Millennials, E-Commerce, and Denver Real Estate

Millennials, E-Commerce, and Denver Real Estate

by | Aug 24, 2017 | Business News, Online/Social Media Law, Real Estate Law, Retail Stores

Millennials, E-Commerce, and Denver Real Estate

Headlines and ratings have Colorado at the top. Denver has been consistently ranked as one of the best cities to live in by U.S. News and World Report. Denver was also first in 2015 and 2016 for best places for business according to Forbes. These accolades are in addition to the state’s impressive roster of colleges and universities, not to mention its luscious landscape and booming retail scene. This all translates into a desirable place to live, which affects your business decisions. A small business attorney will help you with all of your commercial real estate needs from setup to leasing or buying to protecting your assets.

The Millennials Are Coming To Colorado

Colorado has steadily become a migration destination in recent years, and according to a Denver Post article, there is an influx of millennials. Like many groups, millennials like to live in areas where there are other millennials, and this group uses social media to share their day to day experiences. This, in turn, contributes to a momentum of migration, which has a major impact on the real estate market. A Biz Journals article reports that Denver’s retail real estate market is expected to be the “world’s hottest” over the next few years, second only to San Francisco, and that the retail market will outperform all other global retail markets. With all of the positive reports and growth comes competition for space and rising rental rates. If you are renting commercial space for your small business, you may not be able to afford hikes in rent. As a landlord, tenants may be harder to keep or come by. Because the millennials are coming to Colorado in droves, there is a tight real estate market. A tight real estate market means there is more at stake, leading to more potential legal disputes. Careful review of your lease is critical in these times, and a small business attorney can help you with all of your contracts and agreements.

E-Commerce Is Everywhere, Even If Your Business Is Only In Denver

Defined as a transaction of buying or selling online, e-commerce has expanded rapidly over the years and is accelerating. Boundaries between electronic and conventional commerce have become blurred as more and more businesses move at least portions of their operations onto the internet. All businesses employ some form of electronic applications whether through email, online catalogs, e-newsletters, digital coupons, social media marketing, or countless other transactions. Amazon, an e-commerce revolutionary, just opened its first fulfillment center in Aurora, Colorado and is reportedly looking for a downtown Denver office location. While a 452,000 square foot industrial location is not exactly small retail real estate, having big e-commerce and tech companies opening offices in Denver affects all sectors of commercial real estate, employment, and retail. So whether you have a brick and mortar storefront or work from home, a small business attorney can advise you about operating in an increasingly virtual market in conjunction with an increasingly competitive real estate scene.

Owning Or Leasing Retail Space In Colorado

You know Denver is the place for your small retail business. You confidently cater to tech savvy and discerning tastes. You have a solid online presence. So, what do you do if your retail space no longer meets your business needs? What if you cannot afford increasing rent costs? It may be time to find another option or location. If you are unsure of the future of your business and its size, you may be better off continuing to lease or sublease. However, if you want to stay in a particular district or neighborhood and have no plans to expand, then you may want to buy rather than rent. A small business attorney will help you decide whether to rent or buy and guide you through locations and spaces as well as the accompanying leases and contracts. If you need help with your e-commerce and Denver real estate options, contact me, Elizabeth Lewis, at the Law Office of E.C. Lewis, P.C., home of your Denver Small Business Lawyer. Phone: 720-258-6647. Email: elizabeth.lewis@eclewis.com

Contact Us Today

Law Office of E.C. Lewis, P.C.
Your Denver Business Attorney

LICENSED IN COLORADO AND NORTH CAROLINA

Mailing Address:

501 S. Cherry Street, Suite 1100
Denver, CO 80246
720-258-6647
Elizabeth.Lewis@eclewis.com

Online at:

Accessing Your Colorado Tax Record with Revenue Online

Accessing Your Colorado Tax Record with Revenue Online

by | Aug 22, 2017 | Business News, Business Tax Law

Accessing Your Colorado Tax Record with Revenue Online

Colorado small businesses benefit from a variety of initiatives aimed at making it easy to fuel the entrepreneurial fire, such as the easy to use website for the Colorado Secretary of State, where you can accomplish a huge variety of business startup tasks with just a few clicks of your mouse! Another excellent resource for individuals operating small businesses in the state of Colorado is called Revenue Online – a website managed by the taxation division of the Colorado Department of Revenue. Since this year’s first quarter tax filings are in the rear view mirror, this is a good time to think about looking ahead and making access to our Colorado tax records easier. How? Once you have filed your first tax return in the State of Colorado, you should consider signing up for an account to gain easy access to your tax records and a broad variety of services.

Things You Can Do with a Colorado Revenue Online Account

This is just a partial list; visit the Revenue Online site to see all of the tasks and information you can access with an account: For Individuals Taxpayers who create a Login ID will have access to their Colorado tax accounts. Taxpayers will have the ability to view their return history, view previous correspondence sent by the Department, and make electronic payments. You can also:
  • Amend a Return
  • Change Your Address
  • File a Protest
  • View Account Balances
  • View Your Payments
  • View Your Letters
  • View and Print Your Returns
For Businesses Businesses that create a Login ID will be able to file and pay a variety of taxes including Sales Tax, Withholding Tax and Corporate Income Tax. Plus
  • File or Amend a Return
  • Change Your Address
  • File a Protest
  • View Account Balances
  • View Your Payments
  • View Your Letters

Signing Up for a Colorado Revenue Online Account

For the most part, gaining access to your tax account via Revenue Online is a simple process, however, you need to be aware of an exception with regard to individual income tax accounts. For security reasons, you cannot obtain access to individual income tax accounts until you first acquire what is called a Letter ID number. The Letter ID number is exactly what it sounds like – an ID number associated with a letter from the Colorado Department of Revenue. If you have a recent letter from the Department, you can simply use the Letter ID number located in the upper right corner the letter – it doesn’t matter what the topic of the letter is. If you do not have a recent letter, you may request a Letter ID number on the Revenue Online website under “Additional Services” and “Request a Letter ID” (see image below). Revenue Online Services screenshot A letter containing the “Letter ID” number will be sent by postal mail to the address on record with the Department (so make sure yours is current before you submit the request!). It might take up to 10 business days to receive the “Letter ID” letter, but once you have it, you will be able to create a Revenue Online account for your individual income tax account, which is important if you are a single member Limited Liability Company because as such you will have filed your business taxes as part of your personal return. When you are ready to go, visit Revenue Online in your computer Web browser at www.Colorado.gov/RevenueOnline. To sign up for you account, you will need:
  • Taxpayer or Business Name
  • Tax ID Number, such as Social Security Number or ITIN from the IRS; Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN) or a Colorado Account Number (CAN) assigned by the Department
  • Address associated with your tax account
Once you have completed the registration process, you will receive an email that tells you whether you were able to get access to the account. Make sure to check your Junk email folder if you do not see the email in your Inbox – the email Subject line will say: Colorado Department of Revenue – Revenue Online Account Access Complete and will contain an Authorization Code that you will use the first time you log in, after which you will create your own password for the account. If you need help with your business taxes or business tax planning, contact me, Elizabeth Lewis, at the Law Office of E.C. Lewis, P.C., home of your Denver Small Business Lawyer. Phone: 720-258-6647. Email: elizabeth.lewis@eclewis.com

Contact Us Today

Law Office of E.C. Lewis, P.C.
Your Denver Business Attorney

LICENSED IN COLORADO AND NORTH CAROLINA

Mailing Address:

501 S. Cherry Street, Suite 1100
Denver, CO 80246
720-258-6647
Elizabeth.Lewis@eclewis.com

Online at:

5 Crucial Areas of Commercial Real Estate Law for Colorado Businesses

by | Jun 21, 2017 | Business Formation, Business News, Contract Law, Real Estate Law, Retail Stores

5 Crucial Areas of Commercial Real Estate Law for Colorado Businesses

Real estate law is a broad and complicated legal area. Colorado is no exception with a tangled mass of statutes on everything from discloser and zoning laws to insurance and contract laws. Whether you lease or own your business location, you will likely encounter a property law issue at some point. Attorney Elizabeth Lewis, MS, JD can help guide you through real estate law at every level before it affects your business. The following post will discuss five crucial areas of commercial real estate law for Colorado businesses.

  • Landlord/Tenant Laws
  • Disclosure Laws
  • Zoning and Land Use Laws
  • Contract Law
  • Insurance Laws

Landlord/Tenant Laws

Whether you own or rent your business space, landlord/tenant laws are designed to protect the rights of both sides who have entered into a rental or leasing agreement. There are numerous areas within these laws, including taxation, right of privacy, payment of rental fees, disclosures, duration of agreements, and right to terminate agreements. As a Colorado business owner, it is essential to comply with state laws in order to prevent violations. It’s a good idea to hire a Colorado-based attorney to advise you on all of your real estate and leasing issues from initial set up to lease/contract review to protecting your assets.

Disclosure Laws

Before you buy or rent a business space, you want to know everything you are getting into. Are there any toxic substances, like asbestos or lead paint? Does the building have energy use restrictions or accessibility inspections? You may have found the perfect location, nestled in the bustling heart of downtown Denver, but it is important to know what you may not readily see. Like other real estate laws, discloser laws vary from state to state and deal with the location, condition, and restrictions of the property. Furthermore, a commercial lease and residential lease differ greatly and are subject to different laws. A small business attorney will review and advise you on existing or potential factors before you are ready to lease or buy a retail space.

Zoning and Land Use Laws

Your real estate choice, whether you operate out of a home office or huge warehouse, will affect your business. Commercial real estate can be divided into several categories, including office buildings, industrial, retail, restaurant, multifamily, undeveloped land, and more. Each of these properties are subject to Colorado state zoning and land use regulations.

Besides determining taxation, these laws define and enforce how a property is used. As a business owner, you already have a checklist a mile long when it comes to choosing your location – rent or buy, physical space, length of lease, affordability, renovations, maintenance, competitors, specifications for signs, accessibility, and much more. Learning that you must apply for rezoning to the local board is not something you want to add your list, and it does not guarantee that your application will be accepted. With the expert advice of an attorney, you can navigate through these real estate laws in order to select the perfect location.

Contract Law

After you have decided whether to buy or rent, reviewed the terms of disclosure, and confirmed zoning, you will enter into a contractual agreement. Specifically worded and structured, these legally binding documents are meant to stand up to any challenges by a landlord, tenant, or outside entity. Many savvy business owners have agreed to the terms of a contract only to fall victim to some unforeseen loophole or unintentional breach that leads to litigation. In this event, an attorney will represent you and help protect your business.

Insurance Laws

Based on the space you occupy and the business you operate, you are required to have certain insurance. This is to protect your investment and cover any property loss or liability issues. The type(s) of insurance you purchase depends on your status as lessor or lessee, the number of employees you have, as well as any building ordinance or state laws. In the unfortunate event of an accident, burglary, fire, or other disaster, additional insurance can help to cover the aftermath of damage to your business. A small business attorney can help you decide what coverage is right for you.

If you are a landlord or a tenant who needs help with Colorado commercial real estate, contact me, Elizabeth Lewis, at the Law Office of E.C. Lewis, P.C., home of your Denver Small Business Lawyer. Phone: 720-258-6647. Email: elizabeth.lewis@eclewis.com

Contact Us Today

Law Office of E.C. Lewis, P.C.
Your Denver Business Attorney

LICENSED IN COLORADO AND NORTH CAROLINA

Mailing Address:

501 S. Cherry Street, Suite 1100
Denver, CO 80246
720-258-6647
Elizabeth.Lewis@eclewis.com

Online at:

4 Important Things To Do Before Opening a Retail Store

by | Jun 13, 2017 | Business News, Retail Stores

4 Important Things To Do Before Opening a Retail Store

Article originally published June 13, 2017. Updated October 8, 2025.

Overview:

Opening a retail business in Denver can be both exciting and complex. From crafting a strong business plan to choosing the right location and managing finances, success requires careful preparation and expert guidance. Whether you’re launching a boutique, artisan store, or franchise, working with a small business attorney ensures your contracts, entity formation, and legal obligations are handled correctly. Here’s a closer look at the four pillars every aspiring Denver retailer must build upon: product, plan, location, and finances.

Dreaming of opening your very own boutique, an artisans shop, or even a small franchise? There are a multitude of important considerations before you jump into the vibrant mix of Denver retailers. And, just when you think you have done your due diligence, you may encounter unforeseen obstacles. Whether it is an issue with a contract or agreement, choosing the right business entity, dealing with wholesalers, managing staff, or marketing your product, a small business attorney will help keep you on track. This post will cover four major parts to starting your own small retail business.

  • Product
  • Plan
  • Location
  • Finances

Product

You likely already know what you want to sell before you explore many other important factors. A working knowledge and passion for your intended product are great, but they do not guarantee success. Conducting research in order to gauge the demand for your product and keeping current on sales trends are essential to your potential for profit. The U.S. Census Bureau publishes retail trade reports every five years. These can help you measure the demand for your products.

Also, establishing relationships with product suppliers or wholesalers requires agreements and contracts, which a small business attorney will help you navigate.

Plan

Your product determined, it is time to create a comprehensive business plan. This will include a detailed description of your inventory, target customers, how to meet the needs of target customers, competition, and advantages you have over the competition. You will need to provide details about the organizational structure of your store and design a marketing strategy. Deciding on a business structure (i.e. sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, etc.) will determine which tax forms you are required to file. An attorney provides tax advice and representation in the event of any audits, penalties, or other tax issues, so you should establish a relationship with a Colorado small business attorney before you file any forms with Colorado or the federal government.

Even with the best laid plans, one bad customer experience shared via social media can close your newly opened doors. A good small business attorney will work with you to develop a solid online marketing strategy as well.

Location

As with your product and plan, you will need to research potential locations for your business. Whether it is best suited for Denver’s creative Art District on Sante Fe, eclectic Union Station, or historic Larimer Square, you will want to select a property that meets your needs and budget. Your research may entail searching public records to see how a location was previously used, analyzing the foot traffic and demographics of the neighborhood, and finding a location that is visible to your customers and consistent with the image you want to project. Your attorney will assist in every aspect of your business formation from finding the ideal location, entering into lease agreements, hiring employees, drafting company documents, and filing the required state and federal paperwork.

Finances

Determining all of the expenses your business may incur when starting out will help you to spend more wisely and begin earning sooner. Plan for rent and operation expenses, such as security deposit, utilities, and staffing. Figure out if you will need to make property improvements and customizations, which are associated with a multitude of costs, including construction, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and office supplies. There are also expenses related to technology and communications (computers, phones, internet, point of sale (POS) terminals, card readers, scanners and printers), inventory, and marketing/advertising. Other required fees come with licenses, permits, taxes, and registration. Beyond borrowing money or obtaining a commercial loan, there are numerous options for small business loans. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers several of these loan programs for entrepreneurs. Regardless of the type of financing, a small business attorney will review the written agreements and interpret the terms in order to avoid misunderstandings or defaults.

Contact Denver business attorney Elizabeth Lewis

If you are starting a retail store and need an attorney, contact me, Elizabeth Lewis, at the Law Office of E.C. Lewis, P.C., home of your Denver Small Business Attorney. Phone: 720-258-6647. Email: elizabeth.lewis@eclewis.com

Contact Us Today

Law Office of E.C. Lewis, P.C.
Your Denver Business Attorney

LICENSED IN COLORADO AND NORTH CAROLINA

Mailing Address:

501 S. Cherry Street, Suite 1100
Denver, CO 80246
720-258-6647
Elizabeth.Lewis@eclewis.com

Online at:

3 Important Tax Rules for Relocating Your Small Business

by | May 24, 2017 | Business Formation

3 Important Tax Rules for Relocating Your Small Business

There are a lot of questions you want to ask (and probably have an attorney answer) before you relocate your small business from one State to another. This blog will alert you to three important tax rules for relocating your small business:

  1. the six potential F Reorganization requirements
  2. the relocation rules for your specific form of business
  3. the need (or not) to obtain a new Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Understand the Six Requirements for F Reorganization

Warning – the six requirements are not written in plain English and can be a little daunting. Of all the rules you need to understand, making sure you understand the six requirements for an F reorganization and have met the criteria may be the most important. Why? Because in the case of F Reorganization, the “F” stands for free, as in tax free. Your move may subject you to unnecessary tax burdens if it doesn’t meet the six requirements. I am supplying portions of the IRS code describing each of the requirements below – if you don’t enjoy reading legalese, skip these bullets and go on to the next section.

  • Immediately after the Potential F Reorganization, all the stock of the Resulting Corporation must have been distributed (or deemed distributed) in exchange for stock of the Transferor Corporation in the Potential F Reorganization.
  • Subject to certain exceptions, the same person or persons own all the stock of the Transferor Corporation at the beginning of the Potential F Reorganization and all of the stock of the Resulting Corporation at the end of the Potential F Reorganization, in identical proportions.
  • The assets and attributes of the Resulting Corporation [must be limited] immediately before the transaction)
  • The Transferor Corporation [must be liquidated]

The final two requirements are in place to make sure the resulting reorganization qualifies as a “Mere Change” – simply put, your move really is about moving the business and not about a clever means of evading actual tax obligations.

  • Immediately after the Potential F Reorganization, no corporation other than the Resulting Corporation may hold property that was held by the Transferor Corporation immediately before the Potential F Reorganization, if such other corporation would, as a result, succeed to and take into account the items of the transferor corporation described in section 381(c).
  • Immediately after the Potential F Reorganization, the Resulting Corporation may not hold property acquired from a corporation other than the Transferor Corporation if the Resulting Corporation would, as a result, succeed to and take into account the items of such other corporation described in section 381(c).

Know the Rules for Moving Your Particular Business Form

When you are ready to move your business, you need to know the rules for moving your particular business form to a new state – these rules will vary depending on the form your business operates under, and some are more straight forward than others. The SBA gives a good overview of the rules, but advises, as do I, to talk over your move with an attorney, and to understand clearly the steps you will be expected to take as an LLC, Corporation, sole proprietor, or partnership.

It is likely that you chose your form of business for the tax advantages it offers. If you haven’t had an attorney review your current form of business to make sure you are getting the best tax advantage and legal protections, consider doing so before you make your move. Tax law changes over time. Understand what changes you may want to make before moving your business to a new State with a less than optimal business form.

Obtain a New Employer Identification Number (EIN) – Perhaps

This is another one of those cases where the answer on whether or not you need to obtain a new employer identification number (EIN) is, perhaps. Once again, the need to obtain a new EIN is controlled by your form of business. Gratefully, these rules are a little easier to understand, but they are far from crystal clear. For example, the SBA explains that corporations will not be required to obtain a new EIN if “conversion at the state level with business structure remain[s] unchanged.” If you’re not sure what is meant by conversion, you might not realize that you can keep your EIN.

If you aren’t sure whether or not you need a new EIN after a move, or want want help understanding these 3 important tax rules for relocating your small business, contact me, Elizabeth Lewis, at the Law Office of E.C. Lewis, P.C., home of your Denver Small Business Lawyer. Phone: 720-258-6647. Email: elizabeth.lewis@eclewis.com

Contact Us Today

Law Office of E.C. Lewis, P.C.
Your Denver Business Attorney

LICENSED IN COLORADO AND NORTH CAROLINA

Mailing Address:

501 S. Cherry Street, Suite 1100
Denver, CO 80246
720-258-6647
Elizabeth.Lewis@eclewis.com

Online at: