From opening day to tax day, this is the all-in-one book you need! Small business owners are regularly confronted by a bewildering array of legal questions and problems. Ignoring them can lead to disaster -- but with lawyers typically charging $200-$300 an hour, calling one to answer routine legal questions can be a fast track to the poorhouse. Fortunately, you have a better alternative. Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business clearly explains the practical and legal information you need to: -raise start-up money -choose between a sole proprietorship, partnership or LLC -get licenses and permits -buy or sell a business or franchise -negotiate a favorable lease -insure your business -hire independent contractors safely -understand small business tax rules -pick and protect a good name -resolve legal disputes -adopt the best customer policies -enter into strong contracts -cope with financial problems The 9th edition is completely updated and revised to provide the latest regulations, tax numbers and business realities. It also provides a start-up checklist, an expanded discussion about choosing a business structure, updates to bankruptcy law -- and much more.