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What is a W-9 Form?

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by San Francisco Estate Planning Attorney   There are many types of forms to complete as a business owner. Many of these forms tell the IRS when and if other forms need to be filled out, the type of payments that need to be applied, taxes that you should be withholding and more. A key […]

What is a “Nonprofit”?

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The word “nonprofit”   The term “nonprofit” means different things to many different people. It’s a commonly used word without a common understanding between writer and reader. People often use the words “nonprofit” and “tax exempt” interchangeably. Congress has created almost three dozen types of tax-exempt organizations in different sections of the tax code.   […]

What is the “by” line in a contract signature block?

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By your business attorney and San Jose Estate Planning attorney  For the contract signature block, you’d need to see the whole block because it could either be the place where you put the name of the entity or where you sign your personal name. Most of the time it’s a signature. For instance, let’s say […]

Should I Incorporate in California or Delaware?

Business owners often ask whether they should be incorporating in California (or their home state) or if they are better protected by incorporating in Delaware or some other jurisdiction. Their concerns are often focused on taxes, limitations on personal liability and governance of the corporation. However, for venture scale startups, the question may best be […]

What Is a Non-Disclosure Agreement?

A nondisclosure agreement or NDA creates a legal obligation to privacy and compels those who agree to keep any specified information top-secret or secured. NDAs are common in many business settings, as they provide one of the most effective way to protect trade secrets and other confidential information. Information commonly protected by NDAs might include […]

What Does the TM Symbol Mean: Everything You Need to Know

by your business attorney and San Jose Estate Planning Attorney A TM can also be used alongside an unregistered mark informing a potential infringer that a slogan, phrase, term, or logo is already claimed as a trademark. What is the meaning of TM Symbol? The TM symbol means “trademark” and is used to notify the […]

Seller’s Permit vs. Resale Certificate In California

New business owners know that they need to collect sales tax on items that they sell, but they aren’t sure if they need a Seller’s Permit or a Resale Certificate. In California, this is an important distinction because while you might only need one, use of both may save you a significant amount of money […]

Starting a Delaware Corporation in California

For various reasons, many founders decide to incorporate in Delaware even if their principle place of business will be California. This is legal and commonplace, but there are some legal and practical points that the founders will consider.   Registered Agent. All Delaware corporations need to have a registered agent within the State of Delaware. If you […]

Difference between chairman and president in a Company?

  United States of America perspective   The President of a corporation typically is the most senior corporate officer (frequently also the Chief Executive Officer). The President typically reports to the board of directors. The Chairman is called, more formally, the Chairman of the Board. This is the board member who is chosen by the […]