Plain-English guides to running a business.
Each guide covers the key terms, the steps, the common mistakes and the sources, with the date it was last verified. Free, always.
LLC vs. Corporation vs. Sole Proprietorship in Utah
Utah founders most often choose among three basic structures: sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation. Each is created under a di…
How to Form an LLC in Utah, Step by Step
Forming a limited liability company in Utah is an administrative process handled by the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. The legal basis is U…
EIN Explained: What It Is and When a Business Needs One
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit federal tax identification number issued by the Internal Revenue Service. It functions as the business…
Operating Agreements: The Basics
An operating agreement is the internal governing document of a limited liability company. Utah law does not require it to be filed with the Division of Corpora…
Beneficial Ownership Reporting: What It Is and Why It Keeps Changing
The Corporate Transparency Act, enacted in 2021 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act and codified at 31 U.S.C. 5336, directed the Financial Crimes…
Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) Explained
A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a contract in which one or more parties agree to keep certain shared information confidential and to limit how that informa…
Independent Contractor vs. Employee: How the Tests Work
Whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor determines tax withholding, unemployment insurance, workers' compensation, wage-and-hour obligatio…
Utah Annual Reports and Entity Compliance
Utah requires most registered business entities to file an annual report (sometimes called a renewal) with the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. Th…
Intellectual Property Basics for Small Business
Intellectual property (IP) law protects different kinds of intangible assets through four main systems: trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets. Eac…
Utah Small Claims Court: A Business Owner's Guide
Utah's small claims courts resolve relatively small money disputes quickly and inexpensively, without the full procedure of district court. For a business chas…
How to File a Utah Certificate of Organization (LLC Formation Document)
Utah does not use the term "articles of organization." The formation document for a Utah LLC is the Certificate of Organization, filed with the Utah Department…
How to File a Utah Annual Report (Annual Renewal)
Every LLC, corporation, limited partnership, and registered DBA in Utah must file an annual report (called an annual renewal) with the Division of Corporations…
How to Apply for an EIN (IRS, Free)
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the federal tax ID the IRS assigns to a business. Most LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and any business with emplo…
How to Register a DBA in Utah
A DBA ("doing business as"), registered in Utah as a D.B.A. (formerly called an "assumed name"), is a registered trade name a business uses instead of its lega…