Important Business Planning Decisions

General Information

Business Services:

Starting a Business

Buying a Business

Selling a Business

Custom Contracts

Annual Records Service

Litigation (i.e. Lawsuits):

Being Sued / Suing

Collecting a Debt

Getting Paid Bulletin

Small Claims Guide

Other Issues of Interest:

Identity Theft

Wills, Trusts, P.O.A.s

Traffic Offenses

Real Estate

Important Decisions To Make

During Business Planning.

In the course of preparing a business plan or starting a business, you will encounter many issues that require a preliminary or definite decision. Below is a listing of some of the commonly required "legal issues" decisions:

Legal Form of Business Entity.

One of the most important preliminary decisions to be made will be determining the correct business form in which to operate the business. Businesses can operate under a sole proprietorship, business trust, partnership (general or limited), corporation, or limited liability company (LLC).

Note: Different parts of the same business can be organized using different forms. For example, a convenience storeowner may own title to the real estate through a LLC or LLP, and operate the business through a separate LLC or S-Corporation. The operating company then leases the real estate from the real estate company.

Types of Business Entities.

Choosing the Right Form.

Licensing, Regulations, and Taxes.

Some businesses are engaged in operations or industries that require certain training or oversight. In those situations, the business and its owners may be required to obtain certain licenses from local, state, and federal governments before commencing operations.

Businesses are also sometimes restricted to the geographic areas within which they can operate. These restrictions are called "zoning laws".

In addition, most businesses must be registered with the government's taxing authorities and pay certain taxes on purchases, sales, income, expenses, and assets.

Wisconsin Business Licensing Laws.

Zoning Issues.

Common Business Taxes.

Employees and Independent Contractors.

Businesses cannot operate without people -- either employees or independent contractors. For startup businesses, oftentimes the owner is the only employee. However, over time, most businesses hire employees and independent contractors to operate the business.

Employees vs. Independent Contractors.

Key Employee Contracts.

Required Employment Law Posters.

Customers.

Likewise, businesses cannot operate without customers -- people or businesses who are willing to pay the business to perform services or provide goods.

Terms of Sales Contracts, Invoices, etc.

Advertising Laws.

Marketing Options.

Venders and Suppliers.

Successful businesses also have good relationships with other businesses that provide support services and supplies.

Commercial Property Leases.

Insurance.

In today's business environment, all businesses require some types of insurance that cover certain unexpected or catastrophic losses.

Types of Common Business Insurance.