Has a retailer recently asked you to give them your zip code? If so, they may have broken the law.

The Song-Beverly Credit Card Act of 1971, set forth in California Civil Code § 1747 et seq., was designed to protect consumers. As part of that protection, California Civil Code §1747.08(a) prohibits businesses from requesting and recording a customer's [...]

Pursuant to the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, the Small Business Administration (SBA) is implementing a new program starting February 28, 2011 to enable small business to refinance existing owner-occupied commercial real estate mortgages through its 504 loan program. Previously the 504 Loan Program was only available for new development, construction and expansion. For a limited time (February 28, 2011 thru September 27, 2012) it can now be used to refinance an existing owner-occupied commercial [...]

For the first time, self-employed individuals will be able to deduct the cost of their health insurance premiums when computing the amount owed in self-employment tax.

In the past, small business owners were not allowed to deduct the cost of health insurance when calculating self-employment tax. Under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, and subject to specific statutory restrictions (i.e. deduction is not available [...]

Existing law governing limited liability companies (LLCs), the Beverly-Killea Limited Liability Company Act, prohibits domestic and foreign LLCs from rendering professional services in California. See California Corporations Code §17375. "Professional services" is defined as "any type of professional services which may be lawfully rendered only pursuant to a license, certification, or registration authorized by the Business and Professions Code, the Chiropractic Act, or the Osteopathic Act." See California [...]

Small Loan Advantage and Community Advantage 7(a) Loan Initiatives

On February 15, 2011, the SBA is rolling out two new loan initiatives aimed at increasing the number lower-dollar loans to small business in underserved communities: (1) Small Loan Advantage and (2) Community Advantage 7(a) Loan will both offer a streamlined [...]