The Small Business Start-up Kit for California

by Pakroo, Peri H.

• ISBN13: 9781413304435
• ISBN10: 1413304435
• Edition: 6th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-03-30
• Publisher: Nolo

Summary

Many people dream of starting a business, but fear that without an MBA they'll get lost in the maze of government red tape. Here's the handbook they need.Step-by-step, The Small Business Start-Up Kit for California outlines how to set up a business in the Golden State quickly and easily, pointing out the hurdles, fees and forms along the way.In language that is clear, readable and straight to the point, the book explains how to:* choose the best business structure* write an effective business plan* file the right forms in the right place* be prepared for, and file, the required taxes* acquire good bookkeeping and accounting habitsThis completely revamped and updated book provides the latest rules and regulations, all the required forms and an expanded discussion of running a business on the Internet.Includes a dual platform CD-ROM with a sample partnership agreement; county, state and tax forms, and instructions to filling them out.

Author Biography

Peri Pakroo is a media developer and consultant, specializing in legal and start-up issues for businesses and nonprofits. She received her law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 1995, and a year later began editing and writing for Nolo, focusing on small business and intellectual property issues. Peri has also headed the editorial departments of two arts and entertainment weeklies and a monthly food and lifestyle magazine.

Table of Contents

Working for Yourself
Getting On With Your Business	1/3	(1)
Deciding Whether to Go Official	1/4	(1)
Getting Ready for the Ride	1/5	(1)
Choosing a Legal Structure
Sole Proprietorships	2/2	(1)
Partnerships	2/6	(1)
Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)	2/9	(1)
Corporations	2/15	(1)
Choosing the Best Structure for Your Business	2/19	(1)
Picking a Winning Business Name
An Overview of Trademark Law	3/5	(1)
Trademark Issues Online	3/11	(1)
Name Searches	3/15	(1)
Choosing a Domain Name	3/20	(1)
Trademark Registration	3/21	(1)
Winning Names for Your Business, Products, and Services	3/23	(1)
Choosing a Business Location
Picking the Right Spot	4/2	(1)
Complying With Zoning Laws	4/5	(1)
Commercial Leases	4/9	(1)
Drafting an Effective Business Plan
Different Purposes Require Different Plans	5/2	(1)
Describing Your Business and Yourself	5/3	(1)
Making Financial Projections	5/8	(1)
Break-Even Analysis	5/10	(1)
Profit/Loss Forecast	5/19	(1)
Start-Up Cost Estimate	5/23	(1)
Cash Flow Projection	5/23	(1)
Putting It All Together	5/25	(1)
Using Your Plan to Raise Start-Up Money	5/28	(1)
Pricing, Bidding, and Billing Projects
Pricing and Billing for Service Businesses	6/2	(1)
Bidding and Creating Proposals	6/6	(1)
Pricing for Businesses Selling Products	6/9	(1)
Federal, State, and Local Start-Up Requirements
Step 1: File With the Secretary of State	7/4	(1)
Step 2: Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number	7/5	(1)
Step 3: Register Your Fictitious Business Name	7/9	(1)
Step 4: Obtain a Local Tax Registration Certificate	7/14	(1)
Step 5: Obtain a State Seller's Permit	7/15	(1)
Step 6: Obtain Special Licenses or Permits	7/21	(1)
Risk Management
Who Might Sue or Be Sued?	8/2	(1)
Risk Management Strategies	8/8	(1)
Insurance and Warranties	8/12	(1)
Paying Your Taxes
Tax Basics	9/2	(1)
Income Taxes for Sole Proprietors	9/9	(1)
Income Taxes for Partnerships	9/12	(1)
Income Taxes for LLCs	9/13	(1)
Estimating and Paying Your Taxes Quarterly	9/17	(1)
City and County Taxes	9/21	(1)
Sales Taxes	9/23	(1)
Laws, Taxes, and Other Issues for Home Businesses
Zoning Restrictions	10/3	(1)
The Home Business Tax Deduction	10/6	(1)
Risks and Insurance	10/11	(1)
Entering Into Contracts and Agreements
Contract Basics	11/2	(1)
Using Standard Contracts	11/7	(1)
How to Draft a Contract	11/8	(1)
Reading and Revising a Contract	11/13	(1)
Electronic Contracts	11/14	(1)
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Financial Management
Accounting Basics	12/4	(1)
Cash vs. Accrual Accounting	12/5	(1)
Keeping Your Receipts	12/7	(1)
Setting Up and Posting to Ledgers	12/10	(1)
Creating Financial Reports	12/15	(1)
Websites and E-Business
Getting Started	13/2	(1)
Planning and Preparing	13/9	(1)
Choosing and Working With a Web Developer	13/13	(1)
Creating Your Website	13/17	(1)
Domain Names and Hosting	13/21	(1)
Intellectual Property: Who Owns What?	13/23	(1)
Planning for Changes in Ownership
When You Need a Written Agreement	14/2	(1)
Buy-Sell Agreement Basics	14/4	(1)
Limiting Ownership Transfers	14/5	(1)
Forcing Buyouts	14/6	(1)
Establishing the Price for Sales	14/7	(1)
Implementing Buy-Sell Provisions	14/9	(1)
Sample Buy-Sell Provisions	14/10	(1)
Building Your Business and Hiring Workers
Employees vs. Independent Contractors	15/2	(1)
Special Hurdles for Employers	15/5	(1)
Getting Professional Help
Working With Lawyers	16/2	(1)
Working With Accountants and Others	16/5	(1)
Internet Legal Research	16/6	(1)
Appendixes A Resources and Contact Information
A Government Agencies	2	(2)
B Associations	4	(2)
C. Books and Publications	4	(3)
D. Websites	7	(1)
E. Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries	7	(1)
F. County Clerk/Recorders' Offices	8
B How to Use the Forms CD-ROM
A. Installing the Form Files Onto Your Computer	2	(1)
B. Using the Word Processing Files	3	(1)
C. Using Adobe Acrobat (PDF) Form Files	4
C Tear-Out Forms
Partnership Agreement
LLC Articles of Organization
Sample Articles of Incorporation
Certificate of Limited Partnership
Limited Liability Partnership Registration
Application for Employer Identification Number (IRS Form SS-4)
California Fictitious Business Name Statement
California Seller's Permit Application and Instructions for Individuals/Partnerships/Corporations/Organizations
California Resale Certificate
Swap Meets, Flea Markets, or Special Events Certification
California Board of Equalization Publications Order Form
IRS Form 1040-ES: Estimated Tax Form and Instructions
California Estimated Tax Form and Instructions (FTB Form 540-ES)
Limited Liability Company Tax Voucher (FTB Form 3522)
Entity Classification Election (IRS Form 8832)
Election To Have a Tax Year Other Than a Required Tax Year (IRS Form 8716)
Determination of Worker Status for Purposes of Federal Employment Taxes and Income Tax Withholding (IRS Form SS-8)