Includes index

Which legal form is best for your business? -- Structuring a partnership agreement -- Creating a corporation -- Creating a limited liability company -- Preparing for ownership changes with a buyout agreement -- Naming your business and products -- Licenses and permits -- Tax basics for the small business -- Raising money for your business -- Buying a business -- Franchises : how not to get burned -- Insuring your business -- Negotiating a favorable lease -- Home-based business -- Employees and independent contractors -- The importance of excellent customer relations -- Legal requirements for dealing with customers -- Cash, credit cards, and checks -- Extending credit and getting paid -- Put it in writing : small business contracts -- The financially troubled business -- Resolving legal disputes -- Representing yourself in small claims court -- Lawyers and legal research -- Appendix. Checklist for starting a small business

Answers legal questions in plain English related to starting and running a small business. The fifteenth edition is completely updated with the latest legal information and tax rules