There are different ways to find out information on which regulations apply to your business. The best way is to go through The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). About 90 percent of the information exists within their website. Each state is different and must have a person’s undivided attention when starting a business. The consequences of not following the government’s regulations can result in hefty fines. There are different topics to figure out before looking up the regulations according to each state. Once you figure out what type of business you own, it is easy to find more information.
Type of Business
There are different types of businesses. Small businesses run as Doing Business As (DBA) and Limited Liability Company (LLC). Once you figure out what type of business you wish to operate, it is relatively easy to find more information. To ensure you’re in compliance with regulations, you must look into all levels of the government from federal, state, and local governments. Some local laws are stricter than the state’s laws, and it is critical to know and follow them. Big businesses like corporations have more regulations than small companies, but it needs noticing either way.
Organizations with Information
OSHA and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should get memorized due to the extent of information businesses must follow. Federal OSHA covers its own laws, but some states have amendments to those rules according to each state. Corporations or small businesses should take note of whether they have one employee or 1,000. These regulations are the strictest since they deal with people. There are specific requirements regarding every individual’s health and safety, which covers the employees and customers. Hiring practices and customer services are both listed under these laws and strictly enforced.
The enforcement agency, which carries out the fines and punishment for breaking the rules, will never notify the business upon the establishment. The laws clearly state it is up to the business to seek out all information and comply with the laws according to the business’s location. Most agencies will assist the business with any information requested if it is available.
There are also licensing and registration with the business name and forms to fill out if the business is not a sole proprietorship. Workers’ compensation and unemployment compensation are some other regulations that need to be on a list of business payments. By law, these are a must.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Every citizen of the United States of America must pay taxes. Federal taxes, State taxes, FICA, which is Social Security, Medicare, and other payments, go to the government. If the business has employees, this must get taken out for the employees and the business owner. The business owner will usually pay quarterly, but the employee’s paycheck should have it taken out every pay period. The IRS or any CPA will have all the information needed on the amount in which to pull out.
Regulations On Products Or Services
Individual businesses like restaurants will have more regulations placed on them because they are serving food. Health permits get added to the list of necessities. Some companies will need more licensing when it deals with medicine, architecture, law, accounting, or engineering. Pharmaceutical manufacturers need extensive and costly licensing and permits before they can touch the products they are selling.
Lawful products such as alcohol and tobacco products have regulations where only certain age groups can sell to the public. ID’s must get checked by everyone who purchases these products. Hefty fines and possible jail time is in the consequences should these rules get broken. Most of the information is online for anyone looking to get into these businesses. Trade associations are the best sources to seek out when looking for information in these fields.
Regulations on Land
Certain areas are within zones, and those zones have strict rules which do not allow certain businesses to conduct their services. Some examples may be around schools or residential areas where strip clubs or bars are not welcome. Manufacturing plants may not be fit for specific areas with a high population. Regardless of the business, it should always go in front of The Zoning Office or The Land Use Office if a business is welcome to conduct its services within the given location. Violations of these rules will get a business shut down along with fines or jail time.
Fire and Building Codes
If a building is purchased to conduct business within its walls, the Fire Marshall must step in and examine the codes and make sure everything is safe and up to standards. The building code officials can make a business owner’s life a nightmare if these codes are not up to par. Fire extinguishers, exit signs, and other regulations get passed through with a fine-tooth comb.
Governments
If one is unsure where to go for information, the government offices within the local, parish, state, and federal buildings can direct anyone in the right direction. All of these regulations and enforcers are only there for everyone’s safety.
