Lawyers are expensive (I know, I used to be one). But that doesn’t mean you should just ignore the “legal stuff” relating to your business and hope it goes away.
Try some of these low to no-cost legal tools for your basic legal needs.
Legal Zoom is a company that specializes in quick, affordable preparation of legal documents. Whether you’re looking to incorporate your business, register a trademark, apply for a patent, or document a joint venture agreement, Legal Zoom will help you do it. It’s not free, but the “per project” (rather than “per hour”) pricing makes it a good value. I actually became a Legal Zoom affiliate because I think it’s such a good option for small businesses that are just getting started.
All Business has a “Forms & Agreements” section where you can download all kinds of customizable forms, usually for around $25. There are non-disclosure agreements, employment agreements, incorporation forms, and hundreds of others. But be careful – some of the forms they sell are available for FREE from the government. Before purchasing one of the forms, do an internet search to see if you can find it for free. The “Federal S Corporation Election Form, Form 2553″, for example, is sold on All Business for $5 – but you can find it for free at the IRS website (www.irs.gov ).
In fact, the government offers a lot of free resources, tools, and forms for small business owners.
Check out the following websites, which are surprisingly helpful:
This website is chock full of useful information and resources. There’s a cool “Permit Me ” tool where you answer a few questions about your business, and it tells you what permits, licenses, and registrations you’ll need. There’s also a directory ofEssential Government Forms, categorized by what you’re trying to accomplish (starting a business, operating a business, etc.). You’ll want to spend some time exploring the rest of this website as well, since it has so much free information to offer.
To find out more about tools and resources offered by Business.Gov, visit Sparkplugging’s Government Resources Blog!
The DOL’s FirstStep Employment Law Advisor
This is a tool offered by the Department of Labor. You answer a series of questions about your business, and it tells you which laws administered by the DOL apply to you. If you have or will have employees, it’s a worthwhile exercise.
When it comes to federal tax law, this website should be your first stop. I particularly recommend that you visit the Online Learning and Educational Products section, filled with audio and video presentations, a tax calendar for small businesses, and links to other helpful resources.
Traci Feit Love is a freelance writer, small business consultant, and entrepreneur. A Harvard Law School graduate and former trial attorney, Traci left the practice of law so she could work from home and spend more time with her family. She writes about her experiences at The Breadwinner Mom.
Follow Traci on Twitter: @TraciLove
If you liked this article, you might also enjoy:
- 21 Home Business Resources You Can’t Miss
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- Federal Resources for Disabled Entrepreneurs
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