Whether you are just starting your business or have been operating as a sole proprietorship, you may be wondering about the benefits of forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Many business owners assume it will be too costly or time-consuming—but neither is the case.
Business Formation with You in Mind
LLC benefits
- Protected assets. LLCs provide limited liability protection to their owners (members), who are typically not personally responsible for the business debts and liabilities of the LLC. Creditors cannot pursue the personal assets (house, savings accounts, etc.) of the owners to pay business debts. Conversely, in a sole proprietorship or general partnership, owners and the business are legally considered the same—leaving personal assets vulnerable.
- Pass-through taxation. LLCs typically do not pay taxes at the business level. Any business income or loss is “passed-through” to owners and reported on their personal income tax returns. Any tax due is paid at the individual level.
- Heightened credibility. Forming an LLC may help a new business establish credibility with potential customers, employees, vendors and partners because they see you have made a formal commitment to your business.
- Limited compliance requirements. LLCs face fewer state-imposed annual requirements and ongoing formalities than S corporations and C corporations.
- Flexible management structure. LLCs are free to establish any organizational structure agreed upon by the company owners. LLCs can be managed by the owners (members) or by managers, unlike corporations which have a board of directors who oversee the major business decisions of the company and officers who manage the day-to-day affairs.
- Fewer restrictions. There are few restrictions on who can be an LLC owner or how many owners an LLC may have (unlike S corporations).
Preparing your own income tax returns?
At Banks Tax Services, we keep up with the changes in the tax laws and are always looking for new ways to help our clients keep more money in their hand, instead of sending it to the IRS.