Bushman Law Group Start-up

Start-Up & Small Business Law

If your thinking about starting your own business, the Bushman Law Group will assist you in choosing the appropriate entity form. An entity form is what most people think of as a Corporation. However, a corporation is only one type of entity. Some other entities are the Limited Liability Company (LLC), S Corporation, General Partnership, and the Limited Partnership and Limited Liability Partnership to name a few.

The Bushman Law Group will explain and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each form so that are clients can make informed decisions. Our Business Law section does not stop with entity formation, but will also assist you in obtaining an EIN, Bylaws or Operating Agreement, leases, and re-recordation of property into the business entity. We advise on legal liability and the "piercing the corporate veil" doctrine. When a plaintiff pierces the corporate veil, then the plaintiff can attach personal assets. In order to protect your company certain formalities must be followed.

Operating Agreements and Bylaws are an integral part of any business. The Operating Agreement or Bylaws explains the fundamentals of the business. The business main purpose can be elaborated and so should the duties and responsibilities of the officers and directors. Bylaws will discuss shareholder ownership and the rights and procedures for governance.

The EIN is an IRS taxpayer Identification Number. The EIN is the social security number for a business. We will also assist you in completion of local, state, and federal licensing.

Leases are a contract governing the landlord tenant relationship. The Bushman Law Group will draft and review leases to meet your goals and protect your interests.

The Bushman Law Group will draft Employment Agreements, Stock Redemption Agreements, and Non-Compete Agreements, in addition, to all general contract drafting and reviewing needs.

The Bushman Law Group will assist in helping you obtain both state and local licensing. For more information about state licensing visit the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) website. DPOR regulates more than 30 different occupations and regulations, from contracting to real estate appraisers. Like DPOR, the Department of Health licenses many medical business and the Department of Education licenses educational business.

Local licensing can be complex but most localities are very helpful and the Bushman Law group can help you navigate the process. If a business is located in Alexandria City then a visit to Alexandria City's Finance Department website or office is necessary. In order for a business to operate within the limits of Alexandria City, then the business must file, if necessary, the following:

Business License Application (PDF)

Interdepartmental Form (PDF)

Zoning Approval

Code Approval

Certificate of Occupancy (PDF)

Meal Sales Tax Registration

Transient Lodging Tax Registration

Short-Term (Daily) Rental Application

Not all of these forms are necessary and depend on the type of business. Arlington and Fairfax have similar requirements, but each locality is different.

Not to complicate matters further, remember to register with both the Virginia Department of Taxation. Each locality may also have a property tax of its own which should not be forgotten.

Locality licensing can be complex, but a necessity and the penalties for failing to obtain a license or permit may jeopardize binding contracts and create unnecessary legal liability.

The Bushman Law Group is happy to serve you needs and will do all that we can to help you achieve them. Please call our office for more information.

Licensed in Virginia and the district of columbia