Small Business Start-Up Kit for California

by Pakroo, Peri; Pakroo, J. D.

• ISBN13: 9780873376037
• ISBN10: 087337603X
• Edition: CD
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-12-01
• Publisher: Nolo

Summary

With this start-up kit in hand, aspiring entrepreneurs learn how to file the right forms in the right place, choose the best business structure, write an effective business plan, be prepared for the required taxes, and acquire good bookkeeping and accounting habits. The CD-ROM contains a sample partnership agreement, county and state tax forms, and step-by-step instructions for filling them out.

Table of Contents

Working for Yourself Is Easier Than You Think
Get Started---And Get On With Your Business	3	(1)
Making the Decision to Go Official	4	(1)
Get Ready for the Ride	5
Choosing a Legal Structure
Sole Proprietorships	2	(3)
Partnerships	5	(6)
Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)	11	(3)
Corporations	14	(5)
So, Which One to Choose?	19
Picking Winning Business Names That Won't Land You in Court
An Overview of Trademark Law	5	(6)
Trademark Issues Online	11	(5)
Name Searches	16	(5)
Choosing and Registering a Domain Name	21	(2)
Trademark Registration	23	(2)
Winning Names for Your Business, Products and Services	25
Choosing a Legal and Lucrative Business Location
Picking the Right Spot	2	(3)
Complying With Zoning Laws	5	(4)
Commercial Leases	9	(1)
When Your Home Is Your Office	10
Drafting an Effective Business Plan
Different Purposes Require Different Plans	2	(1)
Describing the Business, and Yourself	3	(5)
Making Financial Projections	8	(2)
Break-Even Analysis	10	(9)
Profit/Loss Forecast	19	(3)
Start-Up Cost Estimate	22	(1)
Cash Flow Projection	23	(3)
Putting It All Together	26
Federal, State and Local Start-Up Requirements
File Organizational Documents With the California Secretary of State	4	(1)
Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number	5	(3)
Register Your Fictitious Business Name With Your County	8	(6)
Obtain a Local Tax Registration Certificate (a.k.a. ``Business License'')	14	(1)
Obtain a State Seller's Permit	15	(6)
Obtain Specialized Licenses or Permits	21
Insuring Your Business
Property Insurance	2	(1)
Liability Insurance	3	(1)
The Wide World of Specialized Insurance Policies	4	(1)
Investigating and Purchasing a Policy	5
Getting to Know Your Taxes
Tax Basics	2	(7)
Income Taxes for Sole Proprietors	9	(3)
Income Taxes for Partnerships	12	(1)
Income Taxes for LLCs	13	(4)
Estimating and Paying Your Taxes Quarterly	17	(4)
City and County Taxes	21	(1)
Sales Taxes	22
Entering Into Contracts and Agreements
Contract Basics	2	(5)
Using Standard Contracts	7	(1)
How to Draft a Contract	8	(5)
Reading and Revising a Contract	13	(1)
Special Issues for Electronic Contracts	14
Bookkeeping, Accounting and Financial Management
Accounting Basics	4	(1)
Cash vs. Accrual Accounting	5	(2)
Keeping Your Receipts	7	(3)
Setting Up and Posting to Ledgers	10	(5)
Creating Basic Financial Reports	15
Growing Your Business and Hiring Workers
Employees vs. Independent Contractors	2	(3)
Special Hurdles for Employers	5
Getting Professional Help
Working With Lawyers	2	(3)
Working With Accountants and Other Professionals	5	(1)
Internet Legal Research	6
Appendixes
A Resources and Contact Information
A. Government Agencies	2	(2)
B. Associations	4	(1)
C. Books and Publications	4	(1)
D. Websites	5	(2)
E. Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries	7	(1)
F. County Recorder Offices	8
B How to Use the Forms CD-ROM
C Tear-Out Forms
Partnership Agreement
LLC Articles of Organization
Sample Articles of Incorporation
Certificate of Limited Partnership
Application for Employer Identification Number (Form SS-4)
California Fictitious Business Name Statement
California Seller's Permit Application and Instructions
California Board of Equalization Resale Certificate Regulations
California Resale Certificates
California Board of Equalization Publications Order Forms
IRS Form 1040-ES: Estimated Tax Form and Instructions
California Estimated Tax Form and Instructions
Entity Classification Election (Form 8832)
Election To Have a Tax Year Other Than a Required Tax Year (Form 8716)
Determination of Employee Work Status for Purposes of Federal Employment Taxes and Income Tax Withholding (Form SS-8)
Limited Liability Company Tax Voucher