Document Library

Business Document Library

260+ essential templates across 17 categories for startups and businesses

Informational templates only - always review with licensed counsel in your jurisdiction before use

Legal Documents

Formation Equity Employment IP & NDAs Customer Privacy Fundraising

Business Operations

Operations Financial Sales HR Ops Vendor Facilities Insurance Planning Industry
View Legal Packages Legal Essentials Guide

Important: This library provides informational templates and educational content only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult with a licensed attorney before using any legal document for your business.

260+
Document Templates
17
Categories
50
States Covered
Free
Educational Guides

Business Formation Documents

11 essential templates to legally establish your business

Articles of Incorporation

Corp

The document filed with your state to legally create a corporation. Establishes the company's legal existence.

Who needs it: C-Corps, S-Corps
Update: At formation only; amend as needed
Required: Yes - mandatory for incorporation

Articles of Organization

LLC

The founding document filed with the state to create an LLC. Establishes the LLC's legal existence and basic structure.

Who needs it: All LLCs
Update: At formation only
Required: Yes - mandatory for LLC formation

Corporate Bylaws

Corp

Internal rules governing how the corporation operates - board procedures, officer roles, meeting requirements, and voting rules.

Who needs it: All corporations
Update: Review annually; update when structure changes
Required: Strongly recommended

LLC Operating Agreement

Required in 5 States

Defines LLC ownership, management structure, profit distribution, voting rights, and member responsibilities. Banks require this.

Who needs it: All LLCs (single or multi-member)
Update: When membership changes
Required: CA, NY, DE, ME, MO (legally required)

Partnership Agreement

Partnership

Defines partner roles, capital contributions, profit sharing, decision-making authority, and exit procedures for partnerships.

Who needs it: General/Limited Partnerships
Update: Review annually
Required: Strongly recommended

Stockholders' Agreement

Corp

Governs share transfers, voting rights, drag-along/tag-along rights, and preemptive rights among shareholders.

Who needs it: Corps with multiple shareholders
Update: When shareholders change
Required: Recommended for 2+ shareholders

DBA Registration

All Types

"Doing Business As" registration required when operating under a trade name different from your legal business name.

Who needs it: Businesses using trade names
Update: Renewal varies by state (1-5 years)
Required: Yes, if using different name

EIN Application Guide

All Types

Step-by-step guide to obtaining your Employer Identification Number from the IRS - required for taxes, banking, and hiring.

Who needs it: All businesses
Update: One-time only
Required: Yes - free from IRS

Registered Agent Acceptance

Corp/LLC

Document designating a registered agent to receive legal and official documents on behalf of your business entity.

Who needs it: Corporations, LLCs
Update: Annual renewal
Required: Yes - legally required

Initial Board Resolutions

Corp

Documents recording initial corporate decisions: adopting bylaws, electing officers, authorizing bank accounts, and issuing stock.

Who needs it: All corporations
Update: At formation
Required: Yes - for corporate records

Organizational Consent

LLC

Documents initial member decisions for LLCs: adopting operating agreement, designating managers, and authorizing initial actions.

Who needs it: All LLCs
Update: At formation
Required: Recommended for records

Founder & Equity Documents

10 templates for equity, vesting, and founder relationships

Co-Founder Agreement

Startups

The "startup prenup" - defines equity split, roles, vesting, IP assignment, decision-making, and what happens if a founder leaves.

Who needs it: Multi-founder startups
Update: At founding; review at milestones
Why: Prevents disputes, VCs require clarity

Vesting Schedule Agreement

Startups

Standard 4-year vesting with 1-year cliff. Protects company if founder/employee leaves early. VCs require this - no exceptions.

Who needs it: Anyone receiving equity
Update: Track vesting milestones monthly
Why: Protects against early departures
CRITICAL

83(b) Election Form

IRS form to pay tax on stock grant at current value (near $0) vs. at vesting. Missing the 30-day deadline can cost hundreds of thousands.

Deadline: 30 DAYS from grant - NO EXTENSIONS
Who needs it: Recipients of restricted stock
Why: Massive tax savings (capital gains vs. ordinary)

Stock Option Agreement

C-Corp

Grants right to purchase shares at predetermined strike price (based on 409A valuation). Includes vesting schedule, exercise terms.

Who needs it: Companies granting options
Update: At each grant
Why: Employee retention & tax benefits

Stock Option Plan (ESOP)

C-Corp

Master plan framework for granting equity to employees. Defines pool size, eligibility, grant types (ISO/NSO), and administration.

Who needs it: Startups with employees
Update: Annually; refresh with 409A
Why: Attract & retain talent

Restricted Stock Agreement

C-Corp

Grants actual shares (not options) subject to vesting. Common for founders. Typically paired with 83(b) election.

Who needs it: Founders, early employees
Update: At grant
Why: Actual ownership from day one

Stock Purchase Agreement

Corp

Documents share sales between parties. Used for secondary transactions, buybacks, or transfers between shareholders.

Who needs it: Share buyers/sellers
Update: At each transaction
Why: Legal record of ownership transfer

Board Consent for Option Grant

C-Corp

Board resolution approving equity grants to employees. Required corporate formality for valid option grants.

Who needs it: Corporations granting options
Update: At each grant batch
Why: Corporate formality requirement

409A Valuation Guidance

Annual

Guide to obtaining 409A valuations - independent appraisals that set strike prices for stock options. Required for IRS compliance.

Who needs it: Companies issuing equity
Update: Annually or at material events
Why: Avoid IRS penalties on option grants

Cap Table Template

All Startups

Spreadsheet tracking all ownership - shares, options, SAFEs, convertible notes. Essential for fundraising and scenario modeling.

Who needs it: All startups
Update: At every equity transaction
Why: Know your ownership at all times

Employment & HR Documents

14 templates for hiring employees and contractors

Employment Agreement

W-2

Comprehensive contract covering job duties, compensation, benefits, at-will status, confidentiality, and termination terms.

Who needs it: All employers with W-2 employees
Update: At hire; amend for changes

Offer Letter Template

All

Formal job offer with position, start date, salary, equity (if any), benefits summary, and at-will acknowledgment.

Who needs it: All employers
Update: At each hire

Independent Contractor Agreement

1099

Establishes non-employee relationship. Covers scope, payment, IP ownership, and independent contractor classification factors.

Who needs it: Businesses using contractors
Why: Avoid misclassification penalties

Consulting Agreement

1099

Professional services contract defining scope, deliverables, payment terms, and project timeline for consultants.

Who needs it: Businesses hiring consultants
Update: At each engagement

Employee Handbook

Annual Update

Company policies, benefits, conduct expectations, leave policies. State-specific requirements vary significantly.

Who needs it: Businesses with 5+ employees
Update: Review annually for law changes

Employee NDA

At Hire

Protects trade secrets and proprietary information. Defines confidential info, permitted use, and post-employment obligations.

Who needs it: Employers with confidential info
Update: At hire

Invention Assignment Agreement

Tech/Creative

Ensures company owns IP created by employees during employment. Lists prior inventions excluded. VCs require clean IP.

Who needs it: Tech, creative, R&D companies
Update: At hire

Non-Solicitation Agreement

All

Prevents departing employees from poaching other employees or soliciting company clients. Generally more enforceable than non-competes.

Who needs it: All employers
Update: At hire

Separation/Termination Agreement

At Exit

Documents end of employment. Covers severance (if any), release of claims, return of property, and ongoing obligations.

Who needs it: All employers
Update: At each termination

Work for Hire Agreement

Creative

Ensures copyright ownership transfers to company for commissioned creative work (designs, code, content, etc.).

Who needs it: Businesses commissioning creative work
Update: At each engagement

Advisory Board Agreement (FAST)

Startups

Standard Founder/Advisor agreement (FAST template). Defines advisor equity (0.25%-1%), vesting, and expected contributions.

Who needs it: Startups with advisors
Update: Typically 1-2 year terms

Confidentiality & IP Protection

7 templates to protect your intellectual property and secrets

Mutual NDA (Two-Way)

Most Common

Both parties share and protect confidential information. Standard for partnership discussions, vendor evaluations, and M&A talks.

Who needs it: All businesses
Duration: Typically 2-5 years

One-Way NDA (Unilateral)

Disclosure

One party shares, other party protects. Use when sharing proprietary information with potential investors, employees, or contractors.

Who needs it: Businesses sharing IP
Duration: Typically 2-5 years

IP Assignment Agreement

Transfer

Transfers all IP rights (patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets) from creator to company. Essential for clean ownership.

Who needs it: All businesses acquiring IP
Update: At each acquisition/creation

Trademark Assignment

Transfer

Transfers trademark ownership. Required when acquiring a brand, business name, or logo from another party.

Who needs it: Businesses acquiring marks
Update: At acquisition

Copyright Assignment

Transfer

Transfers copyright ownership for creative works - code, content, designs, music, video, etc.

Who needs it: Businesses acquiring copyrights
Update: At acquisition

Trade Secret Policy

Internal

Internal policy for identifying, marking, and protecting trade secrets. Essential for trade secret litigation protection.

Who needs it: Businesses with proprietary info
Update: Review annually

IP Audit Checklist

Annual

Inventory all IP assets - patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, domains. Essential for due diligence prep.

Who needs it: All businesses
Update: Review annually

Customer & Commercial Agreements

14 templates for customer relationships and commercial contracts

Terms of Service (ToS)

Online

Contract governing user relationship with your platform. Covers usage rules, liability limits, dispute resolution, account terms.

Who needs it: All online businesses
Update: Review annually; update for changes

Master Service Agreement (MSA)

Services

Framework agreement for ongoing service relationships. Covers general terms so individual SOWs focus on scope and pricing.

Who needs it: Service providers
Update: Review annually

Statement of Work (SOW)

Projects

Defines specific project scope, deliverables, timeline, and pricing. Used with MSA for individual engagements.

Who needs it: Service providers
Update: Each project

SaaS Agreement

Software

Subscription software agreement covering access rights, service levels, data handling, and subscription terms.

Who needs it: SaaS companies
Update: Review annually

EULA (End User License)

Software

License agreement for downloadable software/apps. Grants usage rights while retaining IP ownership. Limits liability.

Who needs it: Software/app companies
Update: Each release

Return/Refund Policy

E-commerce

Sets customer expectations for returns. Required for EU customers (14-day right). Reduces chargebacks and disputes.

Who needs it: E-commerce businesses
Update: Review annually

Acceptable Use Policy

Platform

Defines prohibited user behavior - spam, abuse, illegal content. Gives grounds for account termination.

Who needs it: SaaS, platforms
Update: Review annually

Service Level Agreement (SLA)

SaaS

Defines uptime guarantees, response times, and remedies (credits) for SLA breaches. Enterprise customers require this.

Who needs it: SaaS, hosting providers
Update: At engagement

Data Privacy & Compliance

10 templates for GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and data protection

REQUIRED

Privacy Policy

Legally required if you collect any user data. Explains what data you collect, how you use it, and user rights under GDPR/CCPA.

Update: Every 12 months minimum (CCPA)
Who needs it: All businesses collecting data

Cookie Policy

EU Required

Required for EU visitors. Explains cookies used, purposes, and how to disable. Must have consent banner.

Who needs it: Websites with EU visitors
Update: When cookie usage changes
GDPR Art.28

Data Processing Agreement

Required under GDPR when using processors (vendors) to handle EU data. Defines data handling obligations.

Who needs it: Businesses handling EU data
Update: Review annually

CCPA Privacy Notice

California

California-specific disclosures. Includes "Do Not Sell My Info" link and rights to know, delete, and opt-out.

Who needs it: CA-facing businesses (thresholds apply)
Update: Every 12 months
HIPAA

Business Associate Agreement

Required when handling Protected Health Information (PHI). Defines HIPAA obligations between covered entities and business associates.

Who needs it: Healthcare-adjacent businesses
Update: Review annually

Data Breach Response Plan

Compliance

Incident response procedures for data breaches. Required notification timelines (72 hours GDPR, varies by state).

Who needs it: All businesses with user data
Update: Review annually

Data Retention Policy

CPRA

Documents how long you keep different data types. CPRA requires specific timeframes - no more "as long as necessary."

Who needs it: All businesses
Update: Review annually

Data Subject Access Request Form

GDPR/CCPA

Process for handling GDPR/CCPA data requests - access, deletion, portability. Must respond within deadlines.

Who needs it: All businesses
Update: Maintain current

Investment & Fundraising

10 templates for raising capital and investor relations

90% of Pre-Seed

SAFE Note

Simple Agreement for Future Equity. No interest, no maturity. Converts at next priced round. YC template is standard.

Who needs it: Pre-seed/seed startups
Update: At each investment

Convertible Note

Seed

Debt instrument that converts to equity. Has interest (5-8%) and maturity date (18-24 months). More complex than SAFEs.

Who needs it: Seed-stage startups
Update: At each investment

Term Sheet

Priced Rounds

Non-binding outline of key investment terms - valuation, board seats, liquidation preferences, anti-dilution, etc.

Who needs it: Series A+ startups
Update: At each round

Investor Rights Agreement

Series A+

Defines investor protections - information rights, registration rights, pro-rata rights, and board observer rights.

Who needs it: Funded startups
Update: At each round

Right of First Refusal (ROFR)

Series A+

Controls secondary share sales. Gives company and investors right to purchase shares before third parties.

Who needs it: Startups with investors
Update: At each round

Due Diligence Checklist

Pre-Raise

Organizes all documents investors will request - corporate, financial, IP, contracts, team, product, legal.

Who needs it: All startups raising
Update: Before each round

Shareholder Loan Agreement

Bridge

Documents loans from existing shareholders to company. Specifies interest, repayment terms, and subordination.

Who needs it: Businesses receiving shareholder loans
Update: At each loan

Promissory Note

Debt

Simple debt instrument documenting loan amount, interest rate, payment schedule, and maturity date.

Who needs it: Businesses borrowing money
Update: At each loan

Operations & Governance Documents

25 templates for running your business efficiently

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

All

Step-by-step instructions for consistent task execution. Ensures quality, reduces errors, and simplifies training.

Who needs it: All businesses with repeatable processes
Update: Quarterly or when process changes

Board Meeting Minutes

Corp

Official record of board discussions, decisions, and votes. Required for corporate formalities and liability protection.

Who needs it: Corporations with boards
Update: At each board meeting

Board Resolution Template

Corp

Formal documentation of specific board decisions - bank accounts, officer appointments, major contracts, equity grants.

Who needs it: All corporations
Update: As needed for major decisions

Annual Meeting Notice

Corp/LLC

Formal notice to shareholders/members about annual meetings. Required notice periods vary by state (typically 10-60 days).

Who needs it: Corporations, multi-member LLCs
Update: Annually before meeting

Written Consent in Lieu of Meeting

Corp/LLC

Allows board/shareholders to approve decisions without a formal meeting. Faster, especially for routine matters.

Who needs it: All business entities
Update: As needed per decision

Business Continuity Plan

Essential

Ensures business can continue during disruptions - natural disasters, cyber attacks, key person absence, supply chain issues.

Who needs it: All businesses
Update: Annually and after major changes

Disaster Recovery Plan

IT/Tech

Procedures to recover IT systems and data after disruption. Defines RTOs (recovery time objectives) and backup strategies.

Who needs it: Businesses with critical IT systems
Update: Annually, test quarterly

Annual Report Checklist

Required

State filing requirements checklist. Most states require annual/biennial reports with fees ($25-$500+) or face dissolution.

Who needs it: All LLCs and corporations
Update: Annually (check state deadlines)

Meeting Agenda Template

All

Structured template for productive meetings. Includes objectives, topics, time allocations, and action items.

Who needs it: All teams running meetings
Update: Use for each meeting

Financial & Accounting Documents

30 templates for financial management and reporting

Invoice Template

Essential

Professional invoice for billing clients. Includes payment terms, itemization, tax calculations, and due dates.

Who needs it: All businesses selling goods/services
Update: Review annually for tax changes

Purchase Order Template

Procurement

Formal document authorizing purchase from vendors. Creates legally binding agreement when accepted by seller.

Who needs it: Businesses purchasing from vendors
Update: Review terms annually

Expense Report Form

HR/Finance

Standardized form for employee expense reimbursement. Includes categories, receipt attachment, and approval workflow.

Who needs it: Businesses with employees incurring expenses
Update: Annually with policy review

Balance Sheet Template

Financial

Snapshot of assets, liabilities, and equity at a point in time. Essential for understanding financial position.

Who needs it: All businesses for financial reporting
Update: Monthly or quarterly

Profit & Loss Statement

Financial

Revenue, expenses, and net income over a period. Shows profitability and helps identify cost issues.

Who needs it: All businesses
Update: Monthly

Cash Flow Statement

Financial

Tracks cash in and out from operations, investing, and financing. Critical for managing liquidity.

Who needs it: All businesses, especially startups
Update: Weekly to monthly

Financial Projections Template

Fundraising

3-5 year forecasts of revenue, expenses, and growth. Required for investor presentations and loan applications.

Who needs it: Startups raising, businesses seeking loans
Update: Quarterly or before fundraising

Budget Planning Template

Essential

Annual budget with monthly breakdowns. Tracks planned vs actual spending by category.

Who needs it: All businesses
Update: Create annually, review monthly

Accounts Receivable Aging

Collections

Tracks outstanding invoices by age (current, 30, 60, 90+ days). Essential for cash flow and collections management.

Who needs it: Businesses extending credit
Update: Weekly

Sales & Customer Documents

20 templates for sales processes and customer relationships

Sales Proposal Template

Sales

Professional proposal outlining solution, pricing, and value. Converts prospects to customers.

Who needs it: B2B sales teams, service businesses
Update: Review quarterly for pricing

Quote/Estimate Template

Sales

Price estimate for goods or services. Include validity period (typically 30 days) and terms.

Who needs it: Service providers, contractors
Update: As pricing changes

Sales Contract

Essential

Legally binding agreement for sale of goods/services. Required for sales over $500 under UCC.

Who needs it: All businesses selling goods/services
Update: Review annually with counsel

Bill of Sale

Goods

Documents transfer of ownership of goods. Proof of purchase for buyer, record of sale for seller.

Who needs it: Businesses selling physical goods
Update: Use per transaction

Payment Plan Agreement

Collections

Formalizes installment payment arrangements. Defines amounts, due dates, and consequences of default.

Who needs it: Businesses offering payment plans
Update: Review annually

Customer Onboarding Checklist

CX

Step-by-step process for new customer setup. Ensures consistent experience and reduces churn.

Who needs it: SaaS, service businesses
Update: Quarterly based on feedback

HR & People Operations

35 templates for hiring, managing, and developing your team

Job Description Template

Hiring

Structured template for role responsibilities, requirements, and qualifications. Foundation for hiring and performance.

Who needs it: All employers hiring
Update: Before each hire, review annually

Interview Scorecard

Hiring

Standardized evaluation criteria for candidates. Reduces bias and ensures consistent hiring decisions.

Who needs it: Employers conducting interviews
Update: Per role, refine with hiring feedback

Performance Review Template

Management

Structured evaluation of employee performance. Includes goals, achievements, development areas, and ratings.

Who needs it: All employers with employees
Update: Use quarterly or annually

Performance Improvement Plan

Critical

Documents performance issues and improvement expectations. Essential for termination documentation.

Who needs it: Employers addressing performance issues
Update: Review with counsel annually

Remote Work Policy

2025 Essential

Guidelines for work-from-home arrangements. Covers eligibility, expectations, equipment, security, and expenses.

Who needs it: Employers with remote workers
Update: Review annually

Exit Interview Questionnaire

Offboarding

Structured questions to gather feedback from departing employees. Insights for retention and culture improvement.

Who needs it: Employers seeking retention insights
Update: Review questions annually

Vendor & Procurement Documents

15 templates for managing suppliers and purchases

Request for Proposal (RFP)

Procurement

Formal solicitation for vendor proposals. Defines requirements, evaluation criteria, and submission process.

Who needs it: Businesses making major purchases
Update: Per procurement project

Vendor Application Form

Onboarding

Collects vendor information for evaluation and setup. Includes W-9, insurance, references, and certifications.

Who needs it: Businesses onboarding vendors
Update: Review requirements annually

Vendor Evaluation Scorecard

Selection

Weighted criteria for comparing vendors. Ensures objective, documented selection decisions.

Who needs it: Procurement teams
Update: Refine criteria as needed

Real Estate & Facilities Documents

12 templates for office space and property management

Commercial Lease Checklist

Essential

Key terms to review before signing a commercial lease. Rent, CAM, build-out, termination, and renewal options.

Who needs it: Businesses leasing commercial space
Update: Before each lease negotiation

Sublease Agreement

Subletting

Agreement to sublet portion of leased space. Requires landlord consent; defines subtenant obligations.

Who needs it: Tenants with excess space
Update: Per sublease arrangement

Property Inspection Checklist

Move-In/Out

Documents property condition at move-in/out. Protects against security deposit disputes.

Who needs it: Tenants moving in/out
Update: At each move-in and move-out

Insurance & Risk Documents

10 templates for managing business risks and insurance

COI Request Form

Common

Request template for Certificate of Insurance from vendors/contractors. Specifies coverage requirements.

Who needs it: Businesses hiring contractors
Update: Review coverage requirements annually

Insurance Coverage Checklist

Essential

Comprehensive checklist of business insurance types. GL, E&O, D&O, cyber, workers comp, property, and more.

Who needs it: All businesses
Update: Review at renewal, annually

Risk Assessment Template

Planning

Identifies and evaluates business risks. Probability, impact, mitigation strategies for each risk category.

Who needs it: All businesses, especially funded startups
Update: Quarterly or after major changes

Business Planning & Strategy

15 templates for planning, pitching, and strategic growth

Lean Canvas Template

Startup

One-page business model canvas. Problem, solution, key metrics, unfair advantage, channels, and revenue.

Who needs it: Startups, new ventures
Update: At major pivots, quarterly review

Executive Summary Template

Fundraising

1-2 page summary for investors. Problem, solution, market, traction, team, and ask. Often the first thing VCs read.

Who needs it: Startups raising capital
Update: Before each fundraising round

Pitch Deck Outline

Fundraising

Recommended slide structure (10-15 slides). Problem, solution, market, business model, traction, team, ask.

Who needs it: Startups pitching investors
Update: Before each pitch, as traction grows

Competitive Analysis Template

Strategy

Framework for analyzing competitors. Features, pricing, positioning, strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.

Who needs it: All businesses
Update: Quarterly

OKR Tracking Template

Goals

Objectives and Key Results framework. Aligns team around measurable goals with progress tracking.

Who needs it: Growing teams, goal-driven orgs
Update: Set quarterly, review weekly

Quarterly Business Review

Governance

Template for quarterly performance reviews. Metrics, wins, challenges, learnings, and next quarter priorities.

Who needs it: Leadership teams, board meetings
Update: Quarterly

Industry-Specific Compliance

20+ checklists and templates for regulated industries

Healthcare & Life Sciences

HIPAA Compliance Checklist

Required

Administrative, physical, and technical safeguards for protected health information (PHI).

Who needs it: Healthcare providers, health tech, anyone handling PHI

BAA Tracking Log

HIPAA

Tracks Business Associate Agreements with all vendors handling PHI. Required for HIPAA compliance.

Who needs it: Covered entities and business associates

SaaS & Technology

SOC 2 Readiness Checklist

Enterprise Sales

Trust Service Criteria preparation. Security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, privacy.

Who needs it: B2B SaaS selling to enterprise

Vulnerability Disclosure Policy

Security

Guidelines for security researchers to report vulnerabilities. Safe harbor provisions and response SLAs.

Who needs it: Software companies, SaaS platforms

E-commerce & Retail

PCI-DSS Requirements Checklist

Payment

Payment Card Industry compliance requirements. 12 requirements across 6 control objectives.

Who needs it: Any business processing card payments

Return/Refund Policy Guide

Required

Policy framework covering EU 14-day right, state requirements, and chargeback prevention.

Who needs it: E-commerce, retail businesses

Fintech & Financial Services

AML/KYC Compliance Checklist

Required

Anti-Money Laundering and Know Your Customer requirements. Customer identification, due diligence, monitoring.

Who needs it: Money services, payment processors, fintech

2025 BOI Report Checklist

New Requirement

Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirements under FinCEN. Deadlines and filing info.

Who needs it: Most U.S. business entities

Frequently Asked Questions

Key information about legal documents and compliance

How often do I need to update my Privacy Policy?
Under CCPA, you must update your privacy policy at least every 12 months. You should also update whenever your data collection practices change, you add new features, use new vendors/processors, or laws change. Include a "Last Updated" date on your policy.
What's the deadline for 83(b) elections?
30 days from stock grant date - no extensions, no exceptions. Missing this deadline can result in paying ordinary income tax instead of capital gains tax on equity appreciation, potentially costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. As of July 2025, you can file electronically on the IRS website using Form 15620.
When is an LLC Operating Agreement legally required?
Operating Agreements are legally required in: California, New York, Delaware, Maine, and Missouri. Even in other states, you should have one because: banks require them to open accounts, it strengthens your liability protection, and it defines member rights. Without one, default state rules apply, which may not match your intentions.
How often should I get a 409A valuation?
You need a 409A valuation at least annually, or more frequently if there are "material events" affecting valuation (funding rounds, major customer wins, significant revenue changes). The valuation is valid for 12 months or until a material event. Cost is typically $1,000-$5,000 from providers like Carta, Pulley, or independent firms.
Are these templates legal advice?
No. These templates are provided for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute legal advice and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by jurisdiction, and every business situation is unique. You should always consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before using any legal document.
When should I hire a lawyer vs. use templates?
Use templates for: Basic NDAs, standard employment offers, simple contractor agreements, privacy policy starting points, LLC formation (via Stripe Atlas, Clerky), SAFE notes (YC template as-is).

Hire a lawyer for: Priced funding rounds (Series A+), M&A transactions, IP/patent filings, complex co-founder situations, regulatory issues, any litigation or legal threats. Budget 2-3% of funding rounds for legal costs.
What's the difference between a SAFE and Convertible Note?
SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity): Not debt, no interest, no maturity date. Converts to equity at next priced round. Simpler, faster, founder-friendly. 88% of pre-seed rounds use SAFEs.

Convertible Note: Actual debt with interest (5-8%) and maturity date (18-24 months). Creates more urgency to raise. More complex documentation. Better for bridge rounds or debt-tolerant investors.
Do I need a DPA (Data Processing Agreement)?
Yes, if you handle EU resident data. Under GDPR Article 28, you must have a DPA with any "processor" (vendor/service provider) that handles personal data on your behalf. This includes hosting providers, email services, analytics tools, payment processors, etc. The DPA defines data handling obligations and is legally required for GDPR compliance.

Get Started with Legal Foundations

Access our legal packages with AI-assisted templates, clause guidance, and compliance checklists - always paired with counsel recommendations.

View Legal Packages Legal Essentials Guide

Important Legal Disclaimer

This document library is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every business's situation is unique, and laws vary by jurisdiction. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. Use of any template does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult with a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction before using any legal document for your business. StartupVision is not a law firm and does not provide legal services.