The Complete Guide to Working for Yourself: Everything the Self-Employed Need to Know about Taxes, Recordkeeping, and Other Laws with Companion CD-ROM

Many people dream of starting and running a business of their own but often do not know HOW to start. Entering the small business field as an independent contractor, freelancer, sole proprietor, or consultant is not a single decision but a series of steps, each one bringing you closer to the day your enterprise is up and running, competing for customers, and making money. How will you organize and register your business? What are the regulatory considerations? How will you protect your intellectual property? Is your business plan adequate? Where can you find financing? What are your obligations as an employer? Do you understand your tax responsibilities? This brand new book includes the most current tax rates and changes in IRS regulations such as, ""Is it a business or a hobby?"" You will learn all about business operations: selecting a business structure, licensing and permits, employer identification number (EIN), business taxes, recordkeeping, self-employment taxes, paying estimated taxes (and calculating how much to pay), dealing with independent contractors and 1099-miscellaneous forms, client agreements, insurance, workers' compensation insurance, rights and intellectual property law, accounting periods, selecting an accounting method, checklist for starting a business plan, choosing a name, business plans, forms of business structures, financing, location, marketing and advertising, In addition, new entrepreneurs will appreciate this valuable resource and reference in their daily activities and as a source of ready-to-use forms, Web sites, operating and cost cutting ideas, and mathematical formulas to apply to their operations. The Companion CD-ROM contains all the forms in the book as well as a sample business plan you can adapt for your own use.