Don’t Ignore The Information Report
A simple document known either as the Texas Franchise Tax Public Information Report or Ownership Information Report can cause some businesses to lose the benefits of corporate protection or, in other instances, delay important transactions such as loans. Small business owners – and even some professionals – frequently overlook or incorrectly prepare this simple but […]
Beware of Business Deals Online
Have you noticed Internet ads for “Investor Needed,” “Partner Needed,” or “New Invention?” These ads typically pitch investment in a new product, a “sure-to-be-profitable” business, or real estate. Entrepreneurs who’ve cashed in on good ideas are popular thanks to shows like “Shark Tank.” While fears of the stock market linger, the average consumer with a […]
Top 5 Things You Shouldn’t Overlook When Starting a Franchise
Franchised businesses dominate the local service economy, offering everything from food and beverage service, tax return preparation, plumbing, lawn care, and even babysitting. The appeal is easy to see: the best franchises offer instant credibility, training, and operating procedures. In exchange, you pay the franchisor an initial fee and an ongoing “royalty.” Many also charge […]
Donald Sterling’s Lessons for Businesses
Whether you agree with V. Stiviano’s decision to publicize a recording of L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling, the debacle is a good reminder for business owners and employees that their actions, both inside and outside the business, can impact the company and its brand. In Sterling’s case, his girlfriend secretly recorded the longtime L.A. Clippers […]
Social Media – Be Careful What You Post!
It’s a constant warning about the hazards of social media: don’t post comments or pictures on your social media sites that might come back to haunt you. Yet, we continue to see news about individuals who post items they later regret. Often people think they are protected by freedom of speech laws and can say […]
Selling Mixed Liquor Comes with Double Paperwork
Have you noticed that your Margarita or Long Island Iced Tea got more expensive this year? Your favorite drink will likely cost around 1 percent more thanks to Texas House Bill 3572, which took effect on Jan. 1. This new law modified the Mixed Beverage Gross Receipts Tax and created a new Mixed Beverage Sales […]
Employers Should Protect Themselves from Texting Lawsuits
Texting while driving: we have all probably done this more than we’d like to admit. Usually it involves texting a quick update with one hand while rushing somewhere in a car or replying to text messages behind the wheel at a stoplight. In recent years, texting while driving has received a lot of bad press […]
Could ObamaCare Help Small Businesses Stay Competitive?
Many small businesses struggle to keep loyal employees and often don’t provide health insurance due to the high costs. The new Affordable Care Act or ‘ObamaCare’ is feared by many small businesses and despised by some. The recent rollout debacle was certainly evidence of flaws in the program that will have to be addressed. Whether […]
What’s Your Business Exit Strategy?
One of the last things on your mind when starting a business is preparing for its sale, yet some of the most common business documents we’re asked to prepare is for the sale of a business in whole or in part (asset purchase, stock purchase, etc.). This is often how business owners ‘retire.’ Business buyers […]
Top 3 Reasons to Seek a Qualified Business Attorney
If you are searching for a house, you typically will seek out a trained real estate agent. If you need help with your taxes, your best investment is often a certified public accountant. So why not contract with an attorney who specializes in business startups when creating a new business? It’s a significant question since […]