According to the Small Business Administration, www.sba.gov, your small business has to comply with numerous local, state and federal regulations. Research the regulations carefully to avoid penalties and other serious consequences. The following is a non-exhaustive list of the most common regulations that affect small businesses.

Business Licenses - State, city, or county.

Certificate of Occupancy -- If you are planning to occupy a new or used building.

Business Organization -- Consult a tax accountant or attorney prior to deciding which form of legal structure is right for your business.

Fictitious Business Names -- If you use a "dba," you may have to register the fictitious name pursuant to the Trade Name Registration Act.

Protecting Your Idea -- Apply for trade name, trademark, patent and copyright protection with the state and federal government

Tax Requirements -- You must withhold federal income taxes, state income taxes and FICA (Social Security) from wages paid to employees.

Federal Employer Identification Number -- Apply at www.irs.gov.

State tax information - Apply at your state's website or call your state government.

Federal Self-Employment Tax - Apply at www.irs.gov.

Business Insurance -- You must have business insurance to protect your business such as: Liability, Property, Business Interruption, Key Man, Automobile, Office and Director, Home Office, Errors and Omissions.

Sales Tax Number - Required for retail purchases, rental, storage, and consumption of tangible personal property and certain services.

Unemployment Insurance Tax -- required by the state if the company has one or more employees for 20 weeks in a calendar year or pays gross wages of $1,500 or more in a calendar year.

Immigration Act - Requires Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9.

Health and Safety -- The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines specific health and safety standards.

Workers' Compensation -- If business employs three or more people.

Minimum Wage --All business entities are subject to the federal minimum wage, overtime and child labor laws.

Bar Coding -- The Uniform Code Council, Inc. assigns a manufacturers' ID code on the packaged products you sell.

For more information about these and other important business and legal topics, please visit our website at http://www.IndigoBusinessSolutions.net, Copyright 2006. Indigo Business Solutions is a registered trade name.

The future of your business starts here.

Jo Ann Joy

Jo Ann Joy is the CEO and owner of Indigo Business Solutions. She has a law degree, an MBA, and a degree in Economics. Her legal background includes commercial, corporate, bankruptcy and real estate law. She has expertise in accounting, financial planning, mortgages, marketing, product development, and business strategies.

Jo Ann ran a successful business for 10 years, and she has written and given presentations on many different legal and business subjects. Jo Ann started Indigo Business Solutions, and she strives to help small businesses make decisive improvements in their start-up, direction, growth, and performance. Jo Ann is passionate about helping businesses succeed.

Indigo Business Solutions is a ?one stop shop? for small businesses. We differ from other business consulting firms, because we offer comprehensive legal and business counseling. We work with our clients to develop strategies that create value and competitive advantage. Jo Ann is not a traditional attorney. Rather, she is a strategic business attorney who works closely with clients to create and implement strategies that will greatly improve their performance and success.

Jo Ann will her talents, expertise, and education to inspire enterprising and imaginative people to make their goals a reality and enjoy professional and personal growth. She promises to consistently deliver quality and reliable service to earn your trust and create lasting relationships. She promises that she will make a positive difference in your business.

If you are not getting what you want from your business or if you want to reach higher goals, Indigo Business Solutions delivers the strategic planning that will provide you with the right tools and methods to grow and gain market share. Please look at our website and found out how we can help you expand and achieve your goals.

We offer straight talk, sound advice, and practical solutions. Your small business deserves to be a success, and