1. Do you have the proper paperwork? This includes articles of incorporation, employer ID, a set of bylaws, partnership agreement, operating agreement and certificates.

2. Have you done annual filings in your state? These are required by the Secretary of State and, in some jurisdictions, the Franchise Tax Board?

3. Is your accounting system in order? A shoebox is not an accounting system.

4. Have your taxes been filed on schedule? If not, don’t ignore them. Ask for a professional’s guidance.

5. Do you have a separate bank account and credit card for your business? Commingling your funds is the fastest way to tear down the walls of your company. If you are successfully sued, the courts will not take the time to separate your business and corporate assets.

6. Are you representing yourself properly when you sign contracts? To avoid being personally liable, you should sign all legal documents with the proper title (officer/director) of your company.

7. Do you have a good “resident agent” for your company? This is the person, designated on public record, who will receive documents in the name of your company.

8. Do you have recorded minutes for your company? You need to document your decisions and maintain the records to establish that your business is a professional one.