Best Legal Tips for the Self-Employed
Whether part of the new gig economy or the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, you've made it: you are your own boss. And with the great power of self-employment, comes the even greater responsibility of handling everything from taxes and insurance to retirement plans and lawsuits.
So how do you know which issues you'll need to tackle and how to tackle them? Here's a quick list of the five best legal tips if you're self-employed:
1. Must Reads for the Self-Employed
This article provides info on how to get an employer identification number as well as how to navigate the health insurance marketplace. It's your need-to-know legal guide to self-employment, from taxes to benefits and everything in between.
2. 5 Must-Dos If You Operate a Home Business
Did you check with your local zoning ordinances or home owners' association covenants before opening up shop in your den or garage? Do you have the right insurance coverage for both your home and business? Find out all the i's you need to dot and t's you need to cross.
3. Can I Lose My Home in a Business Lawsuit?
If you're self-employed, your house may be especially vulnerable in a lawsuit filed against your business, especially if you work from home. But you can protect your home under certain state homestead laws and the right corporate structure.
4. Top 5 Tax Tips If You're Working From Home
The big concern (especially this time of year) is how self-employment and working from home will affect your tax liability. While you may have some additional home office deductions, you'll also have the added burden of maintaining records and expense reports yourself.
5. Can I Have a 401(k) If I'm Self-Employed?
Short answer: yes. Read more for the long answer and how to figure out which plan is right for you.
And just because you're self-employed doesn't mean you need to go it alone -- an experienced business and commercial attorney can help.
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Related Resources:
- Browse Business & Commercial Lawyers by Location (FindLaw Directory)
- 5 Things a Tax Lawyer Can Do (That You Probably Can't) (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)
- Self-employment Taxes Don't Have to be Intimidating (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)
- Home Office Tax Deduction Made Simple for 2013 (FindLaw's Free Enterprise)