I launched my first SaaS without a privacy policy, a proper terms of service, or any clue that I was potentially violating securities law just by talking about my startup on Twitter. I got lucky. Most founders do — until they don't. This is the checklist I wish existed on day one. Not legal advice, but practitioner-level guidance from someone who's been through the paperwork trenches. 1. Business Entity First, Everything Else Second Before you take a single dollar, form an entity. The default — operating as a sole proprietor — means your personal assets are on the table if someone sues you over a data breach, a billing dispute, or a feature that broke their workflow. What to actually do: LLC (US) : Delaware or Wyoming if you want investor-friendliness later, your home state if you're bootstrapped and want simplicity. Wyoming LLCs cost ~$100/year. C-Corp : Only if you're planning VC funding. The tax overhead isn't worth it otherwise.…