Business Empire Magazine provides how to's and articles for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs

In these tough economic times, starting a business all of a sudden has become a necessity for many folks.

Whether you have lost your job and are looking to start a venture to make a living or have been in a business for a while, you want to make sure you take the necessary steps to protect your business and individual assets against lawsuits and provide your venture with the structure that gives it the flexibility to grow and expand without too much trouble.

Choosing the right structure for your business can be the difference between succeeding and failing in your business. If you start a startup without choosing the right business structure, you may leave your business open to lawsuits and susceptible to more taxes than you deserve. But registering a company and keeping up with state and federal requirements could be a hassle. Some states require you to file an annual report. Others, expect you to file other business documents or you'll get penalized.

If you own a established venture, there is a good chance that you afford a lawyer to take care of your legal affairs. But if you are a startup owner or planning to start your small-business, you may not afford to pay $100+ an hour to a lawyer. That is why you should try to go with incorporation firms to help you get your business in order. These companies charge you a small fee and prepare the documents for you. All you have to do is provide them with your information (can be done over the phone), and you are on you way to owning your very own company.

Incorporation agencies also keep track of your annual report requirements. There is no benefit in forming a LLC if you do not know how to keep it in good standing with your state and local governments. By paying $100-200, you can submit your business documents to your state and stay compliant for years to come. Who said you need a lawyer to incorporate your business.