Law Offices of Norbert U. Frost

Schedule a Consultation

Call (707) 553-7356
San Francisco Bay Area

  • Home
  • Estate Planning
    • Will vs. Revocable Living Trust
    • Estate Planning for Parent with Minor Children
    • Estate Planning for Married Couples
    • Estate Planning for Blended Families
    • Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
    • Special Needs Trusts
    • An Overview of the California Probate Process
    • Trust Administration
  • Family Law
    • Adoption
    • Asset and Debt Division
    • Child Support
    • Custody and Visitation
    • Divorce
    • LGBT partnerships
    • Spousal Support
  • Divorce
  • About Us
    • Norbert U. Frost Profile
    • Allison K. Frost Profile
    • Maria G. Peterson Profile
    • Community Involvement
  • Blog
  • Payment
  • Contact

Forming a Business

Forming a BusinessSAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA BUSINESS ATTORNEY

Starting a business is exciting and daunting at the same time. It requires many important financial and legal decisions. Where do you start? Norbert U. Frost works with you to find answers that work for you and your new business.

1. Develop a business plan. It should include financial, managerial, marketing, and production information to run your business for the first 5 years.

2. Decide where you will locate your business and research your prospective market. Contact local Chambers of Commerce.

3. Find funding to start your business.

4. Decide on a name for your business. Check with the California Secretary of State to see if your business name is available.

5. Decide on a business structure: sole proprietorship; partnership; limited liability company or LLC; or a corporation. Each has important implications for liability, taxation, and succession planning.

  • Corporation:  the primary benefit of forming a corporation it to protect your personal assets from the liabilities of the business. It is also a vehicle to bring in outside investors and provides a way for the business to survive beyond the lifetime of the initial or primary shareholder. Corporations require formal administration and record keeping. The corporation’s income is taxed as a separate entity and the officers are paid a salary by the corporation.
  • Limited Liability Company (“LLC”):  This is a popular way to form of business in California. An LLC is similar to a corporation in that it shields you from personal liability. But, an LLC does not require the formal documentation or procedures a corporation requires. The process to create an LLC is fast and fairly inexpensive. However, this often results in LLCs which are not clearly defined or properly formed. Care must be taken to form and specifically define the LLC in order to avail oneself of its full benefits, and minimize disputes and litigation.
  • Sole Proprietorship or Partnership:  Your personal assets are vulnerable if you operate your business as a sole proprietorship or a partnership. Also, any income earned in such a business is taxed as income on your personal income tax returns.

6. File the required forms with the Secretary of State.

7. File a fictitious business name statement with your county clerk’s office.

8. Obtain federal and state employer identification numbers from the IRS and the Franchise Tax Board.

9. Determine what permits or licenses are required for your business and file them with the appropriate agency.

Call (707) 553-7356 or fill out the form on our Contact page to schedule your consultation.

Contact Us

Phone: (707) 553-7356
Fax: (707) 643-1910
1517 Tennessee Street, Vallejo, CA 94590
mpeterson@nfrostlaw.com
Schedule a Consultation

Business hours:
Monday -Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Other times by appointment

Testimonials

“I wanted to thank you again for taking care of our friend. It’s been a tough time for their entire family and how you handled her consultation made a significant impact. You are making quite a difference in the lives of those needing help.”
A Family Law Client
Solano County, CA
“Thank you for helping us out in reviewing our lease agreement. Your valuable advice and expertise were sincerely appreciated. Thank you for your support.”
A Business Client
Solano County, CA
“I’m truly grateful, my sincere thank you.”
A Family Law Client
Solano County, CA
“Words cannot express my thanks for all your assistance with my legal matters. Your support and guidance mean so much, especially at this difficult time.”
A Trust Administration Client
Contra Costa County, CA
“Many thanks for all your great work on this matter.”
A Business Client
Alameda County, CA
“We won! Thank you so much for your advice on this case. We worked very hard and finally got exactly what we wanted.”
Probate Clients
Alameda County, CA
“I would like to thank you and your staff for the fine service you provided us during this sad time. We are grateful for the outcome in court and would be happy to recommend you to our friends. Thank you again.”
A Family Law Client
Solano County, CA
“Thank you for the time and patience you generously extended to mediate my case. I am glad for the outcome and sincerely appreciate all of your efforts that greatly helped in the resolution of this case. You saved me a lot of precious time.”
A Mediation Client
Solano County, CA

Law Offices of Norbert U. Frost
1517 Tennessee Street,
Vallejo, CA 94590
Phone: (707) 553-7356
mpeterson@nfrostlaw.com

Business hours:
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: by appointment only

mapmapmapmapmapmapmapmapmap
map
marker
+−
Terms
  • Home
  • Estate Planning
  • Family Law
  • Divorce
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Payment
  • Contact
Law Offices of Norbert U. Frost. Copyright 2021 | All Rights Reserved