Registering a business typically requires several key documents depending on your business structure. For LLCs, you'll need Articles of Organization, while corporations require Articles of Incorporation. Sole proprietorships may only need a DBA (Doing Business As) registration.

Additional documents often include an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, business licenses specific to your industry and location, and operating agreements or bylaws that outline your company's structure and governance.

There are several legal strategies to reduce your tax burden. First, ensure you're taking advantage of all available deductions, including home office expenses, business mileage, and equipment purchases. Consider structuring your business as an S-corporation or LLC to benefit from pass-through taxation.

Retirement contributions, health savings accounts, and timing income/expenses strategically can also help. We recommend consulting with both a tax attorney and accountant to develop a comprehensive tax strategy tailored to your specific business situation.

A comprehensive business contract should clearly define all parties involved, the scope of work or products being exchanged, payment terms and schedules, delivery timelines, and quality standards. It should also include terms for dispute resolution, termination conditions, and confidentiality provisions where applicable.

Critical legal elements include governing law (which state's laws apply), limitation of liability clauses, indemnification provisions, and force majeure clauses. We strongly recommend having all contracts reviewed by legal counsel before signing, as poorly drafted contracts can lead to significant legal and financial consequences.

You should consider trademark registration as soon as you've established your brand identity and before significant investment in marketing. Ideally, this should be done during the business formation phase. A federal trademark provides nationwide protection and prevents others from using confusingly similar names in your industry.

Before filing, conduct a comprehensive trademark search to ensure your name isn't already in use. The process involves submitting an application to the USPTO, which can take several months. Common law trademarks exist simply by using the name in commerce, but federal registration provides stronger legal protections and is recommended for businesses planning to operate beyond local markets.

The primary legal distinction lies in the degree of control and independence. Employees work under your direction regarding when, where, and how work is performed, while contractors maintain control over their work methods. Misclassification can lead to significant legal penalties, so it's crucial to understand the differences.

Key factors include whether you provide tools/equipment, set work hours, offer benefits, have the right to control work details, and the permanency of the relationship. Contractors typically work for multiple clients, use their own tools, set their own schedules, and are paid by project rather than salary or hourly wages. We recommend creating clear contracts that reflect the true nature of the working relationship.