Small Business

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

One address is www.kentis.com/acctxpub.html

No. Technically a husband and wife can't jointly own a business as a sole proprietor. They can't split a sole proprietorship and file two Schedule C's and two Schedule SE's. To avoid being classified as a partnership, a husband and wife team operating a business together can treat one spouse as an employee and the other spouse as the owner.

For 2016, the annual benefit cannot exceed the lesser of: 100% of the participant's average compensation for his or her highest 3 consecutive calendar years or $210,000.
For 2014 and 2015, the annual benefit cannot exceed the lesser of: 100% of the participant's average compensation for his or her highest 3 consecutive calendar years or $210,000.
For 2013, the annual benefit cannot exceed the lesser of: 100% of the participant's average compensation for his or her highest 3 consecutive calendar years or $205,000.

For 2012, the dollar amount for determining the maximum account balance in an employee stock ownership plan subject to a 5 year distribution period has increased from $985,000 to $1,015,000, while the dollar amount used to determine the lengthening of the 5 year distribution period has increased from $195,000 to $200,000.