Startup Legal Checklist
Everything you need to legally start and protect your business. Use this checklist alongside our free AI-powered legal tools.
Disclaimer: This checklist is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.
1. Choose Your Business Structure
- Decide between Sole Proprietorship, LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp
- Consult with a tax professional about the tax implications of each structure
- File Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (Corp) with your state
- Draft an Operating Agreement (LLC) or Bylaws (Corp)Use LLC Operating Agreement Generator →
- Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS
2. Register Your Business
- Register your business name (DBA) if different from your legal entity name
- Check trademark availability with the USPTO
- Register for state and local taxes
- Get required business licenses and permits for your industry
- Register for state unemployment insurance
3. Protect Your Intellectual Property
- File trademark applications for your brand name and logo
- Consider patent applications for inventions or unique processes
- Copyright original creative works (code, content, designs)
- Create NDA templates for sharing confidential informationUse NDA Generator →
- Implement trade secret protection policies
4. Draft Essential Contracts
- Founder agreements (if you have co-founders)
- Employment agreements and offer letters
- Independent contractor agreementsUse Freelance Contract Builder →
- Client or customer service agreements
- Vendor and supplier contracts
- Non-compete and non-solicitation agreements
5. Set Up Online Legal Compliance
- Create a Privacy Policy (GDPR, CCPA compliant)Use Privacy Policy Generator →
- Create Terms of Service for your website or appUse Terms of Service Generator →
- Implement cookie consent banners
- Set up ADA accessibility compliance
- Comply with CAN-SPAM for email marketing
- Ensure PCI compliance if accepting payments
6. Insurance & Liability
- Get General Liability Insurance
- Consider Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions) Insurance
- Get Workers' Compensation Insurance if you have employees
- Consider Cyber Liability Insurance for digital businesses
- Review Directors & Officers (D&O) Insurance for corporations
7. Employment & HR Compliance
- Create an Employee Handbook with company policies
- Set up payroll and withholding (federal, state, local taxes)
- Complete Form I-9 for all employees
- Post required workplace notices (OSHA, EEOC, minimum wage)
- Implement anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies
- Set up benefits administration (health insurance, 401k)
8. Financial & Tax Setup
- Open a separate business bank account
- Set up accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, etc.)
- Understand your quarterly estimated tax obligations
- Determine your sales tax collection requirements
- Keep records of all business expenses and receipts
- Consider hiring a CPA or bookkeeper
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