Preparing a business for sale three to five years before an expected exit gives owners time to improve transferable value, correct legal and financial problems, reduce dependence on the founder, and prepare for buyer due diligence. Starting early can also expand the pool of potential buyers and prevent issues discovered during negotiations from reducing the…
Artificial intelligence can help small businesses work more efficiently, but its use can raise legal questions involving confidentiality, privacy, intellectual property, employment decisions, and accuracy. Massachusetts businesses do not need to avoid AI, but they should establish clear rules for how employees use it and when human review is required. A practical AI policy can…
Private equity firms are showing growing interest in family-owned businesses—and for good reason. These companies often offer long-term value, deep community roots, and significant untapped growth potential. For family business owners, welcoming outside investment can provide access to capital, operational support, and a path to succession planning. But private equity transactions also come with unique…
Selling a business in Massachusetts can result in very different tax outcomes depending on how the transaction is structured. Asset sales and stock or ownership interest sales are taxed differently, and the allocation of the purchase price can significantly affect capital gains and ordinary income exposure. Sellers may also have opportunities to defer taxes through…
An IRS business audit can be time-consuming, but understanding the process can help your business respond with confidence. Whether your company is selected because of reporting discrepancies, unusual deductions, or random review, knowing what the IRS will examine is essential. This guide explains why business audits occur, the different types of IRS audits, the documents…
As AI tools become more common in business for content creation, marketing, design, or automation, company owners need to understand how copyright law treats AI-generated content. Under current U.S. law, works created solely by AI generally cannot be copyrighted. However, content that combines meaningful human creativity with AI assistance may still qualify for protection. Massachusetts…
Imagine a growing company in Massachusetts that’s riding high on a wave of new contracts. Sales are up, hiring is steady, and expansion is underway. Then a supplier fails to deliver, a former employee files a lawsuit, and the company’s biggest client suddenly misses a payment. The fallout could’ve been prevented—or at least reduced—if the…
If your business relies on third parties to produce goods, a manufacturing agreement is one of the most important contracts you’ll sign. It defines the relationship between your company and the manufacturer, setting expectations for quality, timing, pricing, and risk allocation. Whether you’re launching a new product line or scaling production, a clearly written agreement…
What Is the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)? The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which went into effect in January 2024, is intended to help the government fight various illicit financial activities like money laundering and tax evasion. If you are a business owner, you need to understand that the CTA might require your company to report…
Forming a partnership is one of the best ways to conduct business. It allows owners to pool their resources and knowledge so they can work together for the benefit of each other and the company. By the same token, many partnerships have fallen apart due to conflict and disagreements. Partnership disputes are among the most…
