Book Description
Be your own boss -- easily, efficiently and successfully -- with this bestseller!
Whether you're an independent contractor, freelancer, or consultant, it all adds up to the same thing: You need to be more aware of laws and taxes than the average person.
Fortunately, Working for Yourself provides all the information you need to stay on top of it all. An independent contractor himself, Stephen Fishman shows you everything you need to know to:
*meet business start-up requirements *pick a business structure *set up home or outside offices *obtain permits and licenses *price your services or products *comply with strict IRS rules *establish sound business relationships *avoid unfair contracts *draft good agreements *keep good records *get paid in full and on time *and much, much more
The 6th edition is completely revised to provide the up-to-date information you need, including the most current tax rates and changes in the law.
Whether you already work for yourself or are thinking about making the move, Working for Yourself will help make sure you do it right.
Download Description
"Be your own boss -- easily, efficiently and successfully -- with this bestseller! Whether you're an independent contractor, freelancer, or consultant, it all adds up to the same thing: You need to be more aware of laws and taxes than the average person. Fortunately, Working for Yourself provides all the information you need to stay on top of it all. An independent contractor himself, Stephen Fishman shows you everything you need to know to: -meet business start-up requirements -pick a business structure -set up home or outside offices -obtain permits and licenses -price your services or products -comply with strict IRS rules -establish sound business relationships -avoid unfair contracts -draft good agreements -keep good records -get paid in full and on time -and much, much more The 6th edition is completely revised to provide the up-to-date information you need, including the most current tax rates and changes in the law. Whether you already work for yourself or are thinking about making the move, Working for Yourself will help make sure you do it right. List of Forms Asset Log Expense Journal Income Journal Invoice General Independent Contractor Agreement Contract Amendment Nondisclosure Agreement "
Customer Reviews:
Very Helpful Book.......2007-01-16
I purchased the book since my employer explained that I will become an independent contractor for 2007. The book explained everything about being a contractor and how to stay in line with paying the taxes, how to protect my self employed status, what deductions I can take, and what forms and agreements I should use. I found it very informative and would recommend it to anyone who wants to understand the world of self employment.
All the legal tips, tricks and traps explained.......2006-04-20
Plenty of books impart the basics of how to work independently - but too few include all the legal tips, tricks and traps involved. WORKING FOR YOURSELF: LAW & TAXES FOR INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS, FREELANCERS & CONSULTANTS covers everything from setting appropriate fees and understanding how and when taxes are paid to limiting liability and getting paid. Record-keeping processes are simplified with sample logs and entry advice, chapters on how the IRS defines an independent contractor versus a paid employee are essential keys to keeping independent status, and advice on pricing and insurance offer key strategy-oriented tips and approaches. A 'must' for any who would work independently.
Great straghtforward information and advice.......2005-09-17
I recently a started an S corp for my software contracting. The book is helpful and worth the price. It won't answer EVERY question you will have, but you probably should talk to a CPA for those anyway.
Another Nolo Press Winner.......2005-07-28
My husband is an independent photographer, so the Nolo Press books are great for him, geared as they are to all those wishing to handle all the paperwork for themselves, instead of the usual array of lawyers, accountants, etc. He keeps it as a reference book and can easily turn to whatever subject he needs more information on. Well-written and easy to understand, as are all Nolo books, these books are wonderful to review periodically.
Straighforward intro to the legal aspects of freelancing.......2004-05-04
A potential employer asked that I incorporate my freelancing business before they start sending me jobs. I wanted to do some research on the pros/cons of incorporating, what kind of start-ups costs this would entail, and what kind of corporation I should be. At first, the whole process of incorporating sounded like a huge money burden on my part--with filing fees and taxes--but this book has helped me sort out the issues and provided detailed information about the different ways to incorporate--sole proprietorship, LLC, S-corps. Although I haven't yet decided which path I will take, this book has made the jump to freelancing, and self-incorporating, less scary.
Not only do I understand my choices better, but I also now understand the different structures for businesses and their tax responsibilities. Great distillation of information! The copies of tax forms in the back are also a great reference. Highly recommended.
Book Description
Avoid costly litgation!
You'll want to keep this user-friendly overview of legal issues on your desk at all times! This is the only complete "how-to" guide and overview of legal issues you face as a consultant. You'll learn how to make sense of legal jargon and a variety of contracts as well as learn when to seek out the advice of legal counsel and when to walk away from losing relationships. This book isn't intended to replace competent legal advice-rather it is a time- and cost-effective means to understand legal issues before pursuing legal.
Includes a diskette with useful tools, sample forms, checklists, and links to technology-based resources.
"I beg you, do not start your own consulting business without first reading The Consultant's Legal Guide. And if you already have, read it now! I assure you that when you put into practice the sound advice of Elaine Biech and Linda Byars Swindling you will save yourself the heartache and headache of needless legal hassels...The Consultant's Legal Guide will help you every day of your business life."
--James M. Kouzes, chairman, Tom Peters Group/Learning Systems, co-author of The Leadership Challenge and Encouraging the Heart
"A great flight plan to avoid turbulence...Whether you are a consultant or the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, this book should be on your desk for a reference in so many areas."
--Howard Putnam, Former CEO, Southwest Airlines and Braniff International, author of The Winds of Turbulence
"A well thought out, practical approach to dealing effectively with lawyers and other consultants. If followed, it should help all parties be better prepared and do a better job."
--Rita Reuss, attorney, former vice president, Land O' Lakes
"The Consultant's Legal Guide is better than an MBA in business relationships. Clear, concise, thoughtful and thorough. . .after reading this book, consultants will sleep better at night!"
--Pamela J. Schmidt, vic
Customer Reviews:
Indispensible A-Z Resource.......2005-10-27
Attention, consultants. This book is worthy of prime real estate on your book shelf. It's been my invaluable business resource for several years, and one I usually review even when I know we'll eventually have to consult our legal counsel. The topics cover key legal consulting issues from soup-to-nuts and in plain English. The chapters are set up so you can easily access the specific topic or issue at hand. Generous case studies provide real-world context. Highly recommended.
Nonprofit/charity sector consultants' reference book.......2000-11-25
This book is a well-crafted, easily readable treatment of an important topic for all consultants. The authors do an excellent job of stressing that consulting is a serious business without overwhelming readers with jargon and legal process.
The book's sixteen chapters cover basic and advanced topics, from retaining an attorney BEFORE starting a consulting practice to how to handle the legal problems that may come up despite the consultant's best efforts to avoid them through good planning. Concise narrative, entertaining case studies, and solid analysis are interspersed with examples of contracts and forms a consultant can use in their own practice.
The contracts and forms discussed and shown in the book are also included in a 3.5" floppy disk. The documents on the single PC-formatted diskette are stored in Word 6.0/95 format.
One of my personal pet peeves is sole-practitioner consultants who do not treat their consulting practice as a business. The first few chapters of the book address all the contracts, agreements, and situations that a consultant faces before dealing with a client -- leasing office space, contracting for insurance, banking, telephone, advertising, and other services. It's a useful reminder that a consultancy is more than a one-man-band, and that "being your own boss" involves significant responsibility and risk as well as significant freedom and personal satisfaction.
The chapter that discusses working with nonprofit clients is written from a for-profit perspective; the stereotypical case studies center on agencies with no budgets and volunteers making promises and representations the board can't or won't honor. This is unfortunate, since most nonprofits, like their for-profit brethren, are fiscally sound, responsible corporations that can and do retain consultants in a businesslike way and compensate them based on their value.
Whether you're a novice or experienced consultant, The Consultant's Legal Guide is valuable as both a tutorial and a reference/resource work to help your practice succeed.
-- Table of Contents -- Introduction -- Selecting an Attorney -- The Relationship of Ethics and the Law -- Setting Up a Consulting Practice -- Starting Your Office -- Contracts and the Law -- Employment Issues -- Working with Other Consultants -- Client Issues -- Clients Outside the Corporate Arena -- Unique Consulting Situations -- Protecting Work Product, Trade Secrets, and Intellectual Property -- Giving Credit Where Credit is Due -- Protecting Assets Through Insurance -- Buying or Selling a Consulting Practice -- Avoiding Legal Problems -- What to do When You Have a Legal Problem -- Glossary -- Index
Don't even think about calling your lawyer...........1999-11-29
As a consultant, don't even think about calling your lawyer without having read this book first. Unless you like to pay legal fees, this book will prepare you to get much more input for less money from your attorney. Plus it will show you how to run your practice more effectively, and efficiently while protecting your intellectual property rights. No matter how many books you have read on consulting, this book plows new territory. A must for any consultant's library.
very comprehensive. Could save you a bundle of money........1999-11-02
She covers it all--could be worth many times over the price by one preventative measure in how you handle your consulting practice.
Book Description
A how-to, where-to, complete handbook on litigation consulting. A completely revised third edition.
Download Description
READ WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT
THE EXPERT WITNESS HANDBOOK:
More and more businesspeople and professionals are discovering a new place to sell their expertise: acting as advisors to attorneys in complex legal cases.
- BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY DIGEST
This handbook will tell you how to get started and how not to fall apart in the courtroom.
- RAINBO ELECTRONIC REVIEWS
There is good reason to feel intimidated by the court system, but most everything you, as a potential witness, need to know to demystify it is contained in this book.
- JOURNAL OF GROUND WATER
The chapter on what to expect at trial is, by itself, quite helpful, full of "nuts and bolts" techniques for being an effective expert witness, handling difficult or tricky questions, etc. The style is direct and informative.
- CALIFORNIA DUI REPORT
The book tells how to perform the job professionally-and successfully.
- THE WELDING DISTRIBUTOR
A reference for the seasoned litigation consultant and a valuable introduction for the neophyte expert witness.
- AMERICAN CONSULTING ENGINEERS COUNCIL NEWS
This is definitely one book you will want to read.
- VETERINARY AND HUMAN TOXICOLOGY
Full of ideas and resources, The Expert Witness Handbook is chockfull of sample forms and letters, checklists, guidelines and advice.
- INSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCY
Read the book and/or hire the author to put on a seminar for you.
- CONSULTANTS NEWS
(EWH) will suggest many pointers that will save a lot of trouble down the road.
- BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PSYCHIATRY LAW
Customer Reviews:
Some info., but poorly structured and written.......2007-07-26
This is a frustrating book. On the one hand, there is some decent information here. However, it is very clear that the author did not spend much time thinking about how to communicate that information. This really just feels like a first pass outline/data dump which then should have been revised, edited and revised again. I will list a few of the problems below, but this is not a complete list.
First, the overall structure just seems to ramble along without a real plan of building from one section to the next.
Second, within sections it seems like topics just change in the middle of the section. I found myself reading some sections two or three times trying to figure out what connecting theme I was missing. I finally asked others to look at some of these sections (without any other prompting) and found that they could not figure out what was going on either.
Third, information is often repetitive across sections. A point will be covered once and then later covered again without any reference to the prior discussion and without any further insights.
Fourth, paragraphs are sometimes repeated almost verbatim. For example, a paragraph may occur at the beginning of a section and then again near the end with almost no change. My guess is that the author was moving things around in a quick edit and/or tossing it down either place it could work with the idea of returning to it later.
Fifth, the book uses bold faced paraphrases or quotes from other sources at the bottom of each page. I guess these are a clever way to show others have a similar view without really needing to work it smoothly into the text. However, they often are redundant (in the first chapter one page has a quote saying going to trial without an expert is on the edge of malpractice, two pages later there is a similar comment that says it is malpractice - both are from the same magazine). Worse, the references provided in no way allow a reader to go find the source and look at it for themselves. For example, if a magazine is cited there is neither date given nor a title of the article. It might have been quick, but it was not the most useful for readers.
Moving away from the specifics, I guess this shows how the author could write "over 100 books" as it says in his bio. I did find it strange that he kept stressing how careful we need to be in writing reports, yet he did such a sloppy job here.
To be fair (and why it got two stars instead of one) there is some useful information in here if you are willing to skim through and not get hung up on the flow. In the end, this is probably one or two decent articles of information if it was put together well, not a whole book. Of course, this is also cheaper than a lot of the other "comprehensive" books on being an expert witness.
Would I buy it again? No, but I would check it out of the library to take a quick look.
Expert Writing on Being an Expert Witness.......2004-08-25
This is expert writing on being an expert witness. I skipped around but read the whole book and highly recommend that you do, too. It might be tempting to skip a chapter or two, depending on your needs, but reconsider and read them all. This was very helpful in many areas of expert witness, both research and testifying.
Solid advice for the beginning expert........2003-09-21
Becoming a specialist in one's field is a typical goal when questioning one of his/her aspirations. In many cases, you'll receive the answer, "...to become the best." (Love those willing to lay it all out!) If one's goal is to be a specialist, one must adhere to a few simple principals, principals composing vigilant and unending education. This individual will be current, well read, and extremely competent (in significantly most cases) in their chosen field. Many would call this individual an "expert" in his/her particular field. An accurate characterization indeed yet still green where the legal community is concerned. Capitalizing on this expertise is the mantra of Dan Poynter's, THE EXPERT WITNESS HANDBOOK.
Many "experts" have no interest in utilizing their knowledge in a legal setting. Frankly, at times, I don't blame them. However, being an expert in a particular field has its limitations relative to continuing challenges. Thus, many experts seek new, invigorating challenges. Those who have chosen to become testifying expert witnesses have most likely found the invigoration sought for displaying your knowledge in a courtroom is one of the greatest tests of that knowledgebase and your ability to articulate it. A daunting combination to be sure yet incredibly satisfying. I've been providing expert consulting and expert testimony services for close to ten years now. To say it is still a challenge and one that moves my adrenals into high gear is an understatement. However, it is one of the great highs relative to intellectual discourse and can be extremely financially rewarding.
THE EXPERT WITNESS HANDBOOK is the bridge between being an expert in one's field and displaying that expertise in a court of law. Dan Poynter has provided those interested in taking this bold step with a basic set of guidelines and recommendations relative to turning one's knowledge into a new (part-time or, in some cases, full-time) career path. In the first chapter, "What is an Expert Witness?" Mr. Poynter identifies what an expert witness does and why. However, this chapter's high point is the answers to his question, Why would anyone want to be an expert witness? Mr. Poynter goes on to answer these in fine detail; I'll just provide the base answer. In order: 1) To capitalize on your years of education and experience; 2) To get into the action (See! This is what expert thrive on.); 3) To put something back into the system; 4) To be hired to study (nirvana for life students); and 5) To make money.
From the first chapter forward, Mr. Poynter lays out a relatively clean chronology of the steps necessary for a "specialist" to become an "expert." Although every chapter will be important and vital to the neophyte expert, there are several chapters I would like to highlight as being germane and crucial to the seasoned expert as well. Chapter 7, "Maintaining Competence," is an almost laconic albeit important chapter advising the expert to continue to learn. For those who are eternal students, this will not be an issue. However, as a friendly warning, if one jumps into the expert arena and feels as though "I've made it," disaster looms for laws relative to experts change constantly as do the standards and landscape of one's field of expertise. Take this chapter to heart.
Probably the most important chapter and one ALL experts can refer to in the future is Chapter 11, "The Trial," although Chapter 10, "The Deposition" runs a very close second. In "The Trial," Mr. Poynter takes 50 pages of this 231-page book to describe the process and provide poignant Q&A between an expert and attorney on direct examination and the dreaded cross-examination. Mr. Poynter provides an excellent description of the process, the requisite preparation, and the actual flow of one's testimony. Before and after each Q&A, he espouses his opinion and advice to the reader, advice to be well heeded in most instances.
Overall, this is an excellent treatise on entering the expert witness arena. One area, in my opinion, Mr. Poynter did not cover in sufficient detail was the need for the aspiring expert to understand various points of case law relative to each expert specifically, the Daubert decision and its progeny. Although the intent of Mr. Poynter's book most likely was describe in sufficient detail the steps one must take to become a competent expert, the Daubert decision (and its progeny) are tantamount to any expert's acceptance in a court of law. Regardless, Mr. Poynter has written a very solid book and one I would recommend highly.
Good, but repetitious and needs a good editor.......2003-08-09
The Expert Witness Handbook covers a lot of ground, from selecting the expert and impeaching opposing experts, to being deposed and giving trial testimony. The author is evidently well versed and very experienced in being an expert, and his opinions and anecdotes are laced through the book. This is both the strength and weakness of the book - the author's expertise in parachute accidents shows, but it also limits the overall usefulness. The repetition and poor grammar are more annoying. Because this book was published by the author, the lack of editing may be somewhat anticipated. Overall, I enjoyed the book and found it useful, but a good editor could have tightened it up a lot.
Very Informative Book.......2000-11-21
I found this book to be informative and easy to read. It covered all aspects of an expert witness practice from how to get started to securing work to billing and collecting for your services. I will use it as an resource tool for many years to come.
Book Description
When you choose a law school, you want the most complete, up-to-the-minute, accurate information you can get. Now this information is available from the American Bar Association, the nationally recognized accrediting agency for professional schools of law.
Customer Reviews:
The Proper Choice.......2000-07-25
This book is thorough, giving details and figures that show numerous comparisons. The choice is easy once you are able to compare what these schools offer and what you are looking for.. An all-round masterpiece of information.
Book Description
Whether you are contracting your services to others or hiring independent contractors to work for you, it's essential to get everything in writing -- if you don't, you could lose time, money and credibility.
With Consultant and Independent Contractor Agreements, you'll get all the plain-English instructions and easy-to-use forms you need to get the legalities straight, stay out of trouble and get the job done.
If you're contracting your services... Take the legal steps necessary to document each new project that comes your way - if you get audited, you'll be glad you did. This easy-to-use book gives you all the tools you need to: · put your agreement in writing · define a project's scope, components and duration · satisfy IRS requirements · get paid on time and in full · avoid disputes with your client · drum up new business
If you're hiring independent contractors... Using independent contractors can get you great results and save you money - but you need to know what it takes to avoid the ire of the IRS while protecting your business and intellectual property. Here's everything you need to: · put your agreement in writing · define a project's scope, components and duration · satisfy IRS requirements · protect your trade secrets, trademarks, patents and copyrights · avoid disputes with independent contractors · get your money's worth
Includes tear-out agreements, as well as a CD-ROM with 16 agreements tailored to the most popular fields for contractors and consultants.
Download Description
"Whether you are contracting your services to others or hiring independent contractors to work for you, it's essential to get everything in writing -- if you don't, you could lose time, money and credibility. Consultant and Independent Contractor Agreements gives you the plain-English instructions and easy-to-use forms you need to get the legalities straight, stay out of trouble and get the job done. If you're an independent contractor... Take the legal steps necessary to document each new project that comes your way -- if you get audited, you'll be glad you did. This easy-to-use book gives you all the tools you need to: put your agreement in writing define a project's scope, components and duration satisfy IRS requirements get paid on time and in full avoid disputes with clients drum up new business If you're hiring independent contractors... Using freelancers can get you great results and save you money -- but you need to know what it takes to avoid the ire of the IRS while protecting your business and intellectual property. Here's everything you need to: put your agreement in writing define a project's scope, components and duration satisfy IRS requirements protect your trade secrets, trademarks, patents and copyrights avoid disputes with independent contractors get your money's worth "
Customer Reviews:
Use templates but get final validation from a lawyer........2003-08-11
If you are running a small business, you will definitely need some sort of agreements to use with your clients or vendors. This Nolo guide should be used in conjunction with another Nolo guide 'How to Create Noncompete Agreements' to have the best combination of contracts to protect yourself.
The first few chapters in the book outline both perspectives - hired consultant and client hiring the consultant. The chapters following these initial chapters focus on different kinds of situations like Agreements for Accounting and Bookkeeping Services, Agreements for Software Consultants (the one I started using right away), etc. These chapters basically outline the relevant contract and discuss the purpose of each clause in the contract along with their alternatives. You can then select the alternative that best suits your situation and modify the contract accordingly.
You will find the various sample agreements to be used by the hiring firm and by the independent contractor at the end of the book (and on the CD-ROM).
It took me all of 15 minutes to read the chapter on agreements for software consultants and highlight the clauses I wanted to modify. I spent an additional hour modifying the electonic version of the form and saving the file. After this, I emailed the electronic copy to my lawyer who charged me a much lower fee to check the contract! She basically found 3 errors I didn't know about and fixed them for me. I then sent the contract to my client to sign. Right there, the book paid for itself many times over!
But don't forget to combine this book with the other book on Noncompete Agreements. It is especially critical if you are the hiring firm. Good luck!
Book Description
Here's the first practical, plain-English book targeted to minimize the legal exposure of trainers, speakers, and consultants. This easy-access resource gives you all the legal information and guidance you require to keep you, your company, and your clients out of court. Filled with sample contracts, checklists, and case studies, it helps you comply with all mandates on proper health and safety training... protect yourself from personal injury and negligence lawsuits..."bias-proof" training programs to avoid discrimination charges...avoid copyright infringement and safeguard your own work product...sidestep malpractice pitfalls whether clients do or do not take your advice ... honor all contract provisions and ensure your clients do as well...resolve conflicts of interest and other ethical dilemmas...create good documentation to "bomb-proof" yourself legally...minimize the disruption caused by unavoidable legal claims...and much more!
Average customer rating:
|
Air Pollution Consultant Quick Reference Guide
Manufacturer: Aspen Law & Business Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Environmental & Natural Resources Law
| Law
| Subjects
| Books
Environmental & Natural Resources Law
| Law
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0444100326 |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Fund Raising Management, published by Hoke Communications, Inc. on September 1, 1994. The length of the article is 1463 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
From the supplier: California's Office of the Attorney General released a report analyzing the practice of commercial fund-raising companies. The report showed that at least one-third of all charitable contributions made in the state went to pay commercial fund-raising companies, who charged them as solicitation fees and expenses. The Office of the Attorney General used the report to educate the public on the importance of knowing where their contributions go to.
Citation Details
Title: California's study of commercial fund raisers. (Legal/Legislative Guide) (Column)
Author: Bruce Hopkins
Publication:
Fund Raising Management (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 1, 1994
Publisher: Hoke Communications, Inc.
Volume: v25
Issue: n7
Page: p47(2)
Article Type: Column
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Books:
- Working for Yourself: Law & Taxes for Independent Contractors, Freelancers & Consultants (6th Edition)
- Working with Emotional Intelligence
- World Development Report 2007: Development and the Next Generation (World Development Report)
- 101 Best Resumes: Endorsed by the Professional Association of Resume Writers
- 7 Measures of Success: What Remarkable Associations Do That Others Don't
- 70-216: MCSE Guide to Microsoft Windows 2000 Networking, Certification Edition
- Aging and Mental Health: Positive Psychosocial and Biomedical Approaches (5th Edition)
- America's Role in Nation-Building: From Germany to Iraq
- American Environmentalism: Readings In Conservation History
- AP Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law (Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Places Rated Almanac
- Desire Street: A True Story of Death and Deliverance in New Orleans
- Research in Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting, Volume 11
- This Time, This Place: My Life in War, the White House, and Hollywood
- Wiley GAAP 2007: Interpretation and Application of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
- Dear Mr. Blueberry
- Apache Agent: The Story of John P. Clum
- Module 3 Wk Pap 19-28, Century 21 Acct 1y
- The Perils of Prosperity, 1914-32
- The Tiger's Destiny
Self-employed Tax Solutions: Quick, Simple, Money-Saving, Audit-Proof Tax and Recordkeeping Basics for the Independent Professional
Deduct It! Lower Your Small Business Taxes
Small Business Taxes Made Easy: How to Increase Your Deductions, Reduce What You Owe, and Boost Your Profits
Getting Started in Consulting, Second Edition
Home Business Tax Deductions: Keep What You Earn
