Yes.  The End. Just kidding.   The IRS, business license bureaus, taxation departments, and sometimes secretary of state offices require an identifying number for your business.  Without an EIN, your social security number is used, which causes identity theft concerns.  Also, obtaining an EIN is another way to distance yoursel...

[Read the rest of this article...]

Last week I met with a small business owner whose registered agent had access to her business bank accounts.  A short investigation revealed this particular registered agent had formed dozens of corporations and named himself secretary, giving him access to the bank accounts.  We quickly dissolved the corporation and reformed an LLC ...

[Read the rest of this article...]

I make spanakopita, a Greek appetizer, every New Year's Eve.  It keeps for a few days, reheats well in a toaster oven, and saves me from having to cook New Year's Day when I just want to sleep in.  This is especially important this year because tonight I am breaking out the margarita machine I got for my birthday. I believe the tradition...

[Read the rest of this article...]

The holidays are almost over and you're looking forward to the new year.  You may have taken some time off in December to spend with family and friends and your business has taken a back seat.  In a day or two it's time to get back into the swing of things.  For the new year, what should you do with your business? Make sure you've a...

[Read the rest of this article...]

Um...with a pen? Seriously, though.  It sounds simple, but you should consider the implications of how you sign documents on behalf of your company.  As a business owner you have a split personality.  In any situation, you will be either Jane Doe The Individual or Jane Doe The Business Owner.  Before you sign something that inv...

[Read the rest of this article...]

No, it doesn't involve a safety pin or have anything to do with a wedding.  This is one of those often-used yet rarely-explained phrases that every small business owner should understand.   If formed and managed properly, corporations and LLCs are treated as legal entities separate from their owners.  This is why we business la...

[Read the rest of this article...]

I often speak with business owners who are ready to hire workers.  While this is a big step for a small business, many owners believe they can avoid paying employment taxes simply by calling these workers independent contractors.  I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but calling them independent contractors does not necessarily make them ...

[Read the rest of this article...]

Last week I was on the panel for a continuing legal education class at the UNLV Boyd School of Law called "How to Start a Law Practice."  The audience was comprised of law students, recent graduates, and licensed attorneys.  We had a good turnout either because of widespread layoffs in the legal profession or because all the lawyers ...

[Read the rest of this article...]