Over half of my work in recent years has come from fixing problems that started with misinformation, misconceptions, and simple errors. Many of those problems trace back to the very first decisions a business owner made, often through a $99 online formation service that filed the paperwork and offered no advice about whether it was the right paperwork. The savings on that first day frequently cost thousands of dollars to correct later.
For that reason, I am expanded the business formation services that I offer, in the hope of helping more people start on the right path. The intent is to prvide a simple, all-inclusive, turnkey service for starting a new business.
These services include review of the basic business plan, choosing a name, choice of entity, formation, operating plan, control procedures, state registration, bookkeeping setup, and preparation of a banking package. Sometimes local business registration is also required, for example, in Philadelphia or Wilmington.
It is worth noting that some of these services are classified as legal services. I am not an attorney. I can provide specific legal services as recognized by the Opinion 47 of the Supreme Court’s Committee on the Unauthorized Practice of Law and itemized in our engagement agreement. You should consult an attorney for all legal matters.
I charge much more than the AI-powered services, usually $1,500, but the personal professional service saves time and money in the long run.
Will it make a noticeable difference? I intend to find out by tracking whether the businesses I help form arrive at their first tax season with fewer problems than those that started elsewhere. I will share what I learn.
