The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) is the most far-reaching legislation affecting the federal securities laws since they were created in the 1930s. It impacts everything from the role of auditors to public reporting of stock trades by management, from committee independence to reporting of off-balance sheet transactions, and from officer loans to employee whistle-blowing. The ideas presented in this white paper will help private companies avoid pitfalls that could interfere with important future milestones, such as an acquisition or an IPO, and will contribute to the foundation of a company culture of fiscal and corporate responsibility.