Many government websites make information readily available for search but have a disclaimer that the information cannot be harvested by an auto-bot, software programs, etc. Harvesting an entire database is probably not going to fly, but without knowing what database you are trying to access, one... View More

Have they actually filed suit (in which case, you are being sued), or did they merely send a threatening letter? I doubt you are in actual legal jeopardy of losing the word, “Heroes”, from you company name or losing a damage suit in court. My guess is that they are trying to scare you into... View More

Yes. If you organize a business in the state, the business must have a registered agent with a Maryland address (business or residential) to receive legal process and official government notices. The agent can be any person over 18, including the person organizing the business (you), so long as... View More

Look at your “purposes” clause of your articles of organization. Most such clauses have a catch-all purpose clause that dates, “and to engage in any business or activity allowed by law”. If not included, you can file a simple amended set of articles. If you want to give a separate trade... View More

The law does not require any industry (whether legal, medical, retail, industrial, etc.) to give raises. Providing raises is entirely voluntarily and up to each employer. The law does require payment of certain minimum wages so if an employer pays minimum wage and the minimum wage goes up, the... View More

Maryland law now recognizes entity conversions so that one can change an entity formed in another state to a Maryland entity (this could be a corp to a LLC, a corp to a corp, etc.). For more information you could look at the Corporations & Associations article of the Maryland Annotated Code,... View More

This is a good question to ask a lawyer when sitting down to talk about forming a new business. Generally the purpose should describe what kind of things the entity will do (e.g., operate a restaurant, sell cars, provide landscaping services, etc.) but also have provision to do other permissible... View More

It depends on the nature of the business and what type of "business taxes."

A sole proprietor who files on a Schedule C and has no employees may elect to use their own social security number for their estimated tax payments, but most small businesses would benefit from forming an... View More

The Operating Agreement should describe how the owners ("partners") vote on decisions in a particular LLC and also explain what % vote is necessary to pass a resolution. If an LLC does not have an operating agreement it would be wise to create one. Maryland does have some default... View More

You're encouraged to sit down with a lawyer experienced in international business law (many attorneys in and around DC have such skill sets) to go over the specific scenario at issue. An online post cannot realistically analyze such a fact pattern.

If the question is "can an individual make a loan to a business they own," the answer is "generally, yes." The individual would of course need to report any interest income received. If the question is "can a business make a loan to an individual who owns the... View More

An attorney cannot reasonably answer a question on the validity of a multi-jurisdiction contract without seeing the contract and understanding where the contract is to be performed and where the dispute has arisen.

You are strongly encouraged to consult legal counsel, ideally one skilled... View More

Depends on whether the LLC is conducting business in NY. Then you would need to follow NY law in regards to filing entity status. And the person who resides in NY may face different tax challenges than the person in MD. Consult with both NY and MD counsel.

No, you are fine.

This online forum exists for general questions, not so much for attorneys to research a particular question. That being said, to see if a particular name is available one can contact the State Department of Assessments and Taxation. Even if a name is available per the Maryland SDAT, a business... View More

This question was posted in Maryland. If your corporation exists in this state (MD), then reinstatement is a matter of paying back personal property returns and filing Articles. If in another state, you may wish to contact the Secretary of State or equivalent state corporation division.

An entity is effectively formed the date the SDAT approves the articles of organization. However, a business is generally advised to wait until after it holds its organizational meeting before transacting business.

Determining where to incorporate or form a new business involves a great number of factors and is not easily answered by an online post. That being said, to issue mortgages in the state of Maryland one needs Maryland licensure.

You are encouraged to seek legal counsel before starting any... View More