This post is provided by Julie Morris.
As a small business owner, you face many legal hurdles that can threaten your ability to run your business efficiently and can make the process of serving customers more difficult. By finding experienced legal professionals, you can protect your business interests and make sure your operations are in line with the law. However, first, you need to know how to find the right kind of help and make sure it’s affordable. Here are some tips, courtesy of Small Biz Survival.
Business Formation Help
Certain law firms specialize in business matters, and their lawyers can help you organize a new business and ensure your business is in line with state and federal laws. Compare reviews of law firms online to get an idea of the quality of their services and make more informed decisions.
You must make sure the name you’ve chosen for your business entity isn’t already being used by another small business in your state. Search firms can crosscheck names with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to ensure the business name you want isn’t already taken.
In terms of record-keeping, you can make things a lot easier on yourself by digitizing your documents. That’ll make it far easier to stay organized. And if you need to make any changes along the way, you can edit your PDFs using this free tool. That will really come in handy when you’re getting ready to start your taxes!
Tax Issues
A skilled IRS tax attorney is crucial for your success, especially as your small business grows over time. Do a localized online search for business tax attorneys or ask your banker or accountant for recommendations to help you find the tax attorney who can best serve your needs. These professionals make sure your taxes are properly paid, so you don’t get into trouble with the IRS.
Legal Battles
Your business also needs a go-to attorney who can defend it from lawsuits filed by consumers, vendors, or competitors. Since many lawsuits concern the nature of businesses themselves, it’s important to hire a firm that has experience with your industry and the nature of the legal issues that can arise from it.
Low on Funds? Try Pro Bono
Some lawyers are willing to work at no charge to benefit a greater initiative, such as helping small business owners get started, helping minority business owners, assisting nonprofits, or serving businesses involved in the arts. Look for a pro-bono lawyer to see if you can benefit from these legal sources. Activist organizations are typically already in contact with various lawyers who do this kind of work.
Set Yourself Up for Success
Organizing your business and keeping it in line with the law while also dealing with legal challenges and conflicts can seem like a daunting task. With the right help on your side, you can address any legal problems your business may face as long as you look in the right places and you’re willing to shop around.
Small Biz Survival shares a wealth of helpful information about small town businesses. If you have any questions, let us know!
About the author: Julie Morris is a life and career coach. She thrives on helping others live their best lives. It’s easy for her to relate to clients who feel run over by life because she’s been there. Today, she is fulfilled by helping busy professionals like her past self get the clarity they need in order to live inspired lives that fill more than just their bank accounts.
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