Legal guide for starting & running a small business

The all-in-one business law book

Whether you're just starting a small business, or your business is already up and running, legal questions crop up on an almost daily basis. Ignoring them can threaten your enterprise--but hiring a lawyer to help with routine issues can devastate the bottom line.

The Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business has helped more than a quarter million entrepreneurs and business owners master the basics, including how to:
raise start-up money decide between an LLC or other business structure save on business taxes get licenses and permits choose the right insurance negotiate contracts and leases avoid problems if you're buying a franchise hire and manage employees and independent contractors attract and keep customers (and get paid on time), and limit your liability and protect your personal assets.
The 15th edition is completely updated with the latest legal information and tax rules for small businesses. Whether you're a sole proprietor or an LLC or corporation, or a one-person business operating out of your home, or a company with a large staff leasing space, this book will help you start and run a successful business.

Which legal form is best for your business? -- Structuring a partnership agreement -- Creating a corporation -- Creating a limited liability company -- Preparing for ownership changes with a buyout agreement -- Naming your business and products -- Licenses and permits -- Tax basics for the small business -- Raising money for your business -- Buying a business -- Franchises : how not to get burned -- Insuring your business -- Negotiating a favorable lease -- Home-based business -- Employees and independent contractors -- The importance of excellent customer relations -- Legal requirements for dealing with customers -- Cash, credit cards, and checks -- Extending credit and getting paid -- Put it in writing : small business contracts -- The financially troubled business -- Resolving legal disputes -- Representing yourself in small claims court -- Lawyers and legal research -- Appendix. Checklist for starting a small business.