US Business Law / Taxes: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Budget
Budget
Budget
Disregarded Entity
Disregarded Entity
Disregarded Entity
Steps to Starting a Business
Start a Business by Following These Steps
Start a Business by Following These Steps
LLC vs. Corporation
Learn the difference between a Limited Liability Company and a Corporation.
Learn the difference between a Limited Liability Company and a Corporation.
Form 941
Explains IRS Form 941 - Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Form
Explains IRS Form 941 - Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Form
Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans
Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans
Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans
How to Calculate Depreciation
Describes depreciation calculation methods
Describes depreciation calculation methods
Business Organization Forms
If you are having trouble figuring out the different types of businesses organization, this explanation of the difference between LLCs, sole proprietorships, and corporations will help. Types of business organization are compared, to help you make the right decision about which type of business to choose.
If you are having trouble figuring out the different types of businesses organization, this explanation of the difference between LLCs, sole proprietorships, and corporations will help. Types of business organization are compared, to help you make the right decision about which type of business to choose.
Petty Cash
Petty cash defined and some petty cash management details described
Petty cash defined and some petty cash management details described
Break-even Analysis
If your company is producing products, you need to know how to determine your break-even point with each product. This article shows you the information you need to do this calculation.
If your company is producing products, you need to know how to determine your break-even point with each product. This article shows you the information you need to do this calculation.
Setting Up a Payroll System
There is a lot to do in order to set up your payroll system. This article will take you step by step through the process of making decisions on how to pay employees, keeping payroll records, paying employees, and paying and reporting payroll taxes.
There is a lot to do in order to set up your payroll system. This article will take you step by step through the process of making decisions on how to pay employees, keeping payroll records, paying employees, and paying and reporting payroll taxes.
Capital
Capital definition
Capital definition
Capital Lease Operating Lease
Discusses differences between capital leases and operating leases and how to determine which is which.
Discusses differences between capital leases and operating leases and how to determine which is which.
Litigation/Litigate
Litigation definition
Litigation definition
Which Business Type is Best?
Discusses different types of business entities and which is best for different kinds of businesses
Discusses different types of business entities and which is best for different kinds of businesses
FIFO
Describes the term FIFO and how to calculate inventory cost using the FIFO method.
Describes the term FIFO and how to calculate inventory cost using the FIFO method.
Capital Expenses
Capital expenses
Capital expenses
How to Form an LLC
If you are interested in learning how to form an llc, this article will provide you with details about this business form and the process of forming an llc.
If you are interested in learning how to form an llc, this article will provide you with details about this business form and the process of forming an llc.
incometaxbiztypes
How each business legal type pays income tax
How each business legal type pays income tax
Taxes on LLC's
Lists all the taxes a limited liability company pays including income taxes, self-employment taxes and employment (payroll) taxes, sales and excise taxes, and property taxes.
Lists all the taxes a limited liability company pays including income taxes, self-employment taxes and employment (payroll) taxes, sales and excise taxes, and property taxes.
Selecting Your Business Name
Select, Register, and Trademark a Business Name
Select, Register, and Trademark a Business Name
W-2 Or 1099-MISC?
Explains the difference between using a W-2 to report income to employees and a 1099-MISC to report income to independent contractors.
Explains the difference between using a W-2 to report income to employees and a 1099-MISC to report income to independent contractors.
LLC
Limited Liability Company LLC
Limited Liability Company LLC
Calculate Cost of Goods Sold
This article takes you through the process of determining cost of goods sold for your business tax return.
This article takes you through the process of determining cost of goods sold for your business tax return.
The Mediation Process
The mediation process is defined and pros and cons of mediation are discussed.
The mediation process is defined and pros and cons of mediation are discussed.
Employee or IC?
The IRS sets requirements for categorizing workers as independent contractors or as employees. Here is a brief discussion of the distinctions.
The IRS sets requirements for categorizing workers as independent contractors or as employees. Here is a brief discussion of the distinctions.
Starting a Proprietorship
A sole proprietorship is the easiest and least complex form of business. Here is an explanation of the sole proprietorship, along with advantages and disadvantages of this form of business organization.
A sole proprietorship is the easiest and least complex form of business. Here is an explanation of the sole proprietorship, along with advantages and disadvantages of this form of business organization.
Salaried Employee/Salary
salaried employee
salaried employee
UCC-1 Statement
UCC-1 Statement
UCC-1 Statement
Due Diligence
Due Diligence
Due Diligence
Principal (of a Loan)
Principal on a loan
Principal on a loan
Commercial Lease Negotiation
Questions to ask and points to cover when negotiating a commercial lease
Questions to ask and points to cover when negotiating a commercial lease
Business Valuation 101
Every business should have on hand a business valuation, which is updated every year. Like a current resume and business plan, a business valuation can allow you to take advantage of opportunities, protect your family in case something happens to you, and allow you to move quickly when you are ready to sell your business. This article presents the concepts involved in business valuation and discusses how to construct a business valuation.
Every business should have on hand a business valuation, which is updated every year. Like a current resume and business plan, a business valuation can allow you to take advantage of opportunities, protect your family in case something happens to you, and allow you to move quickly when you are ready to sell your business. This article presents the concepts involved in business valuation and discusses how to construct a business valuation.
Types of Partnerships
Partnership Types: Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership, General Partnership
Partnership Types: Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership, General Partnership
Start a Partnership
Starting a partnership, with partnership agreement, partnership taxes, types of partnerships, limited partnerships, general partnerships, limited liability partnerships.
Starting a partnership, with partnership agreement, partnership taxes, types of partnerships, limited partnerships, general partnerships, limited liability partnerships.
Retainers
Retainer defined, including legal retainers, and retainers for other professionals.
Retainer defined, including legal retainers, and retainers for other professionals.
Partnership
Partnership - Limited Liability Partnership - Limited Partnership - General Partnership
Partnership - Limited Liability Partnership - Limited Partnership - General Partnership
Paying Payroll Taxes
As a business owner, you have several ways to pay your employment taxes. Here are your options.
As a business owner, you have several ways to pay your employment taxes. Here are your options.
4 C's of Credit
Describes the four C's of credit - character - capacity - collateral - capital
Describes the four C's of credit - character - capacity - collateral - capital
Accounts Receivable Aging
Accounts Receivable Aging
Accounts Receivable Aging
Arbitration vs. Litigation
Describes the arbitration process vs. the litigation process
Describes the arbitration process vs. the litigation process
Depreciation
Depreciation
Depreciation
Selecting a Business Type
I'm starting a business. How do I choose a type of business organization? Here is a checklist of factors to consider when selecting your legal form of business.
I'm starting a business. How do I choose a type of business organization? Here is a checklist of factors to consider when selecting your legal form of business.
W-3 Form
Describes the W-3 form.
Describes the W-3 form.
Solvency
Solvency
Solvency
IRS Standard Mileage Rate
IRS Standard Mileage Rates
IRS Standard Mileage Rates
Duties of a Board of Directors
Describes the duties of a Board of Directors for a Corporation including board fiduciary responsibility
Describes the duties of a Board of Directors for a Corporation including board fiduciary responsibility
Real Property
Real Property
Real Property
Capital Improvements
Capital improvements
Capital improvements
New Hire Paperwork
Before an employee starts work, here is the paperwork that needs to be filled out for each one.
Before an employee starts work, here is the paperwork that needs to be filled out for each one.
1099-MISC for Contractors
Describes a 1099-MISC form, how it is filed and how the recipient includes it in his or her income taxes.
Describes a 1099-MISC form, how it is filed and how the recipient includes it in his or her income taxes.
Single-Member and Multi-Member
Describes how a single-member limited liability company or multiple-member limited liability pays income tax.
Describes how a single-member limited liability company or multiple-member limited liability pays income tax.
Business Plan Step by Step
Describe the activities you will use to market your products or services to your target market.
Describe the activities you will use to market your products or services to your target market.
Selecting a Board of Directors
Selecting your board of directors
Selecting your board of directors
Steps to Creating a Budget
Budget - Business Start-up Budget
Budget - Business Start-up Budget
Payroll Tax Deposit Form
Describes Form 8109 - Tax Deposit Coupon
Describes Form 8109 - Tax Deposit Coupon
Owners Equity
Definition of owners equity
Definition of owners equity
Completing the SS-4 Form
Here are the steps for completing the Form SS-4 to get a Tax ID Number for a new business.
Here are the steps for completing the Form SS-4 to get a Tax ID Number for a new business.
Leverage
Leverage
Leverage
Schedule C for For 1040
Instructions on how to complete Schedule C for a Sole Proprietorship or Single-member LLC - for Form 1040.
Instructions on how to complete Schedule C for a Sole Proprietorship or Single-member LLC - for Form 1040.
Gross Pay
Gross Pay
Gross Pay
Capital Contribution
Definition of a capital contribution
Definition of a capital contribution
Business Trade Name Filing
Has someone told you that you must file a Fictitious Name or DBA? This section will give you information on the Fictitious Name and DBA filing process.
Has someone told you that you must file a Fictitious Name or DBA? This section will give you information on the Fictitious Name and DBA filing process.
Social Security Tax
Describes the Social Security tax for employees and employers, including the annual maximum social security tax.
Describes the Social Security tax for employees and employers, including the annual maximum social security tax.
Tax Deductions at Year End
Writing off obsolete equipment and inventory can reduce your income and save you money at tax time.
Writing off obsolete equipment and inventory can reduce your income and save you money at tax time.
Charging Sales Tax
Paying Sales Tax to State
Paying Sales Tax to State
Taxes Paid by Partnerships
Lists all the taxes a partnership pays including income taxes, self-employment taxes and employment (payroll) taxes
Lists all the taxes a partnership pays including income taxes, self-employment taxes and employment (payroll) taxes
Capital Assets
Capital Assets
Capital Assets
Fiduciary
A fiduciary responsibility and the person who is a fiduciary
A fiduciary responsibility and the person who is a fiduciary
Leasehold Improvements
Leasehold Improvements
Leasehold Improvements
Balance Sheet
balance sheet
balance sheet
Employer Responsibilities
Every business that employs individuals has specific responsibilities for paying and reporting. Here is a list of those responsibilities.
Every business that employs individuals has specific responsibilities for paying and reporting. Here is a list of those responsibilities.
Starting a Corporation
Checklist for starting a corporation and sub-chapter s election
Checklist for starting a corporation and sub-chapter s election
Commercial Lease Terms
Some common leasing terms to help you negotiate a commercial lease.
Some common leasing terms to help you negotiate a commercial lease.
S-Corporation vs. Corporation
Learn about the difference between a regular (or C) Corporation and an S Corporation.
Learn about the difference between a regular (or C) Corporation and an S Corporation.
Form 941 Help
941 Questions and Answers: Payroll Taxes, Payroll Tax Deposits
941 Questions and Answers: Payroll Taxes, Payroll Tax Deposits
Working Capital
Working Capital
Working Capital
Annual Payroll Tax Reports
This article takes you through the process of preparing and filing annual wage and tax forms W-2 and 1099-MISC, and transmittal forms W-3 and 1096.
This article takes you through the process of preparing and filing annual wage and tax forms W-2 and 1099-MISC, and transmittal forms W-3 and 1096.
Home Business Space Deduction
Learn about types of home business expenses you can deduct
Learn about types of home business expenses you can deduct
Arbitration
Arbitration
Arbitration
LIFO Inventory Cost Method
Describes the term LIFO and how to calculate inventory cost using the LIFO (last in first out) method.
Describes the term LIFO and how to calculate inventory cost using the LIFO (last in first out) method.
Hourly Employee
Hourly Employee
Hourly Employee
Presonal Property
Personal Property
Personal Property
Payroll Taxes
Payroll Taxes
Payroll Taxes
Cash Flow
Cash Flow
Cash Flow
Professional Corporation
Definition of a professional corporation
Definition of a professional corporation
Member (of an LLC)
Member of a Limited Liability Company
Member of a Limited Liability Company
Business Tax Due Dates
Here is a list of the federal income tax return due dates for sole proprietorships, LLCs, partnerships, corporations and s corporations.
Here is a list of the federal income tax return due dates for sole proprietorships, LLCs, partnerships, corporations and s corporations.
Sub-chapter S Corporation
sub-chapter s corporation
sub-chapter s corporation
Workers' Compensation
Workers' compensation definition
Workers' compensation definition
Family Medical Leave Act-FMLA
Here is a description of the main provisions of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and how it affects your business.
Here is a description of the main provisions of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and how it affects your business.
Business Leasing Process
Here is a description of the process of finding a location and leasing space for your business.
Here is a description of the process of finding a location and leasing space for your business.
Net Operating Loss Carryback 2
Net Operating Loss Carryback provisions for 2008 and 2009
Net Operating Loss Carryback provisions for 2008 and 2009
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of Goods Sold
Collections Management
Monitoring receivables, billing, and collections and setting up processes is a key to keeping your business profitable. Here is the way to set up this system
Monitoring receivables, billing, and collections and setting up processes is a key to keeping your business profitable. Here is the way to set up this system
Startup Funding Q&A
Do you want to start a great business but you need funding? Read this article to learn more about the possible funding sources for businesses.
Do you want to start a great business but you need funding? Read this article to learn more about the possible funding sources for businesses.
Factors to Consider
How to select a business name
How to select a business name
Business Name Registration
How to register a business name, including
How to register a business name, including
Form 1096
Describes Form 1096 - Annual Summary and Transmittal of U.S. Information Returns
Describes Form 1096 - Annual Summary and Transmittal of U.S. Information Returns
Articles of Organization
Articles of Organization for setting up a Limited Liability Company
Articles of Organization for setting up a Limited Liability Company
Purchase Order
Defines a purchase order and describes the parts of this order.
Defines a purchase order and describes the parts of this order.
Operating Agreement
Operating Agreement
Operating Agreement
Forms and Process
How a partnership pays income tax.
How a partnership pays income tax.
Taxes on Sole Proprietorships
Lists all the taxes a sole proprietorship pays including income taxes, self-employment taxes and employment (payroll) taxes
Lists all the taxes a sole proprietorship pays including income taxes, self-employment taxes and employment (payroll) taxes
Vested - Vested
Vested Vesting Definition
Vested Vesting Definition
Legal and Professional Fees
Here is a brief description of deductions for legal and professional fees
Here is a brief description of deductions for legal and professional fees
Amortization
Amortization; Amortize; Amortization Schedule
Amortization; Amortize; Amortization Schedule
Managing Petty Cash
How to set up and manage petty cash.
How to set up and manage petty cash.
Business Contract Essentials
Here are the essentials of a business contract, including the elements that make it enforceable.
Here are the essentials of a business contract, including the elements that make it enforceable.
Meals and Entertainment
Meals and Entertainment Expenses
Meals and Entertainment Expenses
Capitalize
Capitalize
Capitalize
Accelerated Depreciation
Accelerated Depreciation
Accelerated Depreciation
Pay Decisions
How and when will you pay employees? Learn here about the tax and benefit implications of these decisions.
How and when will you pay employees? Learn here about the tax and benefit implications of these decisions.
Payroll / Payroll Taxes
Tasks involved in processing payroll.
Tasks involved in processing payroll.
Business Valuation Methods
Describes various methods by which a business and its assets can be valued.
Describes various methods by which a business and its assets can be valued.
Exempt - Exempt Employee
Exempt employees
Exempt employees
Create an Introduction
Create an employee handbook to clarify policies and provide information on benefits. This section lists policies and benefits you should include and how to create the introduction.
Create an employee handbook to clarify policies and provide information on benefits. This section lists policies and benefits you should include and how to create the introduction.
File Articles of Organization
Filing Articles of Organization for an LLC
Filing Articles of Organization for an LLC
Commercial Lease Documents
After you have negotiated the lease terms, you will have a lease document to review and sign. Here are common sections to commercial leases.
After you have negotiated the lease terms, you will have a lease document to review and sign. Here are common sections to commercial leases.
Schedule C
Describes IRS Schedule C Profit or Loss from Business of IRS Form 1040
Describes IRS Schedule C Profit or Loss from Business of IRS Form 1040
Per Diem
Per Diem Definition and Per Diem Rates
Per Diem Definition and Per Diem Rates
Business Budgeting Explained
Purposes of a Business Budget
Purposes of a Business Budget
Business Tax Deductions
Describes business tax deductions and deductible expenses
Describes business tax deductions and deductible expenses
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) Defined
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) Defined
Taxes on S-Corporations
Lists all the taxes an s corporation pays including income taxes, employment (payroll) taxes, sales and excise taxes, and property taxes.
Lists all the taxes an s corporation pays including income taxes, employment (payroll) taxes, sales and excise taxes, and property taxes.
Tax Avoidance vs. Tax Evasion
The difference between tax evasion and tax avoidance
The difference between tax evasion and tax avoidance
Statutory Employee
Statutory employee
Statutory employee
Register a Foreign LLC
How to register a foreign limited liability company in another state
How to register a foreign limited liability company in another state
Payroll
Payroll
Payroll
Book Value
Book Value
Book Value
Advertising Expenses
Advertising Expenses: What you can and cannot deduct, and some special notes.
Advertising Expenses: What you can and cannot deduct, and some special notes.
Mediation
Mediation
Mediation
Write Off - Write Down
What is a write off or write down of an asset
What is a write off or write down of an asset
Closely Held Corporation
Closely held corporation definition
Closely held corporation definition
Section 179 Deductions
Section 179 deductions are an important benefit for small businesses. Here is a brief explanation of how they work.
Section 179 deductions are an important benefit for small businesses. Here is a brief explanation of how they work.
FICA Taxes
FICA taxes explained
FICA taxes explained
Corporate Income Tax
How a corporation pays income tax.
How a corporation pays income tax.
Trademark Registration Process
If you have a trademark or service mark that you want to register, here is the process to use.
If you have a trademark or service mark that you want to register, here is the process to use.
Limited Liability Partnership
Definition of a limited liability partnership
Definition of a limited liability partnership
All About Unemployment Taxes
All about unemployment taxes, including federal unemployment tax deposits, annual report on Form 940, tax rates, and state unemployment tax systems.
All about unemployment taxes, including federal unemployment tax deposits, annual report on Form 940, tax rates, and state unemployment tax systems.
Car/Truck Expenses
Here is a brief overview of car/truck expenses you can deduct for business use.
Here is a brief overview of car/truck expenses you can deduct for business use.
Corporations
Corporations, Incorporating
Corporations, Incorporating
Limited Partnership
Definition of Limited Partnership
Definition of Limited Partnership
Business Checking Account Feat
Setting up a business checking account
Setting up a business checking account
Multiples of Earnings
Describes how a business is valued using the multiple of earnings valuation method.
Describes how a business is valued using the multiple of earnings valuation method.
Making Payroll Tax Deposits
Discusses when to make payroll tax deposits
Discusses when to make payroll tax deposits
Using Form 941X
How to file Form 941X to correct errors in Form 941 - Employer's Quarterly Payroll Tax Return
How to file Form 941X to correct errors in Form 941 - Employer's Quarterly Payroll Tax Return
Self-Employment Taxes
The term "self-employment taxes" is confusing to new business owners. This article explains the terms and how and when to pay self-employment taxes
The term "self-employment taxes" is confusing to new business owners. This article explains the terms and how and when to pay self-employment taxes
New Business Marketing Plan
How to create a marketing plan for a business startup
How to create a marketing plan for a business startup
Goodwill
Definition of goodwill
Definition of goodwill