Business Laws You Should Know
Starting a business is exciting, but it also comes with responsibilities beyond day-to-day operations. One of the most important parts of running a company is understanding what laws businesses have to follow. Overlooking key regulations can lead to costly mistakes, penalties or even legal disputes.
Below are some of the most important laws regarding business that every owner should be familiar with.
Employment Laws
If your business has employees, labor and employment laws are among the first regulations you’ll encounter. The U.S. Department of Labor provides extensive resources to help you determine which rules apply to your business.
Some of the most critical employment laws in business include:
- – Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) — Requires employers to pay at least the federal minimum wage and provide overtime pay for eligible employees.
- – Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) — Ensures employees have a safe, hazard-free workplace. OSHA conducts inspections to enforce compliance.
- – Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) — Applies to businesses with 15 or more employees. It prohibits discrimination in hiring and employment based on race, gender, religion, disability, age and other protected categories.
Knowing these laws regarding business operations is essential to avoid fines, lawsuits or employee disputes.
Intellectual Property Laws
Branding is a big step for any business — but it must be legally protected. Intellectual property laws help you safeguard your unique ideas, logos, slogans and products.
- – Trademarks — Protect your business name, logo and slogans.
- – Patents — Apply if you’ve invented a new product or process.
- – Copyrights — Safeguard original creative works like written content, software or designs.
Protecting intellectual property ensures competitors cannot use or profit from your work without permission.
Tax Laws
Taxes are one of the most universal laws in business. Every company registered in the U.S. must pay federal taxes, and some may also need to handle state and local taxes. Avoiding tax obligations can result in severe penalties.
Business owners should be familiar with four main types of taxes:
- – Income Tax – Paid on business earnings.
- – Estimated Tax – Quarterly payments for businesses without traditional withholding.
- – Employment Tax – Covers Social Security, Medicare, and federal unemployment taxes.
- – Excise Tax – Applies to specific goods or services.
Understanding these requirements early can make tax season less stressful and prevent legal trouble down the road.
Why Business Law Guidance Matters
The reality is that laws in business are complex, and they can vary depending on your industry, size and location. What applies to one business may not apply to another. That’s why having an experienced attorney by your side can save you time, money and stress.
Work With An Experienced Business Attorney
If you’re starting or growing a business in San Antonio, it’s important to know exactly what laws businesses have to follow. At Dan Burke Attorney at Law, we provide trusted legal guidance to help you stay compliant, protect your interests, and focus on building your company.
Call Dan Burke Attorney at Law today for knowledgeable business law guidance in San Antonio.
