Health Savings Accounts: What Are the Benefits for Businesses?

With the rising cost of health insurance, employers and employees are looking for the best ways to save money on medical expenses. One option that can be beneficial to both small business owners and their employees is the health savings account (HSA), which is available when an employee selects a high deductible health plan offered […]

The Employee Handbook: The Holy Grail of Your Business

Employee handbooks address the who, what, where, why, and how of your business operations.  Your employee handbook will protect you and your business by setting expectations and providing consistency for your employees when situations arise. What Information Should an EmployeeHandbook Include? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAmb1l1pEL4 Ideally, employee handbooks address anything significant related to your company, employees, operating policies, […]

LLC Members: What You Need to Know about Your Fiduciary Duties

As a member of an LLC, you may owe a fiduciary duty to the company. The two key fiduciary duties are the duty of loyalty and the duty of care. Whether you have a fiduciary duty will depend on the LLC’s management structure and whether you have management responsibilities. Understanding your duties is essential to […]

Making an S Corporation Election as a Married Business Owner

If you’re a married business owner and you want your business to be taxed as an S corporation, there are several things you need to know. The difference between community property and co-ownership of an asset Let’s take the example of owning a car. If you and your spouse are both on the title to […]

LLC Operating Agreement: Is a Non-Compete Clause Necessary?

You and several friends start a new business and operate it as a limited liability company (LLC). Now that you’ve completed the first step—choosing a business entity—it is essential to prepare an operating agreement. The operating agreement is a contract that governs the operations of the LLC and sets forth the arrangements made among the […]

Managing the Money Aspect of Your New Business: It’s Easier Than You Think

Coming up with a great idea that can be turned into a prosperous business venture takes a certain talent.  Knowing how to get your great idea financed and properly managed, takes another. However, it may be easier than you think. What You Need, What You’ve Got, and Where to Get the Rest If you think you’re […]

Transferring LLC Membership Interests Part 3—Involuntary Transfers

An involuntary transfer of an LLC membership interest is just that—a transfer prompted by a creditor action or a triggering event outside of the member’s control. An individual or entity obtaining a membership interest because of an involuntary transfer usually cannot fully step into the shoes of the transferring member. This statutory protection—often called a pick […]

Don’t Let Change Wreck Your Business: The Buy-Sell Agreement

Divorce. An unexpected death, disability, or retirement. An irreconcilable dispute. These triggering events may put your successful, stable business into a tailspin. Luckily, a buy-sell agreement can help you and your business be better prepared to handle these events. What is a Buy-Sell Agreement? A buy-sell agreement is a legally binding agreement between co-owners of […]

Record Keeping for Your Business: What’s Required?

Whether you are just starting up a new company or have a business operating for a while, good record-keeping is essential to running your business. You are responsible for establishing an effective system to store and maintain your business records, whether your small business is a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. Some forms will […]

I Need to Hire Someone for My Business; What Do I Need To Know?

Most businesses try to grow – at least somewhat.  However, to grow or to step away from the business for a personal life, vacation, or other ventures, you’ll need help with day-to-day operations.  If you’ve never hired someone before – or it’s been a long time – don’t worry – here’s the information you need […]