SCORE Webinar - Legal Compliance: Stay Out of Trouble and Don't Get Sued
About the event
This exciting online workshop shows you step by step how to protect and grow your business by learning the key rules of compliance. From taxes to licenses, zoning to insurance, every subject is explained in simple, practical language. You will see how federal and state taxes affect all businesses, why insurance protects you from big risks, and how permits and certifications keep you safe and professional. Difficult terms will be made easy with real-life examples. You will leave with peace of mind and useful tools to protect your business from penalties, lawsuits, or even shutdowns. Don’t risk falling behind—others are using compliance to grow stronger. Be ready to do the same!
Agenda
- Federal and State Tax Basics
- All businesses must pay taxes by law. Federal law requires income tax on profits, and states often add extra income taxes. Employers are legally responsible to pay payroll taxes for their workers, including Social Security and Medicare. Many states also require businesses to collect sales tax from customers. If these taxes are not reported and paid, the government can charge heavy fines, interest, or even close the business.
- Business Licensing
- A license is legal permission from the government to operate in a certain industry. For example, a barber shop must have a cosmetology license under state law. A contractor needs a construction license to follow safety codes. Retailers selling alcohol must have an alcohol license because alcohol is tightly regulated. Without proper licensing, businesses can be fined, stopped from operating, or even face lawsuits.
- Permits for Safe Operations
- Permits are required by law to show that your business meets safety rules. A restaurant needs a food safety permit to pass health inspections, making sure customers are safe. A company doing renovations must apply for a construction permit to follow building codes. A public event venue often needs a fire permit to meet fire safety laws. If businesses don’t get permits, they can be shut down, fined, or held liable if accidents happen.
- Professional Certifications
- Certifications prove that a worker has the legal training and qualifications to do the job safely. For example, accountants must be Certified Public Accountants (CPA) to sign tax documents by law. Nurses must be licensed to give medical care, and electricians must be certified to handle wiring because of safety codes. Without certifications, professionals can lose their right to work, and businesses can be fined for hiring unlicensed workers.
- Zoning Codes and Restrictions
- Local zoning laws control where businesses are allowed to operate. A daycare must be in an approved community zone to protect children and neighbors. Factories are limited to industrial zones because of noise, chemicals, or heavy machinery. Retail stores belong in commercial areas to avoid disturbing homes. If a business ignores zoning laws, it may be forced to close or relocate by the city.
- Liability Insurance
- Many states require businesses to have liability insurance to protect customers and the public. If someone slips and falls in a store or is hurt by company equipment, the business can be sued. Without insurance, the owner may have to pay large amounts of money in court. Liability insurance is a legal safety net against lawsuits and claims.
- Corporate Insurance
- Laws in most states require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This covers employee injuries at work, like a cook burned in a kitchen. Many contracts also require property insurance or business interruption coverage to prove a business is protected. Without insurance, companies can face lawsuits, be forced to pay for damages out-of-pocket, or be blocked from contracts.
- Step-by-Step Compliance Planning
- A compliance plan combines all legal duties into one checklist—taxes, licenses, permits, certifications, zoning, and insurance. For example, a coffee shop owner must file taxes, hold a food permit, carry liability insurance, and be located in the right zone. Skipping even one step can bring legal trouble. A clear plan keeps everything legal, safe, and simple.
- Common Compliance Mistakes
- The biggest mistakes include forgetting to renew licenses (illegal operation), not paying federal taxes (risk of IRS penalties), ignoring zoning laws (shutdowns), and skipping insurance (lawsuits). Each of these mistakes breaks a legal rule and can lead to fines, closures, or business loss. Learning them now saves stress later.
- Interactive Q&A Session
- Ask your compliance questions and learn legal solutions. For example, what to do if you face a tax audit, how to prepare for a safety inspection, or how to renew a license on time. This part shows real problems and real legal answers.
Expected Outcomes
- Understand federal and state tax laws for businesses.
- Know the most common licenses required by law in different industries.
- Learn which permits are legally needed for safe operations.
- Recognize professional certifications that prove legal qualifications.
- Apply zoning laws to operate in the right location.
- Choose insurance policies that meet legal standards.
- Leave with a ready-to-use legal compliance action plan.
Date and Time
Friday Oct 31, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT
Fees/Admission
$10