Get new hire paperwork done right
I-9, W-4, and the state new-hire report.
Read the guide →Define the job and wage before hiring
Real duties, hours, and market pay in writing.
Read the guide →Employee or contractor: classify right
Get the classification right; misclassifying is expensive.
Read the guide →Workers' comp insurance from day one
Required in most states from employee number one.
Read the guide →Hang required labor law posters right
Federal and state labor notices where staff can see them.
Read the guide →Hire your first staff the right way
Recruit and train the first people on your team.
Read the guide →Interview candidates, check references
Structured questions; call two references.
Read the guide →Make a written job offer that sticks
Pay, schedule, start date, and terms on paper.
Read the guide →Plan a new hire's first week right
Training, checklists, and a 30-day check-in.
Read the guide →Register as an employer before day one
EIN, state withholding, and unemployment accounts.
Read the guide →Payroll setup that files taxes for you
Software or a service; taxes filed automatically.
Read the guide →Write a job post that actually works
Pay listed, real duties, easy apply.
Read the guide →Every guide here is a checkbox in the app.
Start free and work through them one clear task at a time. No credit card required.
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Case studyMadam C.J. WalkerMadam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Co.Case studyNina VacaPinnacle GroupChecklistHire your first employee the legal wayEverything a first-time employer needs, in order: classification, registration, workers' comp, payroll, and a first week that sets your new hire up to succeed.ToolCalendlyCalendly is a scheduling tool that lets people book meetings with you by picking an open slot, syncing to your calendar and avoiding back-and-forth emails.ToolDocuSignDocuSign lets you send documents for legally binding electronic signature and track their status. It handles contracts, NDAs, offer letters, and other agreements with an audit trail.ToolGustoGusto runs full-service payroll for US businesses, handling paychecks, tax filing, and direct deposit, plus benefits, onboarding, and contractor payments. It automates federal, state, and local payroll tax compliance.ToolSlackA team messaging platform organized into channels, with direct messages, huddles (audio/video), file sharing, and thousands of app integrations.TermDilutionThe reduction in your ownership percentage that happens when a company issues new shares, typically to raise money or grant options.TermEIN (Employer Identification Number)A unique nine-digit number the US IRS assigns to your business for tax and identification purposes, like a Social Security number for your company.TermESOP (Employee Stock Option Pool)A reserved block of company shares set aside to grant as stock options to employees, aligning their upside with the company's success.TermSOP (Standard Operating Procedure)A documented, step-by-step process for how a recurring task should be done, so it's consistent no matter who does it.TermVestingThe process of earning equity over time, so shares or options only fully belong to a person after they stay for a set period.