If you are starting a business in Iowa you may want to review this site from the IRS and this site from the Iowa Department of Revenue concerning your federal and state tax responsibilities.
Starting a Business
Rush Nigut in Des Moines Register Article on Franchising
By Rush Nigut on
Posted in Franchise Law, Starting a Business
I was recently interviewed for an article written by Patt Johnson of the Des Moines Register entitled, "Franchise Owners Buy a Head Start". As a part of my business law practice, I routinely review franchise agreements and Uniform Franchise Offering Circulars (UFOC).
The article featured several franchisees that are pleased with the franchise process and…
Franchise Agreements: Don’t Overlook Term, Renewal and Transfer Provisions
By Rush Nigut on
Posted in Franchise Law, Starting a Business
The term, renewal and transfer provisions of a franchise agreement are often overlooked by prospective franchisees. Many people focus on getting into the business but how you get out is just as important. Therefore these provisions must be reviewed carefully.
The term of the franchise agreement determines how long the franchisee will be authorized to…
Resources for Iowa Entrepreneurs
By Rush Nigut on
Posted in Business Law, Starting a Business
Today’s Des Moines Register Business Section contained an article by Patt Johnson featuring the assistance provided by SCORE to local entrepreneurs. SCORE is made up of retired executives that mentor and counsel new entrepreneurs.
People generally think of SCORE in the context of their one day workshops for new entrepreneurs. However, it was also surprising…
The Use of Comp Time in Place of Overtime
By Rush Nigut on
The Use of Comp Time in Place of Overtime
Some employers decide to provide employees comp time instead of paying overtime. Under the law, employers are usually not allowed to provide only one hour of comp time for each hour of overtime. Instead, an employer may be able to give compensatory time if the overtime…
How to Name Your Iowa Business
By Rush Nigut on
How to Name Your Iowa Business
The first step in naming your Iowa business is to make sure it is available for use. This requires a little homework. You need to make sure you are not infringing someone else’s business name.
To stay out of trouble you should first see if the name is available…
Start-up Businesses Should Develop Solid Relationship with Business Attorney
By Rush Nigut on
Start-Up Businesses Should Develop Solid Relationship with Business Attorney
It is a good idea for start-up businesses to develop a solid relationship with a business attorney. Hiring an attorney is usually not as expensive as entrepreneurs imagine. In many instances entrepreneurs may try to set up their own incorporations through online resources but boilerplate article…
Employers Face Overtime Lawsuits
By Rush Nigut on
Employers Face Overtime Lawsuits
According to Business Law Today and the Washington Post lawyers for big businesses around the country are working overtime to protect corporate giants facing lawsuits for failing to pay overtime to rank-and-file employees.
As discussed in an article by Stephen Franklin of the Chicago Tribune, cases against State Farm Mutual…
Top Ten Steps for Business Start-Ups
By Rush Nigut on
Posted in Starting a Business
Top Ten Steps for Business Start-Ups
In her column this week Rhonda Abrams, a nationally syndicated small business consultant, sets out the top ten steps for business start-ups.
Abrams says this is what most entrepreneurs ACTUALLY do:
1. Choose a business name.
2. Get business cards.
3. Search the Internet for information and advice.…
Iowa Ranks 4th in Judicial Fairness
By Rush Nigut on
According to an annual survey released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Iowa’s legal system ranks No. 4 in the nation. Iowa has ranked in the top five each of the last three years.
The five top states for overall legal fairness according to the survey are Delaware, Nebraska, Virginia, Iowa and Connecticut.
The survey…