A
work at home business or home business can be an exciting, challenging,
and lucrative adventure. It is, however, relatively the same as
any other business, and is subject to the same laws and regulations
that govern any business, no matter what the size. Simply because
home businesses are sometimes "one person" endeavors (especially
in the beginning) does not free them from adherence to the same
laws and regulations that apply to all businesses.
In order to avoid problems both in the beginning, and in the future
of any home business, it is important to do some research, spend
some money, and otherwise make sure that all laws and regulations
at the state, local, and national levels are followed "to the
letter".
Herewith follows some basic guidelines to keeping your work at
home business legal, and avoiding possible aggravation and heartache
in the future:
1. Call your Department of State, or other local government agency,
before starting your business. All information from local government
agencies is always usually free, and any required licenses such
as DBA (Doing Business As, or Fictitious Name Licensing), will
be fully explained, as well as Articles of Incorporation and other
smaller license requirements. Usually the fees and how to obtain
all necessary licensing will be explained as well in a phone call
such as this.
2. Call your regional or local government office for any advice
on zoning permits that may be required or space and inventory
requirements, depending on the type of business.
3. Call an accountant or accounting firm. These firms are generally
hugely knowledgeable about how to start and maintain a legal work
at home business and will freely share this advice with others.
They will in addition have a good knowledge of local requirements
and tax issues.
4. Find out before starting, what tax requirements are necessary
and the forms you must have on hand before beginning. These forms
and requirements will depend on the type of business, number of
employees (if any), etc., and are a necessary part of setting
up any home-based business.
5. Call a local business chamber of commerce if possible. Other
business owners can effectively impart information on other legalities,
and usually do so very willingly.
All of the above require some fees, but are usually very economical
means of preventing larger fines and sometimes legal action if
regulations and licensing requirements are not met. Remember,
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure", and this statement
is no truer than when applied to a work at home business.