Your End of Year Legal Checklist


We’re entering the home stretch of 2012. The next two months are hectic for everyone, but particularly for small business owners. While it’s easy to become overwhelmed with end of the year sales (not to mention holiday planning and parties), business owners should take some time to make sure their business is “legally fit” for 2013.

After all, what better gift could you give your business than a fresh start for the New Year?

business legal checklist

Here’s a checklist of legal aspects for small businesses to consider before the calendar hits 2013:

1. Incorporate or Change Your Business Structure

Many small businesses start out as sole proprietorships or partnerships, but then eventually transition to another entity. For example, if your business is not incorporated, you may want to consider incorporating (either as a C Corp, S Corp, or LLC) to shelter you from some financial risk and possibly give you more flexibility when it comes to taxes. Discuss the different legal entities with your CPA, so you can determine the right entity for your situation and the right time to make the change.

You can look into a “delayed filing” option with a document-filing company. This means that you can get all of your paperwork submitted now and it will be held and filed on the first business day of 2013, allowing you to start fresh next year. This will simplify your paperwork and tax filings, as your business will have the same business structure for the whole year.

2. Close an Inactive Business

Did you start a business a few years ago, but it’s no longer operating? Even if you’re not actively promoting the business and it has no revenue, you still need to file a formal termination of that LLC or Corporation. Otherwise, you will be charged fees associated with the business, you’ll still be expected to file an annual report, and you’ll still need to submit tax returns to the IRS and state.

If you have an inactive business, you should file an “Articles of Dissolution” or “Certificate of Termination” document with the Secretary of State where your Inc. or LLC was formed. In most cases, you’ll need to settle any owed taxes before you can do this. You should also cancel any kind of permit or licenses you hold with the state or county.

Again, make sure to take care of these matters while it’s still 2012. There’s simply no reason to pay an extra cent in fees toward a business you’ve essentially retired – there’s a lot more you can do with that money!

3. Hold An Annual Meeting For Your Corporation or LLC

If you’ve gone through the work to incorporate your business, make sure you keep it in good standing. Keeping good corporate books is a frequently overlooked corporate activity. The end of the year is a good time to hold your annual meeting for your Corporation or LLC. Along with the meeting, you’ll need to generate written minutes/resolutions to be signed by the shareholders (Corporation) or members (LLC).

4.  File “Articles of Amendment” for Any Changes

If you made any changes to your Corporation or LLC ? for example, you changed your business address, authorized more shares, or a board member left ? you’ll need to file an official notification with your state of incorporation. In most states, this paperwork is known as “Articles of Amendment.” While this type of paperwork may seem pretty trivial, it’s critical to keeping your LLC or Corporation in good standing (and thus protecting your personal assets).

5. Review Your Estimated Tax Payments For 2012

Now that we’re nearing the end point for 2012, review what your business has made year to date and assess your estimated tax payments to avoid underpayments or overpayments. You’ll want to adjust your final 2012 payment (due Jan 15th) as needed.

6. Tie Up Any Loose Ends

The next two months are a perfect opportunity to tie up any loose ends you’ve been putting off throughout the year. For example, does your business need a Fictitious Business Name (or DBA)? Did you get a Tax ID number (Employer ID Number)? Are all your necessary licenses and permits in order?

The next few months will be busy, but set aside some time to take care of your business’ legal and administrative activities. By addressing certain issues in 2012, you might be able to save money in fees, taxes, and penalties moving forward.

And in other cases, you’ll be preparing your business for a fresh start in 2013!

Business Fitness Photo via Shutterstock

CorpNet offers business formations, filings, state tax registrations, and corporate compliance services in all 50 states. Express and 24 hour rush filing services available upon request. Click here to learn more.

4 Comments ▼

Nellie Akalp Nellie Akalp is a passionate entrepreneur, recognized business expert and mother of four. She is the CEO of CorpNet, the smartest way to start a business, register for payroll taxes, and maintain business compliance across the United States.

4 Reactions
  1. Fantastic checklist, Nellie. It’s really important that we go through these processes so we can enter the new year with a clean slate and a new game plan for growth. Thanks for sharing your checklist with our community. I appreciate it!

    Ti

  2. Hi Ti – Thank you so much for reading and commenting on my post! Appreciate the support! Please feel free to reach out with questions anytime! – Nellie