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.

What Is a DUNS Number and How Do You Get One?

A Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) D-U-N-S® Number is a unique nine-digit number assigned to a company to help potential lenders, partners, and suppliers assess the business’s stability, creditworthiness, and other qualities. Having a DUNS Number can help a company...

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Can You Get a Startup Loan for Your Small Business?

Starting a small business is exciting, but that alone is not enough. Achieving your goals will often require a long list of needs with money being at the top of that list. While most startups are self-funded, many entrepreneurs want and need a small business loan....

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What Is FICA?

Business owners who hire employees must withhold, deposit, report, and pay Social Security and Medicare taxes per the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA). FICA taxes are applied to all of an employee’s taxable compensation, which includes salary, wages,...

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Annual Report List by State for LLCs and Corporations

Many state governments require LLCs, Corporations, and other registered business entities to file annual reports each year. And some Secretary of State (or comparable agency) offices may require these types of reports to be filed according to different timeframes (e.g., biennial and decennial reports). This state-by-state list will help you prepare and stay in compliance.

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How to Sell Your Business Idea to Investors

Whether you’re in the early stages of a startup or looking to scale your existing business, the one hurdle many small business owners face is obtaining funding. While entrepreneurs in some industries may have an easier time, typically, it is challenging to sell...

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Fall Tips To Help Your Business Have A Strong End-Of-Year Finish

Although most of the year has already passed and we’re now into the autumn season, don’t panic if your business has fallen a little bit behind on its goals. It’s not too late to make changes that can help lead to a strong finish in 2023. Whether you’ve just started...

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12 Steps for Closing an LLC Before Year End

If you’re thinking of closing your LLC before the year ends, you may be feeling overwhelmed. And you are probably wondering what you must do to exit the business without leaving any loose ends behind. Indeed, there is more to shutting down a business than merely...

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Maintain Business Compliance to End the Year in Good Standing

As we move into the fall and winter months it's time to begin thinking of year-end compliance responsibilities and business activities. We'd like to help you prepare for the year-end and we want to help you get all your legal ducks in a row. To assist in these...

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What Taxpayers Need to Know About the IRS’s Extended Tax Deadline

Due to the severe winter weather conditions that impacted much of California and parts of Alabama and Georgia, the tax deadline for 2022 individuals and businesses, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) extended its tax deadlines to October 16, 2023. Some parts of...

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How Do I Maintain a Business?

After a business is up and running, it's critical to maintain it by fulfilling all of the required business compliance tasks on time. Of course, businesses grow and evolve over time, and therefore, the actions they must take to maintain a business entity also may...

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12 Steps for Closing a Corporation by Year End

As difficult as it may be to make the decision to close a business, things can become even more challenging if a business’s owners don’t tie up all the loose ends. If you’re thinking of closing your corporation by year-end, realize that there’s more to the process...

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How Many LLCs Can You Have?

As an eager and enterprising entrepreneur, you may set your sights on multiple business ventures and wonder if one person can own multiple LLCs. Fortunately, no federal or state limits exist on the number of LLCs someone can own. However, aspiring business owners should know that other factors could prevent them from having ownership interest in multiple LLCs.

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Can an LLC Owner File for Unemployment?

Can an LLC owner file for unemployment? The quick answer is yes, but not in every situation. There are advantages to owning a Limited Liability Company (LLC), with tax flexibility, serving as one of the major benefits. How you elect to structure your LLC for tax...

Unemployment Benefits Form

How to Withdraw Money From an LLC

How does a Limited Liability Company (LLC) owner withdraw money from their business? Whether these funds are for personal use or it is considered compensation from the LLC, how they may do that depends on three things: Whether the Limited Liability Company is a...

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Checklist for Launching a New Business in Indiana

Launching a new business in Indiana can be a smart move due to the state’s favorable business environment. Characterized by relatively low corporate taxes, reasonable regulatory requirements, and a comparatively affordable cost of living, Indiana’s central location...

Downtown Indianapolis Indiana at Night

What Is IRS Form 2553?

IRS Form 2553 (Election by a Small Business Corporation) is the form that a corporation (or other entity eligible to be treated as a corporation) files to be treated as an S corporation for federal tax purposes. The IRS has specific criteria that entities must meet...

IRS 2553 Form

A Guide for Starting a Business in Colorado

Colorado’s economy is just as varied and unique as its people and landscape. Tourists flock from around the world to experience Colorado’s scenery, recreational adventures, and cultural activities. In addition, Colorado has a long successful history of ranching,...

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What Is an Executor of an LLC?

An LLC executor is a designated person or business entity that an LLC’s members appoint to handle certain legal and tax-related aspects of their business at various stages of its existence. An executor might assist LLC members through the business formation...

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A Guide for Starting a Business in Maryland

Maryland’s strategic location on the east coast of the U.S. is within easy reach of major metropolitan cities like Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City. This proximity can give your business access to a large customer base and supply chain...

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Why Small Businesses Fail

Owning a small business is the American dream. But sometimes, despite all the hard work, that dream turns into a nightmare and businesses don’t make it. Understanding why small businesses fail can be as crucial as knowing the secrets of those that succeed. Being...

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