teens with legal issues

If you work out of your house creating products or selling services to clients, you might not think you need an attorney. However, it is in your best interests to consult a small business lawyer in order to protect yourself and your business from legal and financial trouble in the future. Here are some reasons to retain an attorney as soon as you can.

Choosing an Entity for Your Business

You might just be offering services and selling things you make at home, but you are going to be responsible for business taxes. In order to determine how much you'll be responsible for in taxes, you'll need to choose the right business entity for your company. For example, should you file taxes as a limited liability corporation (LLC) or a sole proprietorship? A good small business lawyer can help you understand what each business entity is and help you to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type. That way, you'll know which entity to select.

Dealing with Contracts

Even when you work at home, you will eventually enter into business contracts and agreements with vendors, suppliers and other businesses to complete your work. An attorney can read contracts before you sign them and help you notice any red flags. They can also request certain provisions in order to better protect you, so that bigger companies are fair to you.

A lawyer can also assist you if you want to enter into a partnership with someone. They can draft papers that ensure things are fair for both of you. Your attorney will also help you craft an exit strategy, if you need one in the future.

Help with Independent Contractors and Employees

While you might be the only person working for your home business now, as your business grows, you will eventually have a chance to hire independent contractors or employees. A business attorney can draft agreements and work policies for those people to sign before they begin working for you. These documents can serve as protection for you and your business and can offer employees clear guidelines about time off, vacation time and other employee-related topics.

Now that you know why you should enlist the help of a small business lawyer when you work at home, set up a consultation with a few attorneys in the area. With the right lawyer, you can protect yourself as your business grows. To find out more, speak with a business like Caldwell Kennedy & Porter.