Tell me more ×
Answers OnStartups is a question and answer site for entrepreneurs looking to start or run a new business. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 0 down vote favorite

The two of us are going to found a company and will work on all necessary tasks without taking pay at least for the first year. In this case, are we going to be Executive Directors? If so, will we need service contracts or employment contracts? If we have contracts, does that mean we'll need to comply with minimum wages?

Thanks

Edit: We're in the UK, but would like to know the situation in the US as well.

share|improve this question
There's no minimum wage in Denmark. Or you're not from Denmark? How would we know... – littleadv Jan 29 at 17:08
Sorry, we're from the UK but would like to know about the US as well. – Kate Jan 29 at 17:15

2 Answers

up vote 1 down vote

In the UK the minimum wage rules don't apply to officers of Ltd companies, i.e. Directors.

You should have some kind of contract, so that what you create/invent is the property of the business, not you individually. This is especially important if ever intend to get external investment and/or want to sell the company.

You should also have some kind of agreement in place to specify what will happen if one of you wants to leave.

You can set up the Ltd company here.

share|improve this answer
Thanks. Without contracts, will the Directors be employees of the company? Is this one of the distinctions between Executive and Non-Executive Directors? – Kate Jan 29 at 18:39
No, the two are orthogonal. You can be a Director and/or Employee. The distinction between Executive and Non-Executive Director is notional really, but generally a Non-Executive Director will be like an advisor and not involved in the day to day running of the company. – Steve Jones Jan 29 at 18:44
Right. Then could non-employee Directors perform all tasks, e.g., marketing, sales, etc.? If so, then is that still regarded as 'employment', since they aren't employees? – Kate Jan 29 at 19:00
Yes, Directors can do all tasks while not being employees. – Steve Jones Jan 29 at 19:05
up vote 1 down vote

The following is true in California; I suspect, but cannot be sure, that it is true in other states:

The owner of a business (whether sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or LLC) need not be an employee of the business, thus need not be paid minimum wage.

For any form of entity other than sole proprietorship, appropriate agreements are important. However, those agreements need not include employment agreements for founders.

Disclaimer: This information does not constitute legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.