FRANCHISE LAW IN MARYLAND

                Franchise law is complicated. According to the Maryland Attorney General, Maryland is one of about 15 states that requires "registration" of franchise offerings.

                  

                What is a franchise?  Maryland Annotated Business Regulation Code,  Section 14-201 defines it as follows:

        

                (1) "Franchise" means an expressed or implied, oral or written agreement in which:

                (i) a purchaser is granted the right to engage in the business of offering, selling, or distributing   goods or services under a marketing plan or system prescribed in substantial part by the franchisor;

                (ii) the operation of the business under the marketing plan or system is associated          substantially with the trademark, service mark, trade name, logotype, advertising, or

                other commercial symbol that designates the franchisor or its affiliate; and

                (iii) the purchaser must pay, directly or indirectly, a franchise fee.

                (2) "Franchise" includes an area franchise.

                "Franchisor" means the person offering to sell a franchise. The term "franchisee" means the person buying a franchise.

                There are many laws and regulations in effect to require fair dealing and full disclosure regarding proposed franchise sales and purchases. In addition to the laws governing franchises set forth above, there are many regulations that you must comply with under Maryland's Code of Regulations ("COMAR"). Currently, these regulations are set forth in over 116 pages and can be found at  http://www.oag.state.md.us/securities/SecuritiesAct.pdf.  For more information, see the following links from the Maryland Attorney General's Office:

Information for Franchisors : Before you offer a Franchise in Maryland.

Information on Renewing and Amending a Franchise Registration

                 A Franchisor also has to comply with Federal laws and regulations of the Federal Trade Commission.

                As if selling or buying a franchise isn't complicated enough, there are many potential issues that can come up  including: registration, renewal, advertising, civil enforcement, criminal penalties, record keeping, liability and releases, false or misleading prospective information or statements, material changes and notice requirements, registration, escrow requirements, disclosure forms, and other financial and legal issues.

                Given the complexity of franchise law, it's wise to hire a knowledgeable attorney to assist you, whether you plan on buying or selling a franchise.

Do I Owe Self-Employment Tax?

                If you are "self employed" you must pay "self employment taxes." According to the IRS, you are self employed if you are a sole proprietor, independent contractor, member of a partnership, or are otherwise in business for yourself, including part-time businesses. 

                The term "self employment tax" or "SE tax" is somewhat a misnomer, as there are not taxes, per se, that are called self employment taxes. The term instead refers to certain taxes that are generally paid by a combination of an employer and an employee. If an employee is employed by an employer, the employer and employee are each liable to pay half of Social Security and Medicare taxes which are based on the amount of wages paid to the employee.The current rates for SE taxes (Social Security and Medicare) are: "6.2% each for the employee and employer, unchanged from 2015. The social security wage base limit is $118,500, unchanged from 2015.The Medicare tax rate is 1.45% each for the employee and employer, unchanged from 2015. 

                If you are self employed, you are required to pay both the employer and employee share of SE taxes.  Thus, self employed individuals must pay a combined total of 15.3% of net income for these taxes (on income up to the limit).  And, since there is not an employer that is paying wages in a paycheck subject to tax withholding, you are required to pay estimated quarterly taxes.  These taxes are owed on the net profit from business income. In order to determine any net profit you subtract qualified businesses expenses and deductions from your gross income to get the net profit. If you have a net loss of income, you will not owe taxes.

               Because tax laws are complicated and changing, it's wise to seek advice from a business attorney and an accountant with expertise in areas affecting self employed individuals. As an overview, the IRS Small Business/Self Employed website has helpful information and tax document links, found here: https://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Publications-and-Forms-for-the-Self-Employed

               

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Contract Review?

The contract might seem incredibly simple. You found a great form online, you’ve gone over the details several times and it looks like you might be able to come to a final agreement. Good intentions have been expressed on both sides. However, as the saying goes, “business is business.”
You might be dealing with a family member or a friend you’ve known for years, but that’s not enough to guarantee peace of mind. There could be legal ramifications if you choose to draft your contract without the assistance of a lawyer. In fact, doing it without a lawyer could lead to problems down the line.

You might choose to go with a verbal contract. They are allowed, but can be difficult to enforce in court. If it’s on paper, you have something on record, and that’s the key if a dispute ever arises. It’s also strongly recommended that you have a lawyer review your contract. Although you’ll find plenty DIY (do-it-yourself) opportunities, your best course is to seek the help of a Maryland business lawyer who can help you craft the right contract for your needs.

Here are some basics to consider when putting your contract together.

Have a Plan
In most cases, it’s fine to create an outline of what you’d like your contract to be. Whatever specifics you want in the contract should be included.  You will need to ensure that all terms are put the contract, even those seemingly innocent verbal agreements. Additionally, if your business partner resides in a different state, it’s a good idea to decide which state’s law will apply to the contract (you’ll have to choose which state). Leave nothing to chance. Have your attorney work with you to create a plan that works best for you.

When Things Don’t Work Out
Nothing’s ever perfect and even the best plans can be waylaid. That’s where a detailed contract can come into play. It gives you insurance against a worst-case scenario if your business venture doesn’t work out. The contract can spell out exactly the way you’d prefer to resolve any differences, whether it’s through mediation or arbitration. Your dispute doesn’t have to always be solved in court.

Protect Your Intellectual Property
When it comes to creative ventures, as much as you’d like to ignore the business aspect, the reality is that a well drafted contract will save you a headache (and legal fees down the road). If you’re engaged in a publishing business, whether you’re writing the next great novel or inventing a new technology, you need to take protecting your intellectual property very seriously. Even if the contract seems straightforward, you should always have an attorney review the document.
  
It’s About Your Best Interests
No matter how you decide to move forward with your business venture, having a contract is the first step to protect you and cover your bases if something goes wrong. More importantly, a contract is essential to keep your best interests covered, and a skilled Maryland business attorney can deliver the content (and protection) that you need. A contract review attorney can help steer you in the right direction, so everyone involved can rest easy and feel confident.  

Katherine Taylor is an experienced Maryland business attorney who has reviewed, drafted and litigated hundreds of contracts. Go to www.taylorlegal.com for more information.