[mrguyorama]

The vast majority of government workers (including such lowly people as the workers who check applications for food stamps) cannot give advice because humans are fallible and will get it wrong sometimes. The government doesn't want people suing them for that situation, so they just ban all advice basically.

[mthoms]

Is that correct? If I am taking a company public, or some other activity that falls under their purview, can I not ask the SEC to provide guidance on the appropriate measures to take?

Yes, of course, a lawyer can provide that. But surely, the SEC should be able to provide advice or point to resources on how to be compliant if needed?

If not, I'm really surprised.

[true_religion]

Social workers seem to give advice. IRS also looks like it can advise you as to what you need to do to avoid further action against you.

It’s not as if no one can ever get advise from the government bodies.