US Business Law / Taxes: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Disregarded Entity
Disregarded Entity
Disregarded Entity
Form 941
Explains IRS Form 941 - Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Form
Explains IRS Form 941 - Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Form
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.
Budget
Budget
Budget
Capital Expenses
Capital expenses
Capital expenses
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.
Petty Cash
Petty cash defined and some petty cash management details described
Petty cash defined and some petty cash management details described
Capital
Capital definition
Capital definition
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.
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.
Litigation/Litigate
Litigation definition
Litigation definition
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.
How to Calculate Depreciation
Describes depreciation calculation methods
Describes depreciation calculation methods
Selecting Your Business Name
Select, Register, and Trademark a Business Name
Select, Register, and Trademark a Business Name
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
Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans
Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans
Safe Harbor 401(k) Plans
LLC
Limited Liability Company LLC
Limited Liability Company LLC
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.
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.
UCC-1 Statement
UCC-1 Statement
UCC-1 Statement
Payroll Tax Deposit Form
Describes Form 8109 - Tax Deposit Coupon
Describes Form 8109 - Tax Deposit Coupon
Principal (of a Loan)
Principal on a loan
Principal on a loan
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.
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.
incometaxbiztypes
How each business legal type pays income tax
How each business legal type pays income tax
Salaried Employee/Salary
salaried employee
salaried employee
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.
Form 941 Help
941 Questions and Answers: Payroll Taxes, Payroll Tax Deposits
941 Questions and Answers: Payroll Taxes, Payroll Tax Deposits
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Due Diligence
Due Diligence
Due Diligence
Backing up Computer Records
Most businesses have computer files that need to be backed up. Here is a discussion of how to back up your computer files.
Most businesses have computer files that need to be backed up. Here is a discussion of how to back up your computer files.
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
Real Property
Real Property
Real Property
Accounts Receivable Aging
Accounts Receivable Aging
Accounts Receivable Aging
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
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
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.
Presonal Property
Personal Property
Personal Property
Retainers
Retainer defined, including legal retainers, and retainers for other professionals.
Retainer defined, including legal retainers, and retainers for other professionals.
Steps to Creating a Budget
Budget - Business Start-up Budget
Budget - Business Start-up Budget
W-3 Form
Describes the W-3 form.
Describes the W-3 form.
Solvency
Solvency
Solvency
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.
Gross Pay
Gross Pay
Gross Pay
IRS Standard Mileage Rate
IRS Standard Mileage Rates
IRS Standard Mileage Rates
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.
Starting a Corporation
Checklist for starting a corporation and sub-chapter s election
Checklist for starting a corporation and sub-chapter s election
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 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.
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.
Depreciation
Depreciation
Depreciation
Professional Corporation
Definition of a professional corporation
Definition of a professional corporation
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.
Partnership
Partnership - Limited Liability Partnership - Limited Partnership - General Partnership
Partnership - Limited Liability Partnership - Limited Partnership - General Partnership
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.
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.
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.
Types of Partnerships
Partnership Types: Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership, General Partnership
Partnership Types: Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership, General Partnership
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.
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
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.
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.
Net Operating Loss Carryback 2
Net Operating Loss Carryback provisions for 2008 and 2009
Net Operating Loss Carryback provisions for 2008 and 2009
Charging Sales Tax
Paying Sales Tax to State
Paying Sales Tax to State
Cash Flow
Cash Flow
Cash Flow
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
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 Improvements
Capital improvements
Capital improvements
Articles of Organization
Articles of Organization for setting up a Limited Liability Company
Articles of Organization for setting up a Limited Liability Company
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.
Leasehold Improvements
Leasehold Improvements
Leasehold Improvements
Fiduciary
A fiduciary responsibility and the person who is a fiduciary
A fiduciary responsibility and the person who is a fiduciary
Member (of an LLC)
Member of a Limited Liability Company
Member of a Limited Liability Company
Nexus (Tax Nexus)
Describes the term "nexus" as it relates to taxes and specifically to sales taxes and income taxes.
Describes the term "nexus" as it relates to taxes and specifically to sales taxes and income taxes.
Owners Equity
Definition of owners equity
Definition of owners equity
Independent Contractor
Independent Contractor
Independent Contractor
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.
Book Value
Book Value
Book Value
OSHA
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) Defined
Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) Defined
Purchase Order
Defines a purchase order and describes the parts of this order.
Defines a purchase order and describes the parts of this order.
Working Capital
Working Capital
Working Capital
Factors to Consider
How to select a business name
How to select a business name
Selecting a Board of Directors
Selecting your board of directors
Selecting your board of directors
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.
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.
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
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
Capitalize
Capitalize
Capitalize
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.
Cash vs. Accrual Accounting
Cash Accounting and Accrual Accounting - How to determine which to use.
Cash Accounting and Accrual Accounting - How to determine which to use.
Create an Introduction
Create an employee handbook to describe benefits to employees.
Create an employee handbook to describe benefits to employees.
Business Tax Deductions
Describes business tax deductions and deductible expenses
Describes business tax deductions and deductible expenses
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
Arbitration vs. Litigation
Describes the arbitration process vs. the litigation process
Describes the arbitration process vs. the litigation process
Employer ID (EIN)
Describes an Employer ID Number
Describes an Employer ID Number
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.
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
Payroll Taxes
Payroll Taxes
Payroll Taxes
Capital Assets
Capital Assets
Capital Assets
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of Goods Sold
Becoming Self-Employed
Here is information you need in order to start a business as an independent contractor
Here is information you need in order to start a business as an independent contractor
Per Diem
Per Diem Definition and Per Diem Rates
Per Diem Definition and Per Diem Rates
Amortization
Amortization; Amortize; Amortization Schedule
Amortization; Amortize; Amortization Schedule
Security Interest
Secured Loans
Secured Loans
File Articles of Organization
Filing Articles of Organization for an LLC
Filing Articles of Organization for an LLC
Business Name Registration
How to register a business name, including
How to register a business name, including
Hourly Employee
Hourly Employee
Hourly Employee
Meals and Entertainment
Meals and Entertainment Expenses
Meals and Entertainment Expenses
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.
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
W-2 Statement
Definition and description of a W-2 form.
Definition and description of a W-2 form.
Operating Agreement
Operating Agreement
Operating Agreement
All about Disregarded Entities
Describes what business types are considered disregarded entities
Describes what business types are considered disregarded entities
Making Payroll Tax Deposits
Discusses when to make payroll tax deposits
Discusses when to make payroll tax deposits
Registered Agent
Registered Agent definition
Registered Agent definition
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
Arbitration
Arbitration
Arbitration
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
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
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.
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.
Expense/Expenses
Business Expenses Defined and Described
Business Expenses Defined and Described
Employment Taxes
Before you hire your first employee, here are the types of employment taxes you need to know about.
Before you hire your first employee, here are the types of employment taxes you need to know about.
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.
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
Payroll / Payroll Taxes
Tasks involved in processing payroll.
Tasks involved in processing payroll.
Home Business Space Deduction
Learn about types of home business expenses you can deduct
Learn about types of home business expenses you can deduct
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?
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.
Employment Eligibility Form
I-9 Form - I-9 Immigration Form
I-9 Form - I-9 Immigration Form
LLC Startup Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about forming a limited liability company.
Here are some frequently asked questions about forming a limited liability company.
FICA Taxes
FICA taxes explained
FICA taxes explained
Asset
Asset
Asset
Leverage
Leverage
Leverage
Accelerated Depreciation
Accelerated Depreciation
Accelerated Depreciation
New Business Marketing Plan
How to create a marketing plan for a business startup
How to create a marketing plan for a business startup
Form 8832 Entity Election
How to file an entity election for an LLC on Form 8832.
How to file an entity election for an LLC on Form 8832.
Sales Tax Q and A
Answers to common questions about sales taxes, including the difference between sales tax and use tax, sales tax vs. excise tax, out of state sales, resellers, how to register, how to collect, and how to report and pay sales taxes.
Answers to common questions about sales taxes, including the difference between sales tax and use tax, sales tax vs. excise tax, out of state sales, resellers, how to register, how to collect, and how to report and pay sales taxes.
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.
Trade Name
Definition of a trade name
Definition of a trade name
Pass-through Taxes
Pass-through taxes
Pass-through taxes
Pay Period
Pay Period
Pay Period