Erik from LegalZone 
Introduction Every successful business starts with a clear sense of purpose, and that purpose deserves to be written down. Learning how to write a mission statement is one of the most valuable exercises a founder can complete, whether you’re launching a solo consultancy or building a company you hope will scale into a national brand. … Read more
What Is a DBA? Understanding the Meaning Behind “Doing Business As” If you’ve ever seen a business operating under a name that doesn’t match its owner’s legal name, you’ve encountered a DBA. Understanding doing business as meaning is essential for entrepreneurs who want to brand their business differently from their personal name or their LLC’s … Read more
Introduction If your LLC is expanding beyond its home state—whether you’re opening a second office, hiring remote employees, or selling products to customers nationwide—you may need to register your business in additional states. This process, known as “foreign qualification,” allows your LLC to legally operate across state lines while staying compliant with each state’s laws. … Read more
If you’ve ever sold handmade crafts, taken freelance photos, or flipped items online, you’ve probably wondered: does the IRS see this as a hobby or a business? The answer matters more than you might think — it affects your tax bill, your ability to deduct expenses, and whether you owe self-employment tax. What You’ll Accomplish … Read more
Introduction If you use a vehicle for your business, you’re entitled to deduct some of that cost on your taxes — but the IRS gives you two very different ways to calculate that deduction: the standard mileage method and the actual expense method. Choosing the right one (and using it correctly) can save your business … Read more
Introduction If you run an LLC, health insurance is probably one of the biggest expenses you’re juggling — and one of the most confusing to figure out. Unlike W-2 employees who get coverage handed to them by an employer, LLC owners have to shop for their own plans, figure out how to pay for them, … Read more
Introduction If you’re self-employed and want to supercharge your retirement savings, a Solo 401(k) might be the best-kept secret in retirement planning. Also known as an Individual 401(k) or Self-Employed 401(k), this plan lets business owners with no full-time employees (other than a spouse) contribute significantly more than a traditional IRA — often tens of … Read more
Introduction If you run an S corporation, one of the most important — and most scrutinized — decisions you’ll make every year is how much salary to pay yourself. The IRS requires S-corp owner-employees to receive “reasonable compensation” before any profits are distributed to them, and getting this number wrong can trigger audits, back taxes, … Read more
Introduction If your LLC is generating solid profits, you may have heard that electing S-corp tax status could save you thousands of dollars a year in self-employment taxes. Good news: you don’t need to dissolve your LLC and start over. You can keep your LLC’s legal structure while simply changing how it’s taxed by the … Read more
Introduction If you’ve formed a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in New York, congratulations — you’re almost done with the formation process. But there’s one important step many new business owners overlook: the New York LLC publication requirement. Unlike most states, New York requires LLC owners to publish notice of their new business in local newspapers … Read more
