How many years must I keep credit card receipts in order to comply with the new Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards?
This Business Council member wanted to ensure that his veterinary clinic was in full compliance with the PCI data security standards. The PCI Data Security Standards are guidelines developed by the credit card industry to protect the credit card holder’s payment data. They apply to any company that accepts credit card payments, regardless of the level of the transaction level or company size.
Since the guidelines themselves are universal, it seemed at first, the answer would be obvious. However, that’s not the case. Both compliance and record retention time are established by the various issuing companies and the PCI DSS recommends that merchants with questions regarding compliance contact their issuing bank.
To learn more about the PCI Data Security Standards, visit the PCI DSS website.
My husband wants to start a contracting business. What should he do in order to file a DBA?
Filing a DBA is the process of registering a business name. To do this you must first establish a legitimate business. The process of registering a name is not permission to conduct business and several steps should be taken prior to the process of filing a DBA. What the caller SHOULD be asking is “What steps must I take to start a business?”
All businesses must first register with the state and in instances you will also be required to obtain a tax id number. Specialized companies, such as contractors, may be subject to additional licensing requirements. Only after those steps are complete and the business owner has conducted a thorough business name search, should the business owner even consider filing a DBA. For an overview of what is needed to start a business in New York State, visit the New York State Governor’s Office of Regulatory Reform to download a brochure titled “Starting a Business” which that provides helpful information and resources.
Before you start a business, we strongly recommend that you speak to your attorney and or, an accountant. You will also want to visit your local chamber of commerce, since chambers are usually the best resource available for helping to establish a business within the local community. To find your local chamber, visit our website.
How can people reach the Small Business Hotline? The hotline is a members-only referral service available by calling 1-866-997-7270. For more information, contact Anna DeLisle at 518.465-7511, ext. 239. |
