US Business Law / Taxes: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Form 941
Explains IRS Form 941 - Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Form
Explains IRS Form 941 - Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Form
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
There are several business organization forms to choose from, and the differences and similarities are confusing. Learn the difference between a Limited Liability Company and a Corporation.
There are several business organization forms to choose from, and the differences and similarities are confusing. Learn the difference between a Limited Liability Company and a Corporation.
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.
UCC-1 Statement
UCC-1 Statement
UCC-1 Statement
Setting Up Your Payroll System
Employers are required to pay employees, deduct taxes, and report and pay these taxes to appropriate agencies. Learn about these taxes and how to set up a system to pay employees and to collect, report, and submit these taxes.
Employers are required to pay employees, deduct taxes, and report and pay these taxes to appropriate agencies. Learn about these taxes and how to set up a system to pay employees and to collect, report, and submit these taxes.
Petty Cash
Petty cash defined and some petty cash management details described
Petty cash defined and some petty cash management details described
Budget
Budget
Budget
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.
LLC
Limited Liability Company LLC
Limited Liability Company LLC
Capital Expenses
Capital expenses
Capital expenses
Form an LLC
Here is the process for forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
Here is the process for forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans
Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans
Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans
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.
Payroll Tax Deposit Form
Describes Form 8109 - Tax Deposit Coupon
Describes Form 8109 - Tax Deposit Coupon
How to Calculate Depreciation
Describes depreciation calculation methods
Describes depreciation calculation methods
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.
Setting Up a Payroll System
The process of calculating a payroll begins with a calculation of gross pay, then determinations to reduce gross pay with withholding, FICA, and other deductions, to arrive at net pay.
The process of calculating a payroll begins with a calculation of gross pay, then determinations to reduce gross pay with withholding, FICA, and other deductions, to arrive at net pay.
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
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.
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.
Business Income Tax
The process of income tax for an LLC
The process of income tax for an LLC
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
Employee Income Reports
Employers must provide W-2 Forms to employees, and W-3 Forms to the Social Security Administration, and 1099-MISC forms to Independent Contractors. Here is the filing information and deadlines.
Employers must provide W-2 Forms to employees, and W-3 Forms to the Social Security Administration, and 1099-MISC forms to Independent Contractors. Here is the filing information and deadlines.
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.
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.
Litigation/Litigate
Litigation definition
Litigation definition
Salaried Employee/Salary
salaried employee
salaried employee
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.
New Hire Paperwork
Are you confused about the paperwork that must be completed for new hires? Here is a list of the information you need each new employee to fill out.
Are you confused about the paperwork that must be completed for new hires? Here is a list of the information you need each new employee to fill out.
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.
Capital
Capital definition
Capital definition
IRS Standard Mileage Rate
IRS Standard Mileage Rates
IRS Standard Mileage Rates
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.
Gross Pay
Gross Pay
Gross Pay
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.
Business Valuation Methods
If you are considering selling your business, you will need to know the various methods of business valuation. This article can help you determine a value for your business.
If you are considering selling your business, you will need to know the various methods of business valuation. This article can help you determine a value for your business.
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.
Retainers
Retainer defined, including legal retainers, and retainers for other professionals.
Retainer defined, including legal retainers, and retainers for other professionals.
Charging Sales Tax
Paying Sales Tax to State
Paying Sales Tax to State
Security Interest
Secured Loans
Secured Loans
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.
Selecting Your Business Name
Select, Register, and Trademark a Business Name
Select, Register, and Trademark a Business Name
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.
Principal (of a Loan)
Principal on a loan
Principal on a loan
Articles of Organization
Articles of Organization for setting up a Limited Liability Company
Articles of Organization for setting up a Limited Liability Company
Selecting a Board of Directors
Selecting your board of directors
Selecting your board of directors
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
Per Diem
Per Diem Definition and Per Diem Rates
Per Diem Definition and Per Diem Rates
Employer ID (EIN)
Describes an Employer ID Number
Describes an Employer ID Number
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
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
Hourly Employee
Hourly Employee
Hourly Employee
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
Registered Agent
Registered Agent definition
Registered Agent definition
Business Tax Deductions A to Z
Lists small business tax deductions from a to z
Lists small business tax deductions from a to z
Partnership
Partnership - Limited Liability Partnership - Limited Partnership - General Partnership
Partnership - Limited Liability Partnership - Limited Partnership - General Partnership
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.
Legal Aspects of Business Name
The process of registering your business name in the state where you will be doing business
The process of registering your business name in the state where you will be doing business
Capital Contribution
Definition of a capital contribution
Definition of a capital contribution
Accounts Receivable Aging
Accounts Receivable Aging
Accounts Receivable Aging
Payroll Taxes
Payroll Taxes
Payroll Taxes
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.
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.
Capital Improvements
Capital improvements
Capital improvements
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.
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
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.
Starting a Corporation
Steps in forming a corporation
Steps in forming a corporation
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.
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) Defined
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) Defined
Statutory Employee
Statutory employee
Statutory employee
Online Sales Tax
Do online retailers have to charge sales tax for online transactions?
Do online retailers have to charge sales tax for online transactions?
Real Property
Real Property
Real Property
Tax Planning Steps at Year End
Save on taxes by taking bonus depreciation and section 179 deductions
Save on taxes by taking bonus depreciation and section 179 deductions
Leasehold Improvements
Leasehold Improvements
Leasehold Improvements
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.
IRS Form SS-8
IRS Form SS-8 Determination of Worker Status for Purposes of Federal Employment Taxes and Income Tax Withholding
IRS Form SS-8 Determination of Worker Status for Purposes of Federal Employment Taxes and Income Tax Withholding
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
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.
W-3 Form
Describes the W-3 form.
Describes the W-3 form.
Depreciation
Depreciation
Depreciation
Steps to Creating a Budget
Budget - Business Start-up Budget
Budget - Business Start-up Budget
Due Diligence
Due Diligence
Due Diligence
Business Cell Phone Deductions
Cell phone tax deduction information.
Cell phone tax deduction information.
Employment Taxes
Employment taxes
Employment taxes
Create an Introduction
Create employee policies to provide employees information on everything from dress codes to vacations
Create employee policies to provide employees information on everything from dress codes to vacations
Working Capital
Working Capital
Working Capital
Arbitration vs. Litigation
Describes the arbitration process vs. the litigation process
Describes the arbitration process vs. the litigation process
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.
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
FICA Taxes
FICA taxes explained
FICA taxes explained
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
Cash Flow
Cash Flow
Cash Flow
Form 944
Describes Form 944 including how to complete the form and when to file with the IRS
Describes Form 944 including how to complete the form and when to file with the IRS
Partnership Agreement Terms
Partnership agreement terms
Partnership agreement terms
What is an SBA 7(a) Loan?
Here is a description of the SBA 7(a) loan program for small businesses. The program provides guarantees to lenders for small business loans.
Here is a description of the SBA 7(a) loan program for small businesses. The program provides guarantees to lenders for small business loans.
Create a Biz Accounting System
To save money on taxes and keep track of your business, you must first set up a workable record keeping system. This means your system must record the information you need and it must be easy to use. Here are step-by-step instructions for creating a business record keeping system.
To save money on taxes and keep track of your business, you must first set up a workable record keeping system. This means your system must record the information you need and it must be easy to use. Here are step-by-step instructions for creating a business record keeping system.
Presonal Property
Personal Property
Personal Property
Overtime/Overtime Pay
Overtime/Overtime Pay
Overtime/Overtime Pay
Financing a Business
Financing a business in difficult financial times
Financing a business in difficult financial times
Member (of an LLC)
Member of a Limited Liability Company
Member of a Limited Liability Company
State Dept. of Revenue Sites
Find information on taxes in your state by using this listing of state departments of revenue
Find information on taxes in your state by using this listing of state departments of revenue
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.
New Business Marketing Plan
How to create a marketing plan for a business startup
How to create a marketing plan for a business startup
Collect, File, Pay State Sales
How to collect state sales taxes from customers, file state sales tax returns, and pay sales taxes you have collected
How to collect state sales taxes from customers, file state sales tax returns, and pay sales taxes you have collected
Pass-through Taxes
Pass-through taxes
Pass-through taxes
Making Work Pay
Describes the changes in withholding from the ARRA
Describes the changes in withholding from the ARRA
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
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.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of Goods Sold
Sole Proprietorship
Sole Proprietorship
Sole Proprietorship
Independent Contractor
Independent Contractor
Independent Contractor
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.
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.
Secretary of State Website
The website of your state's secretary of state has a lot of information you can use for your business.
The website of your state's secretary of state has a lot of information you can use for your business.
Operating Agreement
Operating Agreement
Operating Agreement
Exempt - Exempt Employee
Exempt employees
Exempt employees
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.
All About Business Bankruptcy
Business bankruptcy can come in several different forms. A business can use Chapter 7 Liquidation, Chapter 11 Reorganization, or Chapter 13 Reorganization for Sole Proprietors. Learn about the types of business bankruptcy and the processes.
Business bankruptcy can come in several different forms. A business can use Chapter 7 Liquidation, Chapter 11 Reorganization, or Chapter 13 Reorganization for Sole Proprietors. Learn about the types of business bankruptcy and the processes.
Purchase Order
Defines a purchase order and describes the parts of this order.
Defines a purchase order and describes the parts of this order.
Professional Corporation
Definition of a professional corporation
Definition of a professional corporation
Business Bankruptcy Types
If your business is overwhelmed by debt, you may be considering bankruptcy. Here is a discussion of the types of bankruptcy available to businesses under the IRS code.
If your business is overwhelmed by debt, you may be considering bankruptcy. Here is a discussion of the types of bankruptcy available to businesses under the IRS code.
Business Checking Account Feat
Setting up a business checking account
Setting up a business checking account
Uniform Commercial Codea
Uniform Commercial Code
Uniform Commercial Code
Self-employment Tax
Self-employment Tax
Self-employment Tax
Vested - Vested
Vested Vesting Definition
Vested Vesting Definition
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.
Miscellaneous Income Report
Describes the information you need and the process of completing the 1099-MISC form for non-employee workers.
Describes the information you need and the process of completing the 1099-MISC form for non-employee workers.
Home Business Space Deduction
Here is a discussion of the limits on home office business deductions.
Here is a discussion of the limits on home office business deductions.
Factors to Consider
How to select a business name
How to select a business name
Co-signer
Describes a co-signer and how a loan is co-signed.
Describes a co-signer and how a loan is co-signed.
2009 Business Tax Changes
Tax Changes in 2009 for small businesses include changes in Social Security maximum tax, withholding tax changes, and IRS mileage rate changes.
Tax Changes in 2009 for small businesses include changes in Social Security maximum tax, withholding tax changes, and IRS mileage rate changes.
Arbitration
Arbitration
Arbitration
W-2 Statement
Definition and description of a W-2 form.
Definition and description of a W-2 form.
Solvency
Solvency
Solvency
File Articles of Organization
Filing Articles of Organization for an LLC
Filing Articles of Organization for an LLC
Accrual Accounting
Accrual Method of Accounting
Accrual Method of Accounting
Education Expenses
Here is a discussion of deductible education expenses.
Here is a discussion of deductible education expenses.
Making Payroll Tax Deposits
Discusses when to make payroll tax deposits
Discusses when to make payroll tax deposits
Judgment
Judgment
Judgment
Employee Benefit Expenses
Here is a brief discussion of employee benefit expenses you can deduct.
Here is a brief discussion of employee benefit expenses you can deduct.
Sub-chapter S Corp Status
A sub-chapter S corporation is a special form of corporation for small businesses. Learn how to elect sub-chapter s status here.
A sub-chapter S corporation is a special form of corporation for small businesses. Learn how to elect sub-chapter s status here.
Sub-chapter S Corporation
sub-chapter s corporation
sub-chapter s corporation
Domestic LLC or Corporation
Domestic Limited Liability Company Domestic Corporation
Domestic Limited Liability Company Domestic Corporation
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.
Meals and Entertainment
Meals and Entertainment Expenses
Meals and Entertainment Expenses
What if You Can't Pay Taxes
Information about penalties and interest for paying late, how to pay, and online payment agreement
Information about penalties and interest for paying late, how to pay, and online payment agreement