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 to Legally Start an eCommerce Business

If you have been considering starting an eCommerce business, you’re exploring an industry with a promising outlook. The last few years have forced many people to buy products online and this new way of shopping isn't going away anytime soon. In today's article,...

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What Is an Anonymous LLC?

While it may sound mysterious and intriguing, an anonymous LLC (also known as a private or confidential LLC) is like a regular Limited Liability Company, except its members are not publicly identified by the state. The names, addresses, and contact information for...

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What Is a Pass-Through Entity?

A pass-through entity refers to a business that does not pay income tax of its own. Its income, losses, credits, and deductions “pass-through” to each business owner’s personal tax return, where its profits are taxed according to each owner’s individual income tax rate. Sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, limited liability companies, and S Corporations are all pass-through entities. Corporations, and limited liability companies that elect to be taxed as a corporation, are not pass-through entities.

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Can You Have Multiple EIN Numbers?

Just as a Social Security Number identifies an individual taxpayer, an Employer Identification Number (also known as an EIN, Federal Tax ID Number, or FTIN) is a nine-digit number that identifies a business entity. In addition to the IRS and other tax authorities...

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How to Start a Business in the United States as a Foreigner

The United States of America holds 13.5% of the global GDP and is only second to China in its share of global revenue. This statistic, along with its strong economy, makes the United States an ideal location for foreigners to start a business and capture that...

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What Happens If You Accidentally Miss a Tax Deadline?

In this article, I’ll discuss the potential consequences for professional tax services providers and their clients (taxpayers) when tasks get forgotten and tax deadlines have been missed. I’ll also touch on options for resolving late filing and payment issues with government agencies.

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A State-by-State Guide to Seller’s Permits

If your business plans to sell products or services, most states will require you to obtain a seller’s permit. This seller's permit can also be called a sales tax license or sales and use tax permit. The process and fees for obtaining a seller’s permit vary by...

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What Is a Fictitious Name?

What Is a fictitious name? A fictitious name is a name other than your proper legal business entity name that you formally get permission from the state (or county) to use when conducting business. You may also see a fictitious business name referred to as: Doing...

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What Is a Letter of Good Standing?

Professionals like you, who help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting and growing their businesses, will likely encounter clients asking about a "Letter of Good Standing." Let's take a moment to talk about what a Letter of Good Standing is and why...

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How to Start a Consulting Business

If you have a high level of proficiency, expertise, and experience in a field, you may have thought about how to start a consulting business. Starting a consulting business can be a wonderful career option for individuals who want to leverage their knowledge and...

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How to Legally Dissolve a Corporation or LLC

Dissolution is the act of formally dissolving (closing) a business entity with the state. It involves far more than just stopping to sell products and services. Dissolution is a process for wrapping up all legal and financial aspects of the business and legally...

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4 Real Reasons Why You Need a Dedicated Business Bank Account

Many entrepreneurs have a difficult time managing their finances. Starting your business off right is important, and keeping your finances in check from the beginning will help create a foundation for long-term success. Part of this strategy is creating and...

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How to Start an Accounting Business

Whether you’re a finance major fresh out of college or have been working in an accounting firm or department for years, I’ll bet you’ve thought about being your own boss. There’s a lot to consider when exploring how to start an accounting business. Let's dig into...

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Can an S Corporation Use LLC or Inc in Its Business Name?

If you are considering electing S Corporation status you might wonder how this will impact your existing LLC or C Corporation. One question that comes to mind quickly is the continued ability to use LLC or Inc with a business name. S Corporation election is a tax...

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Can a Single-Member LLC Be an S Corporation?

A single-member LLC can be taxed as an S Corporation if it meets the IRS’s eligibility criteria. In fact, both single-member and multi-member Limited Liability Companies can elect to be treated by the IRS as either an S Corporation or a C Corporation if they meet...

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How to Legally Change a Business’s Name

Despite your best efforts to choose the perfect name for your company, there may come a time when that name no longer is the best fit. Perhaps the business name no longer accurately reflects your brand or there are legal considerations at play. Regardless of the...

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Who Are the Officers of a Corporation?

A corporation has three main categories of stakeholders involved in the financial and management aspects of the company. While all play a crucial role, officers work more closely with a corporation’s managers and supervisors, arguably having a more direct impact on...

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The S Corp Election Deadline is Right Around the Corner

The S Corporation election deadline for LLCs and C Corporations is March 15, 2024. So, if you’re considering changing your limited liability company or C Corporation tax treatment from its default status to an S Corp, time is of the essence! To be considered an S...

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