Fourth-generation owner Megan Mentzer arranges tools inside Newton's Tru-Value hardware store in Cherryvale, Kansas.
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Where Business Begins. Your Resource to Grow

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Darin Proffitt moves official mail through the postal center at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.

Can You Use a Virtual Address for a U.S. LLC? Registered Agent, IRS, Bank, and State Filing Rules

A source-checked guide to registered offices, virtual mailboxes, IRS addresses, bank verification, privacy, non-resident founders, and address changes.

Aug 20, 2026 | ~34 min read

U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore and American Loggers Council President Mike Albrecht sign a memorandum of understanding in Washington, D.C.

LLC Operating Agreement Guide: Clauses, State Rules, Banking Proof, and Update Triggers

A practical LLC operating-agreement guide covering ownership, contributions, authority, voting, distributions, transfers, tax elections, evidence, and amendments.

Aug 06, 2026 | ~36 min read

Start with confidence

Ready to start your business?

Answer a few guided questions, review the services and fees, and continue with a clear next step.

  • Guided intake
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A pickle vendor talks with customers at the USDA Farmers Market in Washington, D.C.

Form 1099-K in 2026: Payment Apps, Marketplaces, Gross Receipts, and Reconciliation

A practical 2026 guide to Form 1099-K thresholds, gross payment reporting, monthly reconciliation, corrections, evidence, and year-end review for small businesses.

Jul 16, 2026 | ~37 min read

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office campus in Alexandria, Virginia, has a central glass atrium and small American flags by the entrance.

Business Name vs. Trademark in 2026: A Clearance and Filing Checklist

A practical 2026 workflow for separating entity names from trademarks, clearing a brand, choosing a filing basis, preserving evidence, and maintaining a federal registration.

Jul 09, 2026 | ~36 min read

Sang Lee Farms co-owner William Lee and an NRCS district conservationist stand beside irrigation equipment on the family farm in Peconic, New York.

Adding or Removing an LLC Member in 2026: Ownership, Tax, State, and Banking Checklist

A practical 2026 workflow for admitting, buying out, or replacing an LLC member while coordinating the operating agreement, state records, federal tax classification, foreign-owner withholding, banking access, and evidence.

Jun 25, 2026 | ~38 min read

A man pulls a boat loaded with sandbags through floodwater in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, past buildings and a stop sign.

Small-Business Continuity Plan 2026: Prepare for Weather, Cyber, and Vendor Outages

A practical 2026 continuity guide for small businesses: map critical work, protect people and records, prepare cash and vendor alternatives, use scenario playbooks, and test a recoverable first-72-hours plan.

Jun 11, 2026 | ~36 min read

Your next clear step

Ready to start your business?

Answer a few guided questions, review the services and fees, and continue with a clear next step.

  • Guided intake
  • Visible costs
Start My Company
VBOC facilitator Kissena Sheets leads a Boots-to-Business workshop at NAS JRB Fort Worth, Texas.

What to Do After Your LLC Is Approved: A 2026 Checklist

A practical LLC launch checklist: records, EIN, banking, bookkeeping, permits and first deadlines, with clear dependencies and completion checks.

Feb 12, 2026 | ~16 min read

Close exterior view of U.S. Capitol columns and facade with a small American flag.

LLC Annual Reports and Taxes: Six States Compared for 2026

Compare LLC reports and state taxes in Delaware, Wyoming, Florida, Texas, California and New York, with deadlines, fees and official sources.

Mar 05, 2026 | ~18 min read

West Coast Distribution Center manager Kent Altom briefs visitors inside the Exchange warehouse at Sharpe Army Depot, California.

Sales Tax Nexus for Online Sellers: California and Texas

Separate inventory, sales thresholds and marketplace duties, with California and Texas examples, a sales worksheet and a filing workflow.

Mar 26, 2026 | ~17 min read

U.S. Treasury Under Secretary Brian Nelson, Representative Joyce Beatty, and FinCEN Director Andrea Gacki at a Columbus small-business BOI outreach event.

BOI and CTA in 2026: What Small Businesses Still Need to Know After the Rule Change

A practical 2026 BOI and CTA update after the rule change: domestic entities, foreign reporting companies, U.S. persons, recordkeeping, and monitoring.

Apr 16, 2026 | ~35 min read

A closed taco storefront in Ojai, California, displays English and Spanish closed signs.

How to Dissolve an LLC or Keep It Inactive: A 2026 Guide

Choose between keeping an LLC inactive and closing it, then work through state filings, taxes, contracts and banking, with a California example.

May 14, 2026 | ~16 min read

Start with confidence

Ready to start your business?

Answer a few guided questions, review the services and fees, and continue with a clear next step.

  • Guided intake
  • Visible costs
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Selected guides

Reading this week

Annual requirements for non-resident LLC owners: federal filings, state reports, registered agents, records, and the formation choices behind them.

Jul 07, 2026~34 min read
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Selected article 1 of 5

Bigfoot Braxxie's Bikes co-owner Nick Salvo repairs a bicycle inside his shop in downtown Gassaway, West Virginia.

Non-Resident US LLC: Setup and Annual Requirements

Annual requirements for non-resident LLC owners: federal filings, state reports, registered agents, records, and the formation choices behind them.

Jul 07, 2026 | ~34 min read

U.S. Marines and civilians sit around a table during a tax-center recognition meeting at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

2026 Tax Calendar for Small Businesses: Key Deadlines from February to April

A practical 2026 tax calendar for founders: the February-April deadlines, what they mean by entity type, and how to protect cash flow, records, and filing proof.

Jan 23, 2026 | ~34 min read

A payment-card terminal sits on a Walgreens checkout counter beside candy and retail displays.

Building US Credit for Your International LLC: A Practical Guide

A step-by-step guide to establishing and strengthening your LLC’s credit profile in the US for growth and trust.

Feb 03, 2025 | ~35 min read

A coffee vendor speaks with a customer at the USDA Farmers Market on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Top US LLC Formation and Compliance Tips for 2026

A current 2026 guide to US LLC formation, tax classification, EIN decisions, state compliance, banking, and rules for non-US owners.

Feb 23, 2025 | ~30 min read

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer watching a shipping-container inspection at the Port of Baltimore.

Grow Your International Business in the US

A step-by-step roadmap for non-residents expanding into the US. Discover legal steps, compliance musts, cultural nuances, and effective tax strategies.

Feb 16, 2025 | ~45 min read

Turn your idea into action

Ready to start your business?

Answer a few guided questions, review the services and fees, and continue with a clear next step.

  • Guided intake
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  • Review before payment
Start My Company
A hand holds a pen over the filing-status section of a U.S. Form 1040 tax return.

Foreign Business Owners: U.S. Tax Filing Requirements in 2026

A practical 2026 guide for non-U.S. founders with U.S. LLCs, corporations, or partnerships, covering entity classification, income tax returns, Form 5472, EIN records, withholding, state filings, deadlines, and recordkeeping.

Jun 23, 2026 | ~34 min read

Iowa farm owner and grocery lead reviewing invoices beside bulk-food dispensers.

How to Get an EIN or ITIN for Your Business: A Comprehensive Guide for New Entrepreneurs

Learn how to obtain an EIN or ITIN, from core application steps to compliance tips, whether you’re a new U.S. entrepreneur or a foreign founder.

Mar 02, 2025 | ~35 min read

A glass bakery display in New York holds labeled cookies, scones, and biscuits beneath an English food-allergy notice.

Essential U.S. Business Licenses and Permits for New LLC Owners

Your guide to the federal, state, and local licenses your LLC needs. Learn how to stay compliant, avoid fines, and build credibility in the U.S.

Apr 20, 2025 | ~30 min read

The New York Stock Exchange facade on Wall Street displays a large American flag beneath its carved name.

S Corp vs. C Corp: Choosing the Right Structure in 2026

A practical 2026 guide to choosing between S corporation and C corporation tax treatment, including ownership limits, double taxation, pass-through income, reasonable compensation, fundraising, compliance, and decision scenarios.

Jun 18, 2026 | ~32 min read

Independent storefronts and pedestrians line a street in Georgetown, Washington, D.C.

Choosing the Right Business Structure (LLC, S Corp, or C Corp)

Learn how each entity type affects your taxes, liability, and growth in 2025, and find the best fit for your business goals.

Mar 09, 2025 | ~35 min read

The James E. Rudder State Office Building in Austin stands at a downtown corner beneath U.S. and Texas flags.

Essential Guide: Avoiding Common Business Registration Mistakes

A blueprint for preventing key registration pitfalls. Learn to choose the right entity, stay compliant, and set a strong foundation for your new company.

Mar 26, 2025 | ~20 min read

An instructor leads an SBA Boots to Business workshop for aspiring entrepreneurs at Pease Air National Guard Base in New Hampshire.

Best State for a Non-Resident LLC: A Practical 2026 Comparison

Compare Wyoming, Delaware, Florida, and Texas by real operations, formation fees, annual costs, foreign qualification, and banking requirements.

Apr 08, 2025 | ~36 min read

Representatives of Wise Tax Services speak with an Operation StartUp attendee at Fort Stewart, Georgia.

Effective Tax Strategies for Small Businesses: Deductions, Credits, Entity Choice, and Cash Planning

A practical small-business tax strategy guide for 2026: entity structure, clean records, deductible expenses, depreciation, credits, estimated payments, retirement plans, state taxes, audit proof, and cash-flow controls.

Jun 16, 2026 | ~34 min read

U.S. Air Force safety inspector examining an equipment case inside a New Jersey warehouse.

Preparing for Business Audits and Inspections in the U.S.: Records, Notices, Controls, and Response

A practical audit-readiness guide for U.S. businesses and foreign-owned companies operating in America: recordkeeping, IRS notices, regulatory inspections, internal controls, staff training, document retention, cybersecurity, safety reviews, and remediation.

May 28, 2026 | ~34 min read

U.S. Treasury Department building in Washington, D.C., with its facade inscription and American flag.

Corporate Transparency Act and BOI Reporting Update: What Small Businesses Need to Know in 2026

A current 2026 guide to the Corporate Transparency Act after FinCEN's August 2026 final rule: U.S.-created entities are exempt from BOI reporting, foreign reporting companies still need analysis, and ownership records still matter.

May 26, 2026 | ~31 min read

U.S. Labor officials and construction workers at a Chicago worksite with OSHA signage.

Employee vs. Independent Contractor: FLSA Classification Guide

Understand the 2024 FLSA rule, current WHD enforcement policy, the pending 2026 DOL proposal, separate IRS rules, and state-law risks.

Apr 04, 2025 | ~30 min read

Mark Esper answers questions during a U.S. Chamber of Commerce board of directors meeting in Washington, D.C.

Corporate Minutes & Resolutions Made Easy: Compliance Kit

Dive into the world of corporate minutes, resolutions, and ongoing formalities. Learn how a Compliance Kit & Seal simplifies record-keeping to protect your business.

Apr 14, 2025 | ~35 min read

Habitat for Humanity executive director Amanda Silva and board secretary Jorge Morales meet with U.S. Army leaders at the nonprofit’s headquarters in Puerto Rico.

Form 1023-EZ: Eligibility, Growth, and Ongoing Compliance

Understand Form 1023-EZ eligibility, why growth alone does not revoke exemption, annual Form 990 duties, and when full Form 1023 is required.

Apr 07, 2025 | ~40 min read

A Habitat for Humanity volunteer uses a drill beside exposed wooden framing and insulation in Port Orchard, Washington.

From Sole Prop or LLC to 501(c)(3): A Practical 2026 Transition Guide

A current guide for founders who want to move a sole proprietorship or LLC mission into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit: structure choices, IRS requirements, Form 1023 or 1023-EZ, governance, asset transfers, fundraising registration, and ongoing compliance.

Jun 04, 2026 | ~33 min read

Home-based baker Lupe Najarro labels boxes of baked goods in her kitchen in Tacoma, Washington.

Home-Office Deduction: Simplified vs. Actual Method

Compare the IRS simplified option with actual expenses, including the $5 rate, eligibility tests, records, entity treatment, and W-2 limits.

Feb 19, 2025 | ~25 min read

A bicycle delivery courier with a red backpack rides along a New York City street as storefronts blur behind him.

Self-Employment Tax in 2026: Rates, Wage Base, Estimated Payments, and Records

A current 2026 guide to U.S. self-employment tax for freelancers, sole proprietors, gig workers, and LLC owners: 15.3% rate, $184,500 Social Security wage base, Schedule SE, estimated payments, deductions, W-2 overlap, and recordkeeping.

Jul 23, 2026 | ~33 min read

Job seekers and employers talk at a hiring fair at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii.

Small-Business Hiring Playbook 2026: Recruit and Retain on a Budget

A current 2026 guide to affordable recruiting, lawful classification, pay, Form I-9, onboarding, remote work, retention, and hiring records.

Apr 06, 2025 | ~55 min read

Batteries, wiring, a memory card, and camera electronics concealed in an ATM panel recovered in an FBI skimming case.

Managing Chargebacks and Fraud for Small Online Stores

A practical operations guide for reducing chargebacks, separating real customer problems from fraud, preserving evidence, protecting payment processing, and building a dispute workflow that a small online store can actually run.

Jun 02, 2026 | ~37 min read

A military family checks in for IRS-certified VITA tax assistance near Fort Hood, Texas.

Sole Proprietor Tax Survival Kit 2026: Estimates, SE Tax, and Deductions

A current 2026 guide to sole proprietor estimated payments, self-employment tax, deductions, mileage, 1099-NEC reporting, deadlines, and records.

Apr 11, 2025 | ~35 min read

An SBA Disaster Assistance representative speaks with a local glass-shop owner inside his workshop in Findlay, Ohio.

Understanding SBA Loans and Federal Funding Options: 7(a), 504, Microloans, Eligibility, and Application Strategy

A practical 2026 guide to SBA loans and federal funding: 7(a), 504, microloans, eligibility, documentation, lender underwriting, cash-flow planning, approval timelines, repayment, and alternatives.

Jun 09, 2026 | ~34 min read

FTC consumer-protection director testifying at a U.S. Senate privacy hearing in Washington, D.C.

U.S. State Consumer Data Privacy Laws: 2026 SMB Compliance Roadmap

A current 2026 roadmap for small and midsize businesses dealing with U.S. state consumer privacy laws, including 2025 laws now in force, 2026 effective dates, thresholds, privacy notices, opt-outs, vendors, sensitive data, and enforcement readiness.

May 22, 2026 | ~33 min read

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