Introduction -- What is a corporation? -- Why should I incorporate? -- for-profit vs. nonprofit corporations -- Choosing which business entity is best for you -- Sole proprietorship -- General partnership -- Limited partnership -- Limited liability company -- C corporations -- S corporations -- Comparison of business entities -- Incorporating -- Checklist for incorporating -- Choose a corporate name -- Choose a business type -- Choose the state in which to incorporate -- Key documents for incorporating -- Determine stock composition -- Choose corporate directors -- Choose a registered agent -- Prepare your articles of incorporation -- Prepare other key documents -- File key documents -- Federal Employer Identification Number -- Shareholders agreement -- Organizational meeting -- Open a bank account -- File Form 2553 for an S corporation -- Organize corporate records -- You're ready to operate your corporation -- Running your corporation -- Role of directors and officers -- Role of bylaws and corporate minutes -- How to run your corporation -- Hold corporate meetings -- Special issues for one-person corporations -- Learning basic accounting and finance -- Financial statements -- Ratio analysis -- Managing your business -- Accounting systems -- Basics of the double entry system -- Why keep records? -- A business checkbook -- Getting help from an accountant -- Filing taxes -- Accounting year -- Accounting method -- Tax professionals -- Forms to file -- Minimizing taxes -- What is deductible? -- Liability -- Preventing the corporate veil from being pierced -- Alternatives to law- suits -- How to find a good lawyer -- Raising capital -- State and federal money -- Funding through loans -- Funding through venture capital -- Creative alternatives -- Summary -- Managing employees -- Planning for employees -- Where can I look for employees? -- Other hiring considerations -- Offering benefits to your employees -- Health insurance -- 401(k) Retirement plans -- IRA retirement plans -- Fringe benefits -- Exit strategy -- Labor and employment law -- Title VII -- Equal Pay in Employment Act -- Age Discrimination in Employment Act -- Title I and V of the Americans With Disabilities Act -- Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 -- Civil Rights Act of 1991 -- Other important laws and acts -- Summary -- Appendix A. State specific information -- Appendix B. Articles of incorporation -- Appendix C. IRS Form SS-4 and instructions -- Appendix D. IRS Form 2553 and instructions form (S-corporation election) -- Appendix E. Bylaws template -- Appendix F. Minutes of annual meeting of shareholders -- Appendix G. Minutes of annual meeting of board of directors -- Appendix H. Sample business plan.