In today’s data-driven world, small businesses often find themselves in possession of sensitive customer data. As the collection of data increases, customers grow more suspicious of the means and methods used to collect and store data. In response to this growing concern, we are seeing increased legislation pertaining to the collection, storage, and distribution of data. Laws like the California …
Ask Cari: Does Your Website Need a Privacy Policy or Terms of Use?
Conversations about data privacy policies and website terms of use have become more common in recent months. Large companies like Facebook,[1] Expedia,[2] and Dick’s Sporting Goods[3] have been involved in litigation involving agreements that address these very issues. The questions on most business owners’ minds are “What are these agreements?” and “Do I need them on my website?” Privacy policies …
Ask Cari: How to Choose the Right Business Lawyer
A skilled attorney is a critical part of any business owner’s advisory team. Business attorneys are equipped to assist you in handling a variety of tasks that can protect you from potential legal and business pitfalls, in addition to solving existing legal issues. As important as they are to your team, finding the right business attorney may be challenging if …
Ask Cari: What are Legal Considerations for my Business during a Pandemic: Responding to COVID-19?
In a matter of weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world and forced communities to reevaluate everything. Despite the unpredictability that has accompanied this global crisis, it is not too late to implement changes to protect you, your employees, and your business. Here are some tips and strategies to help you navigate these challenges and the ones to come. …
Ask Cari: What Small Business Owners Should Know About the COVID-19 Stimulus Package
As small business owners grapple with the economic realities of nationwide stay-home orders and social distancing mandates, legislatures have been updating laws and developing new programs to keep the economy afloat. The latest and most groundbreaking is the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a $2.2 trillion stimulus package aimed at supporting individuals, businesses, and governments now and …
Ask Stephanie: Should I update my Contracts in Response to COVID-19?
As we watch the Nation shut down major events, restaurants, and bars as well as limit social gatherings to a small amount of people, what happens to contracts that may not be able to be fulfilled because of the rippling effect of COVID-19, the “Coronavirus”? The answer lies in whether the parties have a written contract. And, if the terms …
What You Need to Know about Paying Yourself as a Single-Member LLC
You are a new business owner and have decided to organize your business as a limited liability company (LLC). You are its sole owner and work for the company. How do you pay yourself? Are there guidelines regarding how often and how much you are entitled to? How do self-employment taxes come into play? The answers to these questions depend …
What Is an S Corporation and Should I Form One?
Contrary to popular belief, the S corporation is not a distinct entity type. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), an S corporation is a corporation that has elected treatment as a pass-through entity for federal income tax purposes under Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code[1]. This tax election allows the corporation to enjoy a unique combination of benefits …
Understanding How LLC Members Pay Taxes
Limited liability companies (LLCs) are one of the most popular types of business entities. The LLC’s flexible taxation options are one reason it is preferred; LLC members can, for the most part, choose how they would like to be taxed. The LLC enjoys this flexibility because the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not recognize it as a distinct entity for …
Ask Cari: What are the Steps for Forming an LLC?
One of the first decisions to make when starting a business is what type of business entity to form. The limited liability company (LLC) is one of the most popular business structures because it offers a level of flexibility and legal protection that is attractive to many people who are starting their own businesses. The following six steps will help …
Ask Cari: What Are the Benefits and Risks of Forming an LLC?
If you have decided to start a business and are researching the available business entity types, you may repeatedly come across the terms “limited liability company” and “LLC,” but you might not understand what this type of entity is or whether it is right for you. A limited liability company (LLC) is a business entity that protects its owners, referred …
The Personal Guarantee: 5 Ways Small Business Owners Can Reduce Their Liability
Small businesses make a huge contribution to the U.S. economy. Nevertheless, starting a new business is risky. Lenders view loans to small businesses, particularly start-ups, as among the riskiest they make, particularly when there is little or no credit history or business revenue on which to base their decision. In an effort to lessen their risk, lenders frequently require small …