Government Web sites: a wealth of information
Federal and state government Internet sites provide a rich source of information for individuals and businesses. For this and the next article, I am citing and commenting on those sites. This article focuses on government sites which are useful to business. This is not an exhaustive list. (I am not including the “www” part of the citation.)
sba.gov • Any small business will find this a useful site for the entire range of business information, from beginning, planning and financing a business to continuing its operation.
ai.org • This site is the portal for the state of Indiana. The Secretary of State has an article on starting a business and has business organization forms, such as Articles of Incorporation. The Department of Revenue has current tax forms. You can find useful information on workers’ and unemployment compensation.
indygov.org • You can use this site to access any information about Indianapolis government agencies from zoning and permits to the court system.
in.gov/judiciary • The site provides information about every Indiana state and local court, including addresses and telephone numbers. A small claims court manual is included. (Marion County small claims courts have forms and information available at their offices.)
eeoc.gov • If you have employees, then you need to know the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission employment laws prohibiting discrimination and requiring certain accommodations, e.g. for the disabled and for those with individual or family medical problems.
dol.gov • Workplace safety guidelines are discussed in the Department of Labor’s OSHA Web site. Minimum wage and overtime provisions are reviewed on the Wage and Hour site. (Overtime provisions are somewhat complicated, and their violation may result in substantial fines.)
ftc.gov • For anyone considering investing in a franchise, the Federal Trade Commission site provides a complete discussion of the advantages and risks; no one should buy a franchise business until he or she reads this article.
sec.gov • Selling your company’s stock may seem like a fairly simple transaction, but federal and state securities law could be applicable and are often confusing. The Securities and Exchange Commission has a site for small businesses going “public.” Likewise, consult the Indiana Secretary of State Securities Commission Web site.
copyright.gov and pto.gov • Protecting your copyrights and trademarks, and obtaining patents may be critical to your business success. The Copyright, Trademark and Patent Web sites thoroughly explain these laws.
irs.gov • Tax forms and information pamphlets are on-line for easy access.
Explore the Internet for business information and advice. The government sites are useful, but be cautious of other sites, particular those that want to sell you something. Before you act on any internet information, check with your business adviser, attorney or accountant.
Steve Maple is an associate professor of business at the University of Indianapolis, an attorney, and author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Law for Small Business Owners.
1September 6th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Whenever you incorporate, there are several tax and non-tax considerations that can have a long-lasting affect on you, your family and business associates; as well as your business itself.
I’ve researched this extensively and had considerable experience. I always suggest folks do their own research before either doing it themselves or hiring someone to do it for you. That way they know if the job is being done the best way for their situation. There is no substitute for first hand knowledge.
In any case, I always recommend that licensed legal and tax advisors be consulted before any action is take that can have legal or tax consequences. There is a good free e-course available called, “What You Must Know Before You Incorporate.” It is located at here.
I also provide a complete list including direct links to all the state’s corporate filings divisions. You can find sample articles of incorporation and more information free by clicking here.