# SmallBizHandbook

> Free state-by-state small business compliance guides covering insurance, licensing, formation, taxes, payroll, and employment law for all 50 US states + DC. Written by a credentialed Enrolled Agent, Certified Financial Planner, and Licensed Insurance Professional.

## Free Calculators & Tools
- [Self-Employment Tax Calculator](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools/self-employment-tax-calculator): Calculate SE tax, federal income tax, QBI deduction, and quarterly estimated payments for freelancers and sole proprietors. 2026 rates.
- [LLC Cost Calculator by State](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools/llc-cost-calculator): Total cost to form and maintain an LLC in any state — filing fees, registered agent, annual report, franchise tax, 5-year projection.
- [Employee vs Contractor Classification Quiz](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools/employee-vs-contractor-quiz): 15-question IRS classification test based on behavioral, financial, and relationship factors.
- [Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools/quarterly-tax-estimator): Estimate quarterly tax payments including income tax, SE tax, and state taxes with 2026 due dates.
- [True Cost of an Employee Calculator](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools/payroll-cost-calculator): Calculate total employer cost including salary, FICA, FUTA, SUTA, workers comp, and benefits.
- [Business Structure Quiz](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools/business-structure-quiz): 10-question quiz recommending sole proprietorship vs LLC vs S-Corp based on your situation.
- [Free Invoice Generator](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools/invoice-generator): Create professional invoices and download as PDF. 100% free, no sign-up, data never leaves your browser.
- [P&L Statement Template](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools/pnl-statement-template): Generate profit & loss statements with industry presets. Download as PDF.
- [Balance Sheet Template](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools/balance-sheet-template): Generate balance sheets and download as PDF.
- [Cash Flow Statement Template](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools/cash-flow-statement-template): Generate cash flow statements and download as PDF.
- [Expense Tracker](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools/expense-tracker): Categorize business expenses and export as CSV.
- [Mileage Log & Deduction Calculator](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools/mileage-log): Track mileage and calculate IRS deductions.
- [NDA Generator](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools/nda-generator): Create mutual or unilateral non-disclosure agreements.
- [Contractor Agreement Generator](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools/contractor-agreement-generator): Generate independent contractor agreements.
- [LLC Operating Agreement Generator](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools/llc-operating-agreement-generator): State-specific LLC operating agreement generator.
- [Non-Compete Checker](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools/non-compete-checker): Check non-compete agreement enforceability by state.
- [Paycheck Calculator](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools/paycheck-calculator): Salary to take-home pay calculator by state.
- [W-4 Withholding Calculator](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools/w4-withholding-calculator): How to fill out your W-4 correctly.
- [Workers Comp Estimator](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools/workers-comp-estimator): Estimate workers comp costs by state and industry.
- [Section 179 Calculator](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools/section-179-calculator): Calculate equipment write-off deductions.
- [Sales Tax Nexus Checker](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools/sales-tax-nexus-checker): Check economic nexus thresholds by state.
- [Certification Eligibility Quiz](https://smallbizhandbook.com/government-contracts/certification-quiz): Find which government certifications your business qualifies for.
- [All Free Tools](https://smallbizhandbook.com/tools): Browse all calculators and interactive tools.

## Security & Compliance
- [Security & Compliance Hub](https://smallbizhandbook.com/security-compliance): SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and CMMC compliance guides for small businesses.
- [SOC 2 Compliance Guide](https://smallbizhandbook.com/security-compliance/soc-2): Complete guide to SOC 2 for small businesses — requirements, costs, timeline, and automation platforms.
- [SOC 2 Type 1 vs Type 2](https://smallbizhandbook.com/security-compliance/soc-2-type-1-vs-type-2): Side-by-side comparison of SOC 2 Type 1 and Type 2 audits.
- [SOC 2 Cost Calculator](https://smallbizhandbook.com/security-compliance/soc-2-cost-calculator): Estimate SOC 2 audit and compliance costs based on company size and maturity.
- [SOC 2 Readiness Assessment](https://smallbizhandbook.com/security-compliance/soc-2-readiness-assessment): Free 15-question self-assessment across the 5 Trust Service Criteria.
- [Vanta vs Drata Comparison](https://smallbizhandbook.com/security-compliance/vanta-vs-drata): SOC 2 compliance platform comparison — features, pricing, and alternatives.
- [HIPAA Compliance Guide](https://smallbizhandbook.com/security-compliance/hipaa): HIPAA requirements, penalties, and compliance checklist for small businesses.
- [PCI DSS Compliance Guide](https://smallbizhandbook.com/security-compliance/pci-dss): PCI DSS requirements, SAQ types, and compliance costs for small businesses.
- [CMMC Compliance Guide](https://smallbizhandbook.com/security-compliance/cmmc): CMMC levels, requirements, and costs for DoD contractors.
- [Which Framework Quiz](https://smallbizhandbook.com/security-compliance/which-framework): 8-question quiz to determine which compliance framework your business needs.

## Workers' Compensation Insurance
- [Workers' Comp Requirements by State](https://smallbizhandbook.com/insurance/workers-comp): Interactive map + sortable comparison table for all 50 states + DC. Covers requirements, costs, thresholds, penalties, benefits, and deadlines.
- State-specific pages at /insurance/workers-comp/{state-abbreviation} — e.g., /insurance/workers-comp/ca for California

## Business Insurance
- [Insurance Hub](https://smallbizhandbook.com/insurance): Overview of all business insurance types
- [General Liability Insurance Guide](https://smallbizhandbook.com/insurance/general-liability): Coverage scope, costs by business type
- [Commercial Auto Insurance Guide](https://smallbizhandbook.com/insurance/commercial-auto): When needed, costs by vehicle type
- [Professional Liability / E&O Insurance](https://smallbizhandbook.com/insurance/professional-liability): Who needs it, costs, coverage
- [Business Owners Policy (BOP)](https://smallbizhandbook.com/insurance/bop): Bundled coverage for small businesses

## Business Licensing
- [Business License Requirements by State](https://smallbizhandbook.com/licenses): State-specific licensing guides
- [Contractor License Requirements](https://smallbizhandbook.com/licenses/contractor)
- [Food Truck Permits & Licenses](https://smallbizhandbook.com/licenses/food-truck)
- [DBA / Fictitious Name Registration](https://smallbizhandbook.com/licenses/dba)
- [Cosmetology / Salon License](https://smallbizhandbook.com/licenses/cosmetology)
- [Daycare / Childcare License](https://smallbizhandbook.com/licenses/daycare)
- [HVAC License Requirements by State](https://smallbizhandbook.com/licenses/hvac): EPA 608 certification, state contractor licenses, NATE certification, journeyman & master requirements.
- [Electrician License Requirements by State](https://smallbizhandbook.com/licenses/electrical): Journeyman, master, and contractor electrician licensing by state.
- [Plumber License Requirements by State](https://smallbizhandbook.com/licenses/plumbing): Apprentice, journeyman, and master plumber licensing by state.
- [Home Health Agency License by State](https://smallbizhandbook.com/licenses/home-health): State licensing, Medicare certification, and staffing requirements.
- [Staffing Agency License by State](https://smallbizhandbook.com/licenses/staffing): State registration, bonding, and compliance requirements.
- [Pest Control License by State](https://smallbizhandbook.com/licenses/pest-control): Applicator licensing, business licenses, and EPA certification.

## Business Formation
- [LLC vs S-Corp Comparison](https://smallbizhandbook.com/formation/llc-vs-s-corp): Side-by-side table of taxes, liability, costs
- [How to Form an LLC](https://smallbizhandbook.com/formation/llc): Step-by-step with state fee table
- [How to Get an EIN (Free)](https://smallbizhandbook.com/formation/ein): IRS application guide
- [Sole Proprietorship vs LLC](https://smallbizhandbook.com/formation/sole-prop-vs-llc): When to upgrade
- [How to Form an S-Corp](https://smallbizhandbook.com/formation/s-corp): Election process and requirements
- [Registered Agent Guide](https://smallbizhandbook.com/formation/registered-agent): What it is and do you need one
- [Operating Agreement Template](https://smallbizhandbook.com/formation/operating-agreement): Free template and guide
- [Annual Report & Franchise Tax](https://smallbizhandbook.com/formation/annual-report): State-by-state requirements

## Taxes
- [Sales Tax Rates by State](https://smallbizhandbook.com/taxes/sales-tax): All 50 states with local tax data and calculator
- [Self-Employment Tax Guide](https://smallbizhandbook.com/taxes/self-employment): 15.3% rate breakdown, calculation, reduction strategies
- [Quarterly Estimated Taxes](https://smallbizhandbook.com/taxes/quarterly): Due dates, calculation methods, safe harbor rules
- [State Income Tax for Businesses](https://smallbizhandbook.com/taxes/state-income-tax): No-tax states, pass-through vs corporate
- [Business Tax Deductions Checklist](https://smallbizhandbook.com/taxes/deductions): Common deductions for small businesses
- [1099 vs W-2 Guide](https://smallbizhandbook.com/taxes/1099-vs-w2): When to use each classification
- [Sales Tax Nexus Rules](https://smallbizhandbook.com/taxes/nexus): When you need to collect sales tax

## Payroll & HR
- [Minimum Wage by State](https://smallbizhandbook.com/payroll/minimum-wage): Interactive map and sortable table
- [How to Set Up Payroll](https://smallbizhandbook.com/payroll/setup): Step-by-step guide
- [Payroll Taxes Explained](https://smallbizhandbook.com/payroll/taxes): What employers owe
- [New Hire Reporting](https://smallbizhandbook.com/payroll/new-hire-reporting): State requirements

## Employment Law
- [Overtime Rules by State](https://smallbizhandbook.com/employment-law/overtime): Interactive map with calculator
- [Paid Sick Leave by State](https://smallbizhandbook.com/employment-law/sick-leave): Requirements and accrual rates
- [Meal & Rest Break Laws](https://smallbizhandbook.com/employment-law/breaks): State-by-state requirements
- [Employee vs Independent Contractor](https://smallbizhandbook.com/employment-law/employee-vs-contractor): Classification rules and penalties
- [FMLA Guide](https://smallbizhandbook.com/employment-law/fmla): Who qualifies and how it works

## Employee Benefits
- [Required Benefits by State](https://smallbizhandbook.com/benefits/required): What's mandatory in each state
- [Small Business Health Insurance](https://smallbizhandbook.com/benefits/health-insurance): Options and requirements
- [401(k) for Small Business](https://smallbizhandbook.com/benefits/401k): Setup, costs, and options
- [COBRA Guide](https://smallbizhandbook.com/benefits/cobra): When it applies and what it costs

## Government Contracts & Certifications
- [Government Contracts Hub](https://smallbizhandbook.com/government-contracts): Complete guide to government contracting certifications for small businesses — SBA 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB, DBE, MBE/WBE, and SAM.gov registration.
- [SBA 8(a) Program Guide](https://smallbizhandbook.com/government-contracts/sba-8a): Eligibility, application process, and benefits of the 9-year SBA 8(a) Business Development Program.
- [HUBZone Certification](https://smallbizhandbook.com/government-contracts/hubzone): Requirements, HUBZone map, 10% price evaluation preference, and application guide.
- [WOSB/EDWOSB Certification](https://smallbizhandbook.com/government-contracts/wosb): Women-Owned Small Business certification — eligibility, self-certification vs SBA certification, set-aside NAICS codes.
- [SDVOSB/VOSB Certification](https://smallbizhandbook.com/government-contracts/sdvosb): Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business — VetCert application, VA set-asides, sole-source thresholds.
- [DBE Certification](https://smallbizhandbook.com/government-contracts/dbe): Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program — DOT-funded projects, Unified Certification Program, eligibility.
- [MBE/WBE/MWBE Programs](https://smallbizhandbook.com/government-contracts/mwbe): State and city minority/women business enterprise certification programs — NY, CA, TX, IL, FL, Chicago, LA.
- [SAM.gov Registration Guide](https://smallbizhandbook.com/government-contracts/sam-registration): Step-by-step SAM.gov registration, UEI number, annual renewal, and scam warnings.
- [Certification Eligibility Quiz](https://smallbizhandbook.com/government-contracts/certification-quiz): 10-question quiz to find which government contracting certifications your business qualifies for.

## Browse by State
- [All States](https://smallbizhandbook.com/states): State-by-state business guides
- State pages at /states/{state-id} — e.g., /states/ca for California

## Browse by Industry
- [All Industries](https://smallbizhandbook.com/industry): Industry-specific guides
- Industry pages at /industry/{industry-id} — e.g., /industry/contractor for Contractors