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Legal & Compliance Checklist

(For U.S.-based businesses; adjust for other countries as needed)

Business Structure & Registration

  • Choose a legal structure (LLC, Sole Proprietorship, Corporation, etc.).
  • Register your business name with the state (or file a DBA if using a trade name).
  • File formation documents:
  • LLC: Articles of Organization
  • Corporation: Articles of Incorporation
  • Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS.

Licenses & Permits

  • General business license (required by most cities/counties).
  • Industry-specific licenses (e.g., food service, healthcare, construction).
  • Sales tax permit (if selling taxable goods/services).
  • Home occupation permit (if working from home).
  • Zoning compliance check (for physical locations).

Tax Compliance

  • Register with state tax agencies (for income, payroll, or sales tax).
  • Set up tax withholding/filing (if hiring employees).
  • Understand quarterly estimated tax payments (for self-employed).
  • Apply for tax exemptions (if applicable, e.g., nonprofit 501(c)(3)).

Employment & Labor Laws

  • Verify worker classification (employee vs. independent contractor).
  • Post required labor notices (e.g., OSHA, minimum wage posters).
  • Set up workers’ compensation insurance (if hiring employees).
  • Create an employee handbook (policies on harassment, PTO, etc.).

Contracts & Legal Protections

  • Draft foundational contracts:
  • Client/customer agreements
  • Vendor/supplier contracts
  • Partnership agreements (if applicable)
  • Protect intellectual property:
  • Trademark business name/logo (via USPTO)
  • Copyright original content (e.g., website, marketing materials)
  • Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for sensitive info
  • Get business insurance:
  • General liability insurance
  • Professional liability (errors & omissions)
  • Property insurance (if applicable)

Data & Privacy Compliance

  • Privacy Policy (required for websites collecting user data).
  • GDPR compliance (if serving EU customers).
  • Secure sensitive data (e.g., customer info, employee records).

Annual Compliance Tasks

  • File annual reports (required for LLCs/Corporations in most states).
  • Renew licenses/permits (track expiration dates).
  • Update operating agreements/bylaws (if ownership or rules change).

Exit Strategy Considerations (Optional but Wise)

  • Buy-sell agreement (for partnerships/multi-owner businesses).
  • Succession plan (if transferring ownership in the future).

Bonus Tips

  • Consult professionals: Hire a business attorney or CPA for complex needs.
  • Stay organized: Use a compliance calendar (e.g., Google Calendar) for deadlines.
  • State-specific rules: Check your Secretary of State website for local requirements.
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