Nellie Akalp

Nellie Akalp is an entrepreneur, small business expert, speaker, and mother of four amazing kids. As CEO of CorpNet.com, she has helped more than half a million entrepreneurs launch their businesses. Akalp is nationally recognized as one of the most prominent experts on small business legal matters, contributing frequently to outlets like Entrepreneur, Forbes, Huffington Post, Mashable, and Fox Small Business. A passionate entrepreneur herself, Akalp is committed to helping others take the reigns and dive into small business ownership. Through her public speaking, media appearances, and frequent blogging, she has developed a strong following within the small business community and has been honored as a Small Business Influencer Champion three years in a row.

Filing an Intent to Use Trademark Application

Choosing the perfect business or brand name is only half the battle when starting a new venture. You need to protect that name from getting stolen or misused. But what if you haven’t started using the brand name yet? The good news is even if your website is still...

Trademark Application Process on Laptop

How to Revoke an S Corp Election

Many limited liability companies (LLCs) and C Corporations choose to be taxed as S Corporations to lower their tax burden. It’s relatively easy to do as long as the business entity meets IRS requirements and files Form 2553. But what happens if a business owner...

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Which LLC Is Right for Me?

Just as there are flavors of ice cream, different varieties of the LLC business structure exist, too. The ideal option for a company may depend on a business's industry, type of commercial activities, number of owners, and even an owners' professional credentials....

LLC Letters Built Out of Cubes

Why You Should Keep Business and Personal Finances Separate

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about keeping business and personal finances separate. Truthfully, most entrepreneurs tap into their personal savings to start their businesses, so opening separate bank accounts isn’t their top priority when there are so...

Woman Using ATM

What Is a Biennial Report?

Most states require Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and Corporations to submit some form of ongoing business entity filing. While many states require these filings annually (i.e., annual reports), several require them biennially (every two years). A biennial...

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Noncommercial vs. Commercial Registered Agent

If you’ve been considering forming a business (or you’ve already started one), you’ve probably heard the term “registered agent” but may not be familiar with what it means. A registered agent is a designated party that a business has authorized to accept service of...

People Working at Desks in Office

What Are Like-Kind Exchanges?

If you’re a property owner, you probably know how a like-kind exchange works, but in case the term is new to you, here’s what you need to know. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a like-kind exchange (also called a 1031 exchange) is: When you exchange...

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West Virginia Annual Report: Are You in Compliance?

Most types of businesses operating in West Virginia must file an annual report with the Secretary of State Office to keep their company records updated. The deadline for submitting the report, along with the associated filing fee, is July 1 each year after the...

West Virginia State Capital

The Right Way to Terminate a Partnership Agreement

There are many reasons why you'd want to terminate a partnership agreement. The goals of one or both partners have changed, your working styles are incompatible, or there are fundamental disagreements about business operations and decisions. Whatever the reason,...

Shredding a Contract

Professional Corporation vs. Professional LLC

A professional corporation and a professional LLC are business entities that licensed professionals may wish, or be required, to form. Generally, professions that form professional LLCs or professional corporations include: Attorneys and law firms Accountants and...

Headshots of Six Professional Business People

Fathers Know Best: Entrepreneurial Dads Share Their Business Wisdom

Some people are lucky enough to grow up in an entrepreneurial family. I am one of the lucky ones. I learned so much from working with my grandfather at his small businesses when I was younger. I mean, what could be better than working at an ice cream store?...

Nellie, Phil, and Kids

Kentucky Annual Reports: When They’re Due and How to File Them

In Kentucky, Limited Liability Companies, C Corporations, Limited Partnerships, and Business Trusts must file an annual report with the Kentucky Secretary of State office. Businesses operating as Sole Proprietors or General Partnerships do not have to file....

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What Is a Certificate of Authority?

The idea of a Certificate of Authority can be confusing, as the term has several different applications. The most common type of Certificate of Authority is a document that authorizes you to legally conduct business in a state other than where your company is...

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The Corporate Veil: What it is and Why You Don’t Want to Pierce it

What Is Piercing the Corporate Veil? Businesses that are registered as limited liability companies (LLCs) or corporations provide their owners with protection against being held personally liable for the company’s debts and claims. That legal shield of separation...

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What You Should Know About Delaware Annual Reports and Annual Tax

Business entities in the state of Delaware have various reports and filings they must submit to the Delaware Division of Corporations each year. Delaware Limited Liability Companies don’t have to file an annual report, but they do have to file to pay an Annual Tax...

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What Are Texas Annual Franchise Tax Reports?

Texas Comptroller Annual Franchise Tax Reports Requirements If you have a business in the Lone Star state, you may be wondering if you must file a Texas annual franchise tax report and pay a franchise tax. The state’s report filing requirements vary according to...

Welcome to Texas on Store Window

What Is a Statutory Agent?

A statutory agent, more commonly known as a registered agent, agent for service of process, or a resident agent. It is an individual or entity appointed by a Limited Liability Company, S Corporation, C Corporation, or other legal business entity to accept legal...

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Does Your Business Have to File a Georgia Annual Report by April 1st?

Business entities that are registered with Georgia's Office of the Secretary of State must file a Georgia annual report each year. The due date for filing Georgia's annual report is April 1st. What is an Annual Report? The correct terminology for an annual report...

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7 Things to Know About Florida’s Annual Report

If you have incorporated in Florida or formed an LLC in Florida, your deadline for filing your Annual Report is May 1. Here are 7 facts that you need to know to ensure that your corporation or LLC remains compliant in the state of Florida.

You Must File an Annual Report Whether Your Business Has Changes or Not

While the purpose of the Annual Report is to ensure that the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations has your company’s most updated information, you still have to file the document, even if you have no changes since last year.

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