Business Start-ups

Some aspects to consider are licenses required, zoning laws and other regulations that vary from state to state and business to business. Depending on the type of business you are running, you may also need establishment licenses, liquor licenses, delivery and or transport licenses. Your local SBA office or chamber of commerce will provide you with general information. You must decide about your form of organization. You must choose to be a sole proprietorship, corporation, s-corporation or partnership. Speak to your local CPA for advice specific to your business and location.

Worker's Compensation is a program compensating injured workers: a form of insurance required from employers that provides money as compensation for workers who are injured at work or contract an occupational disease. Worker's Compensation is a pretty straightforward type of coverage. It provides payment for all work-related injury medical bills, rehabilitation, and provides a certain amount of income after a waiting period (usually 7 days). It provides a death benefit, as well. Workers Compensation premiums are based on the payroll earned by employees during the policy period which usually is for one year. Rates are determined on the type of work performed. Your insurance agent can explain this coverage as it relates to the laws in your particular state.

SCORE or the SCORE Association was previously known as the Service Corps of Retired Executives, but is now recognized as SCORE, "Counselors to America's Small Business." It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free business mentoring services to entrepreneurs in the United States. The organization also presents business workshops and seminars for a fee. Business mentoring services are provided by both active and retired business executives and entrepreneurs who donate their time and expertise as mentors to assist new and established small businesses. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Employers must give or mail employees' copies B, C and 2 of Form W-2 on or before January 31st of the following calendar year. A W-2 must be issued if any of the following criteria exists: if there was any withholding; if wages exceed the amount of one exemption ($2,800 in year 2000; to any employee paid more than $600; or to any person you paid an amount for services if you are in a trade or business. An employer may be subject to penalties for non-compliance.

DUNS stands for the Data Universal Numbering System. It is a database maintained by Dun and Bradstreet that is used by the Government to identify each contractor and their location(s). This number is required to register with the Central Contractor Register (CCR) that is used by the government's electronic commerce/electronic data interchange (EC/EDI) system called FACNET. You can obtain a DUNS number at no cost by calling Dun and Bradstreet at 800-814-1435

The Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act of 2010 signed into law August 10, 2010 repealed the Advance EITC. After December 31, 2010, workers cannot receive Advance EITC in their paychecks. Advance EITC is also known as AEITC or AEIC. Workers who received Advance EITC or AEITC on their paychecks need to file a tax return to report the amount received.

It depends on what property you are considering for a copyright. A copyright is a form of protection provided by U.S. laws to the authors of original works of authorship, including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. Copyright protection begins from the time the work is created in a fixed form. When granted the copyright immediately and automatically becomes the property of the author who created it. Copyright registration is optional and generally not a requirement for protection. However, registration provides several advantages to copyright owners. It establishes a public record of the copyright claim and is necessary before any infringement suit may be filed in a court of law. Registration may be made at any time within the life of the copyright. If more information is needed speak to your local CPA or call the Copyright Office Public Information Office at (202)707-3000. or go to their Web site at http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/.

There are many laws that employers are subject to concerning equal employment and prohibiting discrimination. Some questions you should not ask on an interview are: Do you have any disabilities?, How old are you?, What is your religious affiliation?, What is your ethnic background?, Are you married?, Do you have children?, What is your sexual orientation?.

You should always keep a separate bank account for running your business. Even if you are a sole proprietor, it is important to segregate business expenses and deposits from personal. Always think of your business as a separate living entity.