About SmallBizHandbook
Last updated: 2026-03-27
What is SmallBizHandbook?
SmallBizHandbook.com is a free, comprehensive resource covering everything small business owners are legally required to know — insurance, licensing, formation, taxes, payroll, employment law, and employee benefits — organized state by state.
We exist because this information is currently scattered across dozens of government websites, locked behind accountants charging $200–600/hour, or buried in biased SaaS company blogs trying to sell you software. We believe every small business owner deserves free, neutral access to compliance information.
Who built this?
SmallBizHandbook is built and maintained by Ran Chen, with professional credentials across the three pillars of small business compliance:
Enrolled Agent (EA)
The highest credential the IRS awards for tax expertise. EAs are federally licensed to represent taxpayers before the IRS and have unlimited practice rights on all tax matters. Our tax, payroll, and formation content is informed by this expertise.
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
The standard of excellence in financial planning. CFPs are held to fiduciary standards and must pass a rigorous examination covering financial planning, insurance, investments, tax, retirement, and estate planning. Our benefits and financial guidance content reflects this training.
Life & Health Insurance License
State-licensed to advise on life and health insurance products. This credential ensures our workers' compensation, general liability, and employee benefits content is grounded in professional insurance knowledge.
Our editorial standards
- •Official sources only. Every data point is sourced from state government websites, the IRS, the Department of Labor, or other official agencies. We link directly to these sources on every page.
- •No bias. We do not sell insurance, legal services, payroll software, or any other product. We have no financial incentive to recommend one option over another.
- •Date-stamped. Every page shows a “last updated” date. We review and update content regularly as laws change.
- •State-specific. We never generalize when requirements vary by state. Each state gets its own page with its own data, sourced from that state's official agencies.
- •Clear disclaimers. This site provides general information, not legal, tax, or insurance advice. We always recommend consulting a qualified professional for your specific situation.
What we cover
All topics are covered for all 50 states plus the District of Columbia.
Contact
Found an error? Have a suggestion? We want to hear from you.
Email: hello@smallbizhandbook.com