Posts Tagged ‘legal’
by Barbara Weltman on August 4th, 2009
As the economy improves, you may be reluctant to hire new employees but still need extra help to meet increased demand. Some alternatives: independent contractors, temporary workers, or even summer interns. Be sure you understand the tax and legal issues before engaging this type of help.
Independent contractors
IRS worker classification. One of the hottest audit targets is worker classification. You may treat a worker as an independent contractor (IC) because you believe this is the correct treatment, but the IRS may think otherwise and reclassify your worker is an employee. Result if the IRS is correct: You could owe... Read more »
by Rebecca Button on May 20th, 2008
The Federal Trade Commission announced in a press release today that it will soon be publishing clarifications to the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003. The following topics are to be addressed:
(1) an e-mail recipient cannot be required to pay a fee, provide information other than his or her e-mail address and opt-out preferences, or take any steps other than sending a reply e-mail message or visiting a single Internet Web page to opt out of receiving future e-mail from a sender.
(2) the definition of “sender” was modified to make it easier to determine which of multiple parties advertising in... Read more »
by Danny Brown on April 17th, 2008
With businesses constantly wary of losing staff to rival companies, many are now enforcing what’s known as non-compete contracts. This is where new employees sign a contract that states they cannot contact a client of their old company to take them to their new place of work. It usually applies for anywhere between 2-3 years from the date the ex-employee leaves the company. However, whilst it’s an excellent way for business owners to protect not only their clients but also their intellectual property, it can also have its negative sides.
The Pros of Non-Compete Contracts
The obvious benefit of having... Read more »
by Rebecca Button on March 24th, 2008
It ranks right up there with getting your wisdom teeth pulled or surviving the first anniversary of your 29th birthday (for those who haven’t had their coffee yet, that would be your 30th birthday-the horror!). And yet, much like getting your wisdom teeth out (probably inevitable) and turning 30 (definitely inevitable), if you run a business, odds are you’ll eventually have to deal with the unpleasantness known as a lawsuit.
Your best defense is a good offense and you can create a good offense by taking some preventative steps to reduce the risk of being threatened with a lawsuit according... Read more »
by Leeia Ladipoh on March 5th, 2008
Have you ever felt that taxes and regulations are unfairly burdening your business or industry?
If you are like many small business owners, you are of the mindset that there is nothing you can do about it, and that you should just suffer with it. After all, how are you going to convince government forces that they are hurting you? As a small business, you may think you do not have enough influence to make a difference.
In some respects, you may be right. Your small business alone does not have the sway with government regulators and lawmakers that a... Read more »
by Leeia Ladipoh on February 14th, 2008
When you are selling items online, you have to balance your desire to make the sale with the importance of not making an offer your items can’t live up to.
When you look over your product descriptions, are they as honest and accurate as they could be? Even if you think they’re pretty close, the details you omit, or allow to be assumed could be an opening for a lawsuit.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how having accurate product descriptions could keep you – and your business – off the docket.
Mistakes Happen….Right?
Once upon a time... Read more »
by Danny Brown on February 11th, 2008
One of the hardest things to deal with in any business is a contract. Because they can be so intensive down to the minutest of details, more often than not they can result in contract disputes. Yet often it can also be the simplest of things that can lead to a contract dispute – that simple disagreement can lead to a costly court case and damages for the “hurt” party. So how can you avoid these disputes? Unfortunately, sometimes it’s easier said than done, but there are ways you can limit the potential of a contract dispute.
Don’t Go By... Read more »
by Carrie Hinkel on January 30th, 2008
Many small business owners think that lawyers are only needed when a lawsuit arises or when a contract needs to be drawn up. Unfortunately, it’s that kind of thinking that can end up giving business owners some serious future regrets.
Instead of thinking of attorneys as professionals who fix legal problems, think of them as people who prevent problems from ever occurring. A good business attorney will guide you through every step of your business – from startup through expansion – and will ensure that your business’ best interests are kept in mind.
Why having an attorney can help you... Read more »
by Steve Strauss on January 21st, 2008
Q: One of my vendors owes me about $5,000. I also think he defrauded me. Do you think it is worth it to hire a lawyer and sue or is small claims the way to go?
Ali
A: While I like to joke that I am a "recovering attorney," I still have plenty of respect for my old profession, warts and all. And when it comes to lawsuits, there are undoubtedly warts a plenty.
I understand and appreciate that there are all sorts of reasons to take a dispute to court:
* There is an emotional satisfaction that comes from... Read more »
by Carrie Hinkel on November 12th, 2007
Some companies accept a return on a product, but will then deduct a portion of the price (usually between 10% and 20%) for restocking fees. Over the years, restocking fees have gotten a bad reputation – customers think they are just another way for retailers to unjustifiably keep their money. However, when you take a closer look, restocking fees are really just ways for retailers to recoup some of the costs they incur when accepting a returned item.
There are definitely times when a restocking fee is warranted, and other times when it is not. Here are some examples of... Read more »