Business Info needed

[SunDancer]

I am currently drafting my business plan, and wanted to know if we have people here involved in business ownership, or legal aspects of business operations. I was wondering if you could answer a few questions?

I want to file for articles of incorporation in Florida, and file the tax info in the state. Also, file for trademark and copyright protection as well. I wanted to know if I have to file in each state I conduct business (plan on going through internet, ect.), or if I just have to file taxes and information with Florida and the Fed?

[digamma]

Each state has different rules on this. You should contact an attorney.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I'm going to pretty much echo digamma here -- it sounds to me like you might be well-advised to consider getting an attorney involved in the process. Or, at the very least, your accountant/tax adviser/financial adviser.

Rules governing incorporation & related matters vary wildly from state to state & I wouldn't pretend for a minute to be familiar with the rules for Florida-based entities.

I was pretty lucky, as Georgia's rule & regs for corporations are pretty simple (once you've read 'em through a few times). We were able to handle the entire incorporation process ourselves, did 90% of it online & finished it all in less than 3 weeks. Cost? Less than $250 IIRC.

[MacroGuru]

I had originally done all my leg work for her, but you know what. The best advice I ever received after one business headache I had was, you should have spoken to an an attorney.

Well, after that time, I went to an attorney and my own CPA. They have both helped me out so far, and saved me some cash too.

[Samdari]

Originally Posted by digamma

Each state has different rules on this. You should contact an attorney.

I echo everyone else. I knew someone who tried to incorporate on his own. Turns out this is something you don't want to do without an attorney.

[SunDancer]

Alright thanks guys.

What type of lawyer should I contact? Any guess on costs for incorporating, with a lawyer in the end?

[Fritz]

Originally Posted by SunDancer

Any guess on costs for incorporating, with a lawyer in the end?

alright, now we are getting to the dirty talk!

[digamma]

JonIMG's cost estimates for filing fees are about right, however that does not include attorney's fees, which can vary widely.

You should do some research on your own regarding choice of entity (corporation vs. LLC, for instance), so you are prepared when you meet with someone--this is where meeting with a tax or other financial adviser might be helpful.

[Desnudo]

Originally Posted by SunDancer

Alright thanks guys.

What type of lawyer should I contact? Any guess on costs for incorporating, with a lawyer in the end?

It depends on the size of the business and the level of complication. Although you could incorporate in Delaware. I believe all you need is the money to pay for the certificate and there aren't any corporate income taxes.

[judicial clerk]

We charge $700.00 flat fee for incorporating, plus costs. includes:
articles of incorporation
by-laws
appropriate corporate records (initial meeting minutes, stock certificates)
corporate book
(basically everything you need to be legal)

If you want something fancy, then its gonna cost a little more.
similar prices for LLCs, LLPs, LPs, PCs, general partnerships

As far as choosing an entity goes, I am rather fond of LLCs.

[SunDancer]

Originally Posted by Fritz

alright, now we are getting to the dirty talk!

Thanks. Sometimes I don't realize how dirty some things I say really are, when I don't realize what I just said and how I said it. Maybe that's why some girls call me a prevert?

Anyways, basicially I should contact a corporate lawyer? Does the lawyer have to be in the state I am setting up in, or can I do it from where I am? Or can I atleast legal advice?