Small Business

Does the franchise give you an exclusive territory for the length of the franchise period, or can the franchiser sell other franchises in your territory? Under what circumstances can you end the franchise contract, and at what costs to you? How many years has the firm offering you the franchise been in operation? If you sell your franchise, will you be compensated for your goodwill or will it be lost to you? Does the company offering you this franchise have a reputation for honesty and fair dealing among its franchisees? Has the franchiser shown you any certified figures indicating exact net profits of one or more of its members, and have you personally checked the figures with these people? Will the franchiser assist you with: a) A management training program? b) An employee training program? c) A public relations and advertising program? d) Capital? e) Credit? f) Merchandising ideas? If needed, will the franchiser assist you in finding a suitable location? Is the franchising firm adequately financed so that it can carry out its stated plans? Does the franchiser have experienced management, trained in depth? What can the franchiser do for you that you cannot do for yourself? Has the franchiser investigated you carefully enough to assure itself that you can successfully operate at a profit to both of you? Does your state have a law regulating the sale of franchises, and has the franchiser complied with that law to your satisfaction? How much equity capital will you need to purchase the franchise and operate it until your income equals your expenses?

The cash flow statement provides a summary of the firm's operating, investment and financing cash flows and reconciles them with changes in its cash and marketable securities during the period of concern. The cash flow statement is sometimes called a source and use statement. This statement will reveal whether or not the cash generated by the business is enough to pay the principle and interest on the financing required to buy the business.

Some variables that may be negotiated to complete a deal is; the amount of the down payment, the interest on a note taken back, the time the seller is willing to carry the note, all cash verses cash and note deal, the possibility of a consulting contract for the seller as part of the purchase price.

You should initially apply online. Go to www.irs.gov/businesses and click on employer ID numbers. Your local IRS service center can also assist you in getting a Federal ein. The phone number is 1-800-829-4933:.

Cash accounting is never mandated by the IRS. In other words, there is no tax-related scenario that forces you to adopt cash accounting Accrual accounting is the system you must use if: 1.You have more than $10 million in annual gross receipts. 2.Your gross annual receipts are less than $10 million but over $1 million and your primary business activity can be classified as wholesale, retail, publishing, sound recording or mining. 3.You are a partnership or tax shelter. 4.You are a farming corporation that meets certain IRS rules listed in Publication 225.

The best source document to use is a calendar diary. Enter the odometer readings at the beginning and at the end of each trip. Enter any actual auto expenses incurred on the trip. At the end of the year you may be able to optimize between the higher of the actual or mileage rate expenses. Enter the names of company or the people you met with. Enter the business purpose of the trip. Enter any meal or entertainment and other miscellaneous expenses incurred in addition to using your car.

The address is www.irs.gov

If you’ve made the determination that the person you’re paying is an independent contractor, the first step is to have the contractor complete Form W-9 (PDF), Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification. This form can be used to request the correct name and Taxpayer Identification Number, or TIN, of the worker. A TIN may be either a Social Security Number (SSN), or an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The W-9 (PDF) should be kept in your files for four years for future reference in case of any questions from the worker or the IRS. A penalty can be levied against you, the employer for omission of this information on certain forms.

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 linenses, 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.