The Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business has helped more than a quarter million entrepreneurs and business owners master the basics, including how to: raise start-up money, decide between an LLC or other business structure, save on business taxes, get licenses and permits, choose the right insurance, negotiate contracts and leases, avoid problems if you're buying a franchise, hire and manage employees and independent contractors, attract and keep customers (and get paid on time), and limit your liability and protect your personal assets.

Includes index.

Your legal companion for starting and running a small business -- 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 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 -- Appendix: Checklist for staring a small business.