Business protection checklist
A printable from Protect Your Business. Fill it in by hand. Nothing you write is collected by this website.
Business protection checklist
Step 1: Know what you have
- List of every bank and payment app account (no passwords on this list)
- Lease or deed, vehicle titles, equipment list and receipts
- Monthly bills: who, how much, when due
- Business papers: name, type, EIN, licenses, permits, contracts, insurance
- Contacts: accountant, landlord, suppliers, key customers
Step 2: Choose your people
- Trusted person: ____________________ Phone: ____________
- Backup person: ____________________ Phone: ____________
- I showed them where the papers are, on paper and online
- We agreed on the first day, first week and first month
Step 3: Sign the papers
- Power of attorney, dated, signed and notarized (or two witnesses)
- Checked which powers I gave: banking, business, taxes, property
- Asked each bank what form it accepts
- IRS Form 8821 or 2848, if needed
- FTB 3520-PIT or 3520-BE, if needed
Step 4: Protect your workers
- My trusted person can run payroll
- I know the 72 hour notice rule for I-9 inspections
Step 5: Your family
- I made a family preparedness plan
Review this plan every six months. Keep it somewhere safe.
From Protect Your Business. Facts checked October 21, 2026. Free information, not legal or medical advice.