Legal Guide for Starting and Running a Small Business

The all-in-one business law book

Whether you’re just starting a small business, or your business is already up and running, legal questions crop up on an almost daily basis. Ignoring them can threaten your enterprise―but hiring a lawyer to help with routine issues can devastate the bottom line

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.

This new edition explains how to do all of these things, taking into account coronavirus implications. Whether you’re a sole proprietor or an LLC or corporation, a one-person business operating out of your home, or a company with a large staff leasing space, this book will help you start and run a successful business.

The 17th edition is completely updated with the latest business tax rules and best practices for running a home-based business.

Until his death in 2017, Attorney Fred S. Steingold was a practicing attorney in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His main practice areas were real estate law and business law. He is the author of several Nolo books, including Legal Forms for Starting & Running a Small Business and The Employer's Legal Handbook.

David M. Steingold is a private attorney currently based in Michigan. His practice covers multiple areas including business law. He has been an author for Nolo since 2012.