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.

How Do I Legally Protect My Side Hustle?

With many people struggling to keep up with inflation and insufficient wage growth, side hustles are becoming increasingly common. In fact, MarketWatch, a website that provides business news, financial information, and stock market data, reported in May 2024 that...

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What is a DBA?

Whether that name is legally registered with the business’s home state or not, every business has a legal name. A DBA (or “Doing Business As” is a name that is different from the legal name of the company. A DBA is also referred to as the “trade name,” “assumed...

DBA With Question Marks

California LLC Franchise Tax Waived in First Year

Legislative Update Gives Exemption to New California Limited Liability Companies LLCs registered to do business in California must pay an annual franchise tax of $800 to the state's Franchise Tax Board (FTB). However, to relieve some of the financial pressures amid...

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Everything You Need to Know About Starting a Partnership

What is a Partnership? A partnership is a formal legal entity where two or more parties agree to manage and operate a business and share its profits and losses. Like a sole proprietorship, each partner is responsible for the assets and liabilities of the company....

Partnership Agreement on Clipboard

What Is IRS Form 8832?

IRS Form 8832 (Entity Classification Election) is the form an eligible business entity uses to elect federal income tax treatment other than its default treatment. Eligible entities include: Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) Partnerships (a business entity that...

IRS Form 8832

The Best Business Entity for Professionals

In most states, professionals, such as attorneys, doctors, optometrists, certified public accountants, architects, psychologists, and psychiatrists, have fewer choices when it comes to selecting a legal structure for their businesses. Legal entities (such as...

Female Medical Professional

What You Need to Know About Sole Proprietorships

Sole Proprietorships are the most popular business structure in the U.S., accounting for 76.2% of all businesses, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Many entrepreneurs love Sole Proprietorships because they’re simple to start and compliance requirements are...

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How Should Real Estate Investors Structure Their Businesses?

Owning investment properties can be exciting and lucrative. However, investments in real estate, whether vacation rentals, long-term rentals, or properties for resale, can also create liabilities. That's why it's critical for real estate investors to wisely choose...

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How to Properly Handle Your Company’s Annual Meeting Minutes

Businesses that have incorporated as a corporation or formed a limited liability company (LLC) must carefully document their compliance activities. For example, when a corporation holds its annual general meeting (a.k.a, annual shareholder meeting), it must keep a...

Annual meeting text on blackboard

What You Need to Know About Collecting Sales Tax

Before a retailer or service provider can open for business, they first must get approval from the state for sales tax registration. Not all states charge sales tax, and not all products and services are taxable, so it’s essential to learn the facts before you find...

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7 Ways Your Business Can Crush It During COVID-19

Every business owner hopes to reach the peak of business success. You know, when you’re just crushing it—when smooth operations and growing profits allow you to breathe a satisfied sigh of contentment and pride. This year that feeling may seem farther from your...

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Top FAQs for Small Business Licenses and Permits

When you’re starting a business there’s so much to know, it can be overwhelming.  Let us take some of the complexity out of the startup process by answering the top FAQs entrepreneurs have about small business licenses and permits. Is a business license the same as...

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Post-COVID Marketing Strategies for Accountants

Clients need their accountants more than ever in our post-COVID-19 world. Whether it’s getting ready for the extended tax deadline, figuring out how to utilize government relief funds or how to start a new business in a recession, accountants need to make sure...

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Marketing in the New Normal of COVID-19

Things are different today due to the global coronavirus pandemic. While we may eventually get back to some version of normal, when that happens is subject to much debate. COVID-19 changed how business gets done, from suppliers and distribution to sales and...

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How To Safely Reopen Your Small Business to the Public

As the country makes plans to reopen restaurants, retail, public buildings, and schools, your topmost concern should be the safety and well-being of workers and customers alike. Your reopened business will be scrutinized and the measures you take to reopen safely...

Store Safety Sign for Social Distancing.

Business Ideas for People Who Love the Outdoors

If you love the outdoors and have always wanted to start a business relating to your outdoor passion, now is a great time to take advantage of the country’s desire for outside activities. Here are some outdoor business ideas and trends you need to know to get you running on the right path to business success.

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