Author Archive
I am Self-Funding, do I sitll need a Business Plan?
Absolutely! A business plan is not just an exercise for a banker. It is a concise roadmap for your business. Even if no one else reads it, the process of answering the tough questions, and putting your ideas on paper is valuable for every business owner.
Answer by Lorraine Ball - Roundpeg
Not [...]
Should I be an LLC or a Sub-S Corporation?
A rule of thumb has developed among many accountants that if the business will be actively managed by the shareholder[s], and it will be a small business, a sub-S corporation is the choice.
For real estate or other “passive” investment type companies, the LLC is the choice. This decision is vitally important to the financial health [...]
How can I protect my business name?
Trade names can be registered through the Indiana Secretary of State, and for wider marketplace protection, throught the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. A search can be done through the USPTO’s online system for all state and federal trademark registers to see if a proposed name is being used.
For many businesses that operate on the [...]
How to reduce the number of programs which start automatically when I launch my computer.
For most people, all you need as you start your computer is your anti-virus software. To eliminate other automatic programs follow the following steps:
1. Click on the start button, go to “run”.
2. Type in “msconfig” and hit enter (do not use quotation marks)
3. This will bring up a window with several tabs. Select the “startup” [...]
Make the Most of Your Connections with LinkedIn!
This is where the real power of LinkedIn comes in. While you may have only 100 people in your contact circle, each of those people know other people. These same connections exist in the off- line world. Your friends know people you want to meet, and sooner or later they may get around to [...]
What should I name by business?
There is more to naming your business than just coming up with something that sounds good and you happen to like. Thought must be given to state and local requirements and making sure you don’t infringe upon the rights of someone else’s business name. You will need to determine whether your trade name will be [...]
Are you LinkedIn?
As a confirmed networking junkie, I am always looking for my next fix. My new fix is LinkedIn. An on-line social network, Linkedin is often described as FaceBook for professionals.
With an emphasis on career history, educational background and association membership, Linkedin has millions of members, with thousands more joining each day.
Once you register (basic membership [...]
Should I be an LLC or a Sub-S Corporation?
Before the early ’90’s, the “preferred” form of organization generally was an S corporation because it combined the limited liability associated with a corporate structure with flow-through treatment of tax benefits to its owners. An LLC is sometimes preferred because in addition to each of the aforementioned benefits, an LLC is not subject to many [...]
Is personal liability protected by the corporate form?
In all corporations, shareholders are not personally liable for corporate obligations unless corporate formalities have not been observed. Such formalities provide evidence that the corporation is a separate legal entity from its shareholders. Failure to do so may open the shareholders to liability of the corporation’s debts. Corporate formalities include issuing stock certificates, holding annual [...]
How Can I use the Kiddie Tax?
The Small Business and Work Opportunity Tax Act of 2007 introduced a number of tax incentives for small business, but included a few pitfalls for individuals. For 2007, a child under the age of 18 is subject to the “kiddie tax” (and thus pays tax at his or her parents’ highest marginal tax rate on [...]
