📎 Created for home-based, side hustle, and micro-businesses.
🛡️ Learn how to avoid legal pitfalls most new businesses miss.
Free Startup Legal Checklist: The First 5 Legal Steps Every Home Business Must Take
- Choose the Right Business Structure
- Understand the difference between a Sole Proprietorship, LLC, and S-Corp.
- For most home-based businesses, an LLC offers personal liability protection and flexibility.
- Research your state’s LLC formation process or consult a business advisor.
- Register Your Business Name
- Check that your business name is available and not trademarked.
- File a DBA (“Doing Business As”) if operating under a name different from your own.
- Consider registering your domain name and social media handles.
- Set Up Legal & Financial Foundations
- Open a dedicated business bank account.
- Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — even if you have no employees.
- Keep business income and expenses separate from your personal finances.
- Get Legal Support in Place Early
- Subscribe to an affordable legal plan like LegalShield to review contracts and get consultations.
- Have legal documents reviewed before signing with vendors, platforms, or partners.
- Use attorney-drafted templates when possible.
- Protect Your Identity & Data
- Use a VPN and strong password management system.
- Monitor your SSN, bank accounts, and business email for breaches or fraud.
- Subscribe to IDShield or another protection service that offers full restoration.
Bonus: Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer
- What’s your experience with small/home-based businesses?
- Do you offer flat-fee services?
- How fast can I get help when I need it?
- Can you help with both personal and business legal matters?
Need Help Getting Started? Book a free consultation with Business Formation Education (BFE) and get affordable, on-call legal support for your business.