Establishment of Home Based Business

The Corporate Law Attorneys at KALIS, KLEIMAN & WOLFE help business owners establish the right formation for their business, including home based businesses. Our focus is to help a business owner comply with all requirements and restrictions, which can help avoid potential legal issues in their community. Often times, it is a neighbor’s complaint that puts one’s business on the radar of a regulating entity (the government, an HOA, etc.).

In 2022, according to the Census Bureau, more than 50 percent of small businesses were home-based. Home-based businesses can offer low overhead, helpful tax incentives, among other potential benefits.

While home-based businesses can offer certain freedoms and economic benefits to the small business owner, there are many things to consider before moving forward with a home-based business venture including:

• Property Use, Zoning & City Ordinances – does your business comply with local zoning rules?  (signage, parking, number of employees, etc.)?
• HOAs & CC&Rs – does your Landlord or Homeowner's Association (HOA) have any Covenants, Conditions or Restrictions (CC&R)?
• Licensing and Permits – does your business have the necessary licensing or permits?
• Forms of Organization and Registration – have you completed the appropriate paperwork?
• Contracts and Agreements – do you have the necessary contracts and agreements in place to protect your business?
• Insurance – does your business carry the appropriate insurances to protect you and your business (commercial property insurance, professional liability insurance, etc.)?
• Taxes – do you know your tax implications or if you qualify for any small business tax deductions (rent, public utilities, insurance, property repairs, etc.)?

The laws surrounding home-based businesses are often complicated and each situation is unique. It is also important to note that home-based businesses face the same exposures as other businesses. If you are starting up a home based business, or have questions regarding other business matters, or your legal rights, contact the experienced Corporate Law Attorneys at KALIS, KLEIMAN & WOLFE, the South Florida-based law firm at (954) 791-0477.