30% of all potential disputes. The beauty of a demand letter is that it is inexpensive and does not have to be complicated, just a short, concise letter demanding payment. In the event the customer does not make payment or you cannot agree on a compromise, you have created additional documentation to take before a judge.
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Should Your LLC or Corporation Buy a Franchise?
Date: Wed, Jun 9th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics
Ever thought of owning a franchise? In many cases, you can establish a corporation or form an LLC and own franchises under your corporation or LLC name. You may even be able to secure a start up loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA). There are so many franchises your corporation or LLC could buy into. Let’s take a look at a few as well as some loan information provided by the SBA.
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Accounting Methods for Your LLC
Date: Mon, Jun 7th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, Tax Maters
Keeping up with your accounting is an important part of any business. Your LLC cannot thrive if you don’t have a solid method to track your income and expenses. The two principal methods are the cash method and the accrual method (sometimes called cash basis and accrual basis). Before you can choose the right method for your LLC, you should know the advantages and disadvantages of both. The two methods don’t change your income or your expenses, just the timing on when they are credited and debited to your accounts.
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5 States to Consider for Business Incorporation or an LLC
Date: Thu, Jun 3rd, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, Tax Maters, Legal Matters
Whether you are looking to form an LLC or thinking about business incorporation, there are 5 states with tax breaks that may be the perfect location for your small business. For your corporation or LLC have you considered?
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Montana
• Tennessee
• Utah
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Should Your LLC Hire an Independent Contractor?
Date: Tue, Jun 1st, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics
For all the pros of hiring an independent contractor you might be tempted to never hire an employee again. There are however some cons of staffing your limited liability company with an independent contractor instead of an employee.
Without a written agreement, you may not have copyright ownership of the work an independent contractor creates. With an employee, in most cases the business automatically owns any work created by an employee.
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Could Capital Gains Tax Break Encourage Business Incorporation?
Date: Tue, Jun 1st, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics
There is some interesting legislation surfacing that could fuel business incorporation. President Obama is backing a proposal that eliminates capital gains tax on investments made in 2010 and 2011 on qualifying small businesses. “We should eliminate all capital gains taxes on small business investment so these folks can get the capital they need to grow and create jobs “ said Obama at a February Town Hall meeting in Nashau, N.H. “That’s particularly critical right now, because bank lending standards are tightened since the financial crisis and many small businesses are still struggling to get loans”. The president believes in the proposal and so do the majority of small business owners according to a recent poll. PNC Financial Services Group polled 500 small business owners and 60% believe the proposal would benefit small business.
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Write a Business Plan for Your LLC
Date: Fri, May 28th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, Loans and Financing
Even if you think you don’t need to raise money, writing a business plan when you form an LLC is a smart move. It allows you to see the strengths and weaknesses in your limited liability company early on. Forming an LLC without a business plan is like taking a road trip without a map.
Your business plan should contain the details on how your LLC will operate, financial projections, the research you have completed on the market and your competitors as well as the marketing plans for your LLC.
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Thinking about Business Incorporation
Date: Thu, May 27th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, Tax Maters, Legal Matters
Ever thought about the gender of an oyster? What about business incorporation?
Me neither.
But again I’m here to conquer one of the questions with you—what exactly is a corporation, how does one go about incorporating a business, what’s the next step, and most importantly, why should we care?
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Does Your LLC Need a Buyout Agreement?
Date: Tue, May 25th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, Tax Maters, Legal Matters
When forming an LLC, a critical but often missed step is creating a buyout agreement. An LLC’s buyout agreement outlines what will happen in the event a member of the limited liability company leaves, goes bankrupt, divorces or dies. A buyout agreement is not only used when a co-owner leaves. The agreement also governs the terms of when and how a new member can join the LLC.
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Should You Incorporate Your Non-Profit
Date: Thu, May 20th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, Legal Matters
Business filing to incorporate your non-profit organization may seem like a headache. When you hear the benefits you may decide it’s worth the time it takes to complete your business filing.
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California Budget Problems Impact Business Incorporation Filings
Date: Wed, May 19th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics
Business incorporation can be difficult on a good day. In California, it seems that it is becoming more difficult by the day. Why? Three words…Budget, Budget, Budget!
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What Exactly is an LLC?
Date: Tue, May 18th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics
LLC. Lousiana Lottery Corporation? Long Leg Cast? Long Life Coolant? Left Lane Camper? Here we go: Limited Liability Company.
To be quite honest, beginning my research with solely a halfway forgotten semester of Economics under my belt, those were just a few of the options running through my head while pondering the term “LLC.”
I am a three-day-old high school graduate, and I have no idea about anything “business.” Don’t stop reading though—don’t shrug me off as ignorant—I’m trying to learn. Admit it—I am in some of your shoes. I am walking you through my journey of learning. Let’s gain knowledge of something new together.
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Your Business Incorporation Filing: Web Business and Sales Tax
Date: Mon, May 17th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories:
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State Requirements for Business Filing
Date: Mon, May 17th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics
The state where your business will be located will require you to get a host of licenses, permits and other requirements as part of your business filing. These requirements can run the gamut from professional licenses, tax registration, and organization business filing to even environmental compliance.
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Do Market Research Before Your Business Filing
Date: Fri, May 14th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, How To
Have you considered doing market research before you complete your business filing? Many small business owners don’t take the time to conduct market research when they form an LLC. They fear it will be too difficult or too expensive. Market research doesn’t have to be either and, you can do it yourself. There are two types of market research you should complete before business filing, primary and secondary. Both can be done by the small business owner on a small budget.
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Business Filing for a Non Profit Corporation
Date: Fri, May 14th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, How To
Business filing for a non-profit corporation is very similar to that of a regular corporation. There are a few extra steps in the business filing process to gain tax exemption from the IRS and your state tax division. Here are the basics:
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Understanding Promissory Notes When Forming an LLC
Date: Tue, May 11th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, How To, Loans and Financing
If you borrow start up cash when forming an LLC there are several ways to structure the repayment. A promissory note outlines the repayment terms of your loan. You will automatically be required to sign a promissory note when you borrow money from a commercial lender to form an LLC. But, it is also a good idea to sign a promissory note if you borrow money from friends or family. You want to avoid any confusion later about the terms of the money whether it was a gift or a loan, how and when it must be repaid and the rate of interest on the loan. There are several types of repayment plans, pick the one that is right for you.
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A Free Business Name Search Saves Money
Date: Sat, May 8th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, How To, Legal Matters
A free business name search can save you more than just the cost of the search. Taking advantage of a free business name search can help you avoid a potentially expensive trademark infringement.
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Limited Liability Company (LLC): Definition and Explanation
Date: Fri, May 7th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, Tax Maters, Legal Matters
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a very flexible form of business structure that combines elements of the typical corporation and partnership structures. By forming an LLC, you create a legal entity that provides limited liability to its owners. Often, these are incorrectly called a Limited Liability Corporation instead of Limited Liability Company. It is truly a hybrid business entity that can contain elements and/or characteristics of corporations, partnerships and even sole proprietorships, depending on how many owners are involved in the Limited Liability Company. An LLC, even though it is a business entity, is actually a type of unincorporated business and is not a corporation. The main characteristic that an LLC shares with a corporation is the limited liability protection that they both offer. The main characteristic that an LLC shares with a partnership is the pass-through income taxation that they both offer. It is, however, much more flexible than a corporation and is very well suited to single owner businesses.
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Forming an LLC to Protect Your Home Business
Date: Thu, May 6th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, How To
Where to house your business is one of the first decisions in forming an LLC. Before you sign a lease consider forming an LLC out of your home. Running your business out of your home can reduce start up costs and provide you with a more flexible work schedule. But, there are a few things to consider before you decide:
Does your home give you the workspace you need?
Do the zoning ordinances in your area allow for a home based business?
What type of insurance does a home business need?
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Forming an LLC in Delaware: Is It Right for You?
Date: Tue, May 4th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, Tax Maters, Legal Matters
Almost every day, it seems someone asks us if forming an LLC in Delaware is a good move for them and the answer seems to surprise them.
First, it would be great to simply answer this question with a simple yes or no; however, there are a number of factors that go into making a good decision.
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7 Steps to a Business Incorporation Filing
Date: Mon, May 3rd, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, How To
A Business Incorporation filing is a large undertaking. But, it can be done if you follow seven key steps.
• Choose a business name that complies with your state laws
• Appoint your board of directors
• File Articles of Incorporation
• Write corporate bylaws
• Hold your first board of directors meeting
• Issue stock certificates
• Secure all required licenses and permits
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Incorporation Filing 101
Date: Fri, Apr 30th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, How To, Legal Matters
Incorporation filing has never been more popular with businesses as a way to protect owners from personal liability. We hear two questions related to incorporation filings that should be addressed. First, if I complete an incorporation filing, what advantages does it offer me over forming an LLC or remaining a sole proprietor? And second, if I decide to go that route, what are my options?
Incorporation filing does have some distinct advantages over forming an LLC or remaining a sole proprietor, but it’s not for everyone. So, how do you know if it is right for your needs? Let’s examine the differences between an incorporation filing, an LLC filing and simply being a sole proprietor.
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How Forming an LLC Saved My Business
Date: Thu, Apr 29th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, Legal Matters
Forming an LLC Saved My Business! This dramatic statement from a customer this week sent me into a tailspin. I immediately had more questions than I could ask in one phone call, but we did have a great conversation that let me know why he felt that forming an LLC had been so important for him and perhaps of equal importance, further steps he had taken to protect his assets that also came into play.
Let me start by telling you his story. If it sounds like fiction, let me assure you it’s not. It is, however, a great example of how quickly a simple situation can spin out of control…leading to a potentially disastrous lawsuit for a small business owner.
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How Important is the Business Name When You Form an LLC?
Date: Mon, Apr 26th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, How To
You have created a rock solid business plan and you are ready to form an LLC. But how do you go about choosing the right name for your business? When you form an LLC, choosing the right name is about creativity and good planning. For a small business owner, choosing a name that reflects the products and services you provide, and is easy for your customer to spell and pronounce is a good place to start.
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The Protections of Business Incorporation-Do You Really Need It?
Date: Mon, Apr 26th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, Legal Matters
Business Incorporation has grown in America by leaps and bounds thanks to the number of frivolous lawsuits filed every year. Realizing this, I started to wonder about a couple of things. First, just how many lawsuits are there and is this really something I should worry about? Second, will starting a business incorporation or LLC actually help to keep me protected?
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When You Set Up an LLC, Don’t Forget the Domain Name
Date: Mon, Apr 26th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics
When you set up an LLC, don’t forget to secure a domain name. Even if you are not ready to expand your business to the web right away, securing a domain name is still a smart move. Millions of domain names are taken already it is wise to plan ahead. The rules for choosing a domain name are very similar to those used when you choose a name for your business.
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Forming an LLC or Business Incorporation: Which One Should I Choose?
Date: Sun, Apr 25th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, How To
I can’t tell you how many conversations I hear every day that start with the question “I’m thinking about forming an LLC or maybe a business incorporation. Can you tell me which one I should do”? I really wish it was as simple as telling one person that forming an LLC is right for them and then telling the next that business incorporation is the answer, but it is way more complicated than that.
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Know the Effect of the CARD Act on Small Businesses When You Set Up an LLC
Date: Thu, Apr 22nd, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories:
When you set up an LLC, you may have also opened a small business credit card. There has been a lot of talk about the CARD Act and the protections it will provide to millions of credit card holders. But, I was curious to know what type of impact the CARD Act would have on small business card holders. I’m sure you are well aware, under the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act (CARD), regulation prevents credit card companies from raising interest rates on existing balances, provides relief on over limit fees and sets consumer friendly rules on how your payments can be applied. Just to name a few of the highlights. Sounds great right?
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LLC Formation Requirements, The Basics
Date: Wed, Apr 21st, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, How To
Although LLC Formation rules can vary significantly by state, there are some basics that remain virtually the same everywhere. Before you tackle an LLC formation, it’s a good idea to understand these basic rules and apply them to your own situation.
In this article, we will discuss LLC naming requirements, what should be contained in articles of organization, the actual LLC filing process, organizers, operating agreements, membership, registered agents, continuing obligations and, finally, dissolution of your LLC. This is quite a bit of information however; you need to understand at least the basics of what we are discussing before you begin an LLC formation.
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Do You Know How to Form an LLC or Incorporate a Business? Know You’re Options!
Date: Fri, Apr 9th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, How To
Do You Know How to Form an LLC or Incorporate a Business? Today, I am going to discuss the three most available and popular options you have to form an LLC or incorporate a business. There are pros and cons to each of the options and I will try to simplify each one so you can make an informed decision that will work well with your goals.
Here are your options:
1. Do it yourself
2. Use an attorney
3. Use an incorporation service
Let’s start with the least expensive of the three…
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Health Care Reform and Your Taxes-Should I Start an LLC?
Date: Wed, Apr 7th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, Tax Maters
Everyone knows that the new health care reform law will affect them in one way or another, but as a small business owner, is it something you should worry about? Will it make a difference if I start an LLC or maybe even start a corporation? The answer is a very definite maybe. Although the new law is brimming with new taxes that are set to affect businesses and individuals alike, many of the taxes will not go into effect for several years. Even then, the picture isn’t completely bleak. Tax credits and incentives are also included that can help to ease the burden, so what does it all mean?
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Choosing a State for Incorporating a Business
Date: Tue, Apr 6th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, How To
An important decision when incorporating a business is which state to incorporate your business in. You should ask yourself a few key questions when incorporating a business.
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5 Steps to Financing Your LLC or Corporation
Date: Tue, Mar 30th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: Loans and Financing
Whether you form an LLC or incorporate your business, your mind will soon turn to the challenging task of financing your new business. Often, this one hurdle is all that stands in the way of entrepreneurial success. While financing your new LLC or corporation can seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be. There are actually a number of very reasonable options available to help you start your business, but the real key is planning. The strategy you give a potential lender must make strong financial sense...
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Understanding the Benefits of Business Incorporation
Date: Tue, Mar 30th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics
Maybe you have owned a small business for many years and often wondered about the benefits of business incorporation. Thousands of sole proprietors weigh the pros and cons and make the leap to business incorporation. First, it’s important to understand the differences between sole proprietorships and corporations.
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Graduates Decide to Form an LLC and Find Success
Date: Mon, Mar 15th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics
March 15, 2010-Memphis, TN-These are a few simple-and unfortunate-facts:
• Jobs are more difficult for new graduates to find than they have been for more than 25 years.
• Tuition costs are higher than ever before, leaving students with the largest education related debt burden in history.
• Pay, for the lucky few who find a job, is down significantly from what previous graduating classes earned.
So, should students give up?
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How to Form an LLC
Date: Wed, Mar 10th, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: How To
To many business owners it may make sense to form an LLC, or limited Liability Company. An LLC is a flexible type of business that combines parts of partnership and corporate structures. By incorporating a business the owners can protect themselves with limited liability.
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All About LLC Formation and Forming an LLC
Date: Mon, Feb 1st, 2010 12:00:00 am | Categories: General Topics, How To
February 1, 2010-Nashville, TN--Forming a Limited Liability Company, also known as a LLC, can be a confusing process. About 20 years ago only a few states offered residents all LLC formation option, but in today’s business savvy economy every state allows the formation of an LLC. The rules however, differ in every state, sometimes dramatically, creating some confusion about how to form an LLC.
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