What type of legal documents should I keep on file?
Within Florida, small businesses should keep any legal documents relating to the formation of the business, such as the Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Organization, bylaws, any documents relating to the sale of securities and trade names and trademarks, and any contracts or agreements made with other businesses or individuals. Additionally, any documents regarding employee records, such as job descriptions, performance reviews, and handbooks, documents concerning property used in the business, along with any liens relating to that property, and copyrights or patents should be kept on file. If employees are hired, the business must also keep documents such as employee contracts, health insurance documents, and tax documents such as W-2s and 1099s. Financial documents, such as receipts, invoices, bank statements, and tax records, should be kept organized and up to date. This will prove beneficial in the event of an audit. Small businesses should keep track of any documents pertaining to the business’s daily operations, such as vendor contracts, purchase orders, and sales records. Keeping track of emails, memos, and correspondence may also prove useful. Finally, every business should have a “hostage file” with all documents related to the business’s registration, license, and permit information. This way, all important documents can be easily accessible when needed.
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