While most that are starting a new business are anxious to just open their doors and get going, many start without knowing the first thing about the legal requirements or how to actually operate a business. Luckily, there are some great FREE resources to help you make sure you have all your bases covered. My personal favorite? The IRS’s Guide to Starting a New Business. Here, the awesome folks at the IRS lay it all out for you, from what kind of business structure you should choose, to what taxes you may be subject to and when and how to file and pay them, to what kind of records to keep. Another great resource is the Small Business Administration, where you can find assistance on formulating a business plan, as well as finding sources of loans and grants. If you are the type of person that wants an easy to follow, step-by-step list on what you need to do, I have made this nifty little New Business Checklist you can find here. While I do suggest hiring an experienced accountant such as myself as your first step, there is plenty you can do on your own if you are interested, motivated, and use the right resources!