The first step in establishing a business is determining what type of entity it will be. You can form a single proprietorship, a general partnership, a limited liability company (LLC), or a corporation.
An LLC is a distinct corporate entity that separates your assets from the assets of your firm. This implies that if your firm is sued and wins, they cannot take your personal property, such as vehicles or houses, as payment for damages. The legal protection given by creating an LLC “shields” your personal property. You also obtain various tax savings that you could not get as a single proprietor or general partnership.
However, before making this decision, you should be informed of the pros and cons of incorporating an LLC. As an example:
- Your company will become a separate legal entity from you (the owner). The company’s debts will have no effect on your credit score or reputation. However, in other cases, this may not be the case (when you guarantee payment for an LLC debt).
- Instead of reporting taxes under Subchapter C of the Internal Revenue Code, you might opt to run your firm as a corporation or partnership (IRC). This ruling may give certain tax benefits to owners who fulfill particular conditions established in section 1361(b) of Title 26 United States Code (26 USC). Even so, it necessitates different documentation and tax filings.
- Most states will require you to pay annual fees and file reports in order to keep your LLC registration. The cost varies depending on the state. It is, however, on the lower end of the scale than companies.
- LLCs are less formal than other types of enterprises, such as corporations.
LLC Services to use When Starting an LLC
If you are unsure about beginning a business on your own, an expert can assist you. Many businesses operate primarily to assist people in forming LLCs and other businesses. They provide a variety of services, ranging from assistance with paperwork to the creation of an LLC. Furthermore, some companies provide assistance after the company is up and operating.
Here are four popular choices for forming an LLC:
- LegalZoom offers services for forming an LLC, corporations, non-profits, partnerships, estate planning, etc.
- IncFile provides different business formation packages and additional services such as registered agent services, registered office addresses, and consulting with lawyers or accountants. You can also get a free tax consultation from a CPA.
- RocketLawyer has multiple form documents you can use when starting your business and providing legal advice on contracts and other matters related to running your company successfully.
- ZenBusiness helps entrepreneurs start their businesses at low rates while providing excellent customer service through their website and app.
LLCs are also easier to start up and have less tax difficulties than other enterprises. While the specific procedure varies by state, several basic stages are always required. Here are 7 simple steps to forming an LLC:
How to Set Up an LLC
1. Conduct An LLC Name Search (name your LLC)
First, check to see whether the name has already been used by another firm or organization. Using the Patent and Trademark Office’s Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS), you may check your selected name against those that have previously been registered (USPTO). Make sure the company name complies with state regulations. Every state has its own set of restrictions for what may and cannot be used in a company name.
Many states allow you to search existing business names to see if your intended LLC name is available. Before completing LLC papers, be sure the name you choose is available in your state.
Your chosen name should be simple to spell and pronounce. You don’t want potential clients to struggle to discover you online! It should also be simple to recall. It doesn’t matter how excellent it is at attracting people if it isn’t memorable—they’ll never come back for more!
Finally, ensure that the name accurately expresses what the organization performs or its basic principles. It should represent who you are as a company so that customers identify those attributes with you as well!
2. Reserve A Name for your LLC
You may look for a company name and reserve it so no one else can use it. This may be useful if you intend to form your LLC in the future but need some time to get everything in place.
You may also reserve a business name before incorporating your LLC, but only once you’ve decided on a name. This is known as creating an LLC in advance. The benefit of pre-forming an LLC is that you may begin advertising your business, receiving orders, and spending money on marketing before the firm is formed.
Most states require you to submit your Articles of Organization with the state within 180 days.
Submit an Application for Reservation of Name form to your state’s Secretary of State office to reserve a company name.
It is critical that you explain why you wish to reserve the name as part of your application. You cannot just state that you want to form an LLC at some time; the State will require more information about when and how you intend to utilize the name.
3. Appoint a Registered Agent
The registered agent of an LLC is the person or corporation that receives legal mail on behalf of the firm. When forming an LLC, you must guarantee that someone is present during regular business hours to accept legal paperwork on your behalf. This individual is also known as your “agent for service of process” or “agent for serving of notice.”
The registered agent can be any person in the state who is over the age of 18. It can also be a corporate entity that the state has authorized to operate as the registered agent for an LLC. However, it is recommended to consult with an attorney that specializes in the formation of LLCs.
4. File Articles of Organization With the State
When forming an LLC, the first legal document you’ll write is your articles of organization. This document contains your company’s name, purpose, and primary address.
The filing of your articles of organization takes place in the secretary of state’s office, formally establishing your LLC and registering it in that state. You can file an LLC online, by mail, or in person, according on your state’s regulations. When you submit this document, you must pay a filing fee (this fee varies from state to state). Once it’s been filed, you’re a legitimate company entity!
5. Create an Operating Agreement
After you’ve formed your LLC, you’ll need to draft an operating agreement. This is a legal document that lays out how your company will run. The information in this paper varies based on the type of business and the number of employees. If necessary, an attorney can assist you in drafting one.
While many states do not require an operating agreement, having one is essential because it protects you from liability for business debts and obligations if the company is cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval cheval It also increases your company’s legitimacy and aids in the search for investors. It also makes it easier to create a bank account and obtain credit cards in the name of the firm.
1. Consensus
The operating agreement should first and foremost establish the LLC’s name, address, and state. It should also identify the present and prospective members.
2. Purpose
The objective of the LLC should be stated in the operating agreement. In most circumstances, “any lawful purpose” or “any lawful reason for forming an LLC under your state’s Limited Liability Company Act” would suffice.
3. Members’ Contribution
Members can either choose to donate money or property to the LLC in exchange for their ownership interests in the firm, or they can elect not to contribute anything. The operating agreement’s contribution section should state how much each member is donating and if they are contributing.
4. Distribution of Profits and Losses; Allocation of Distributions.
Members can distribute earnings and losses among themselves as they see right (unless doing so would violate public policy). It would be beneficial if you based this distribution on considerations such as how much each person contributed to the start-up of the company.
5. Duration of Membership.
Members can opt to a limited membership period or to maintain membership until all members retire, unless all members agree to dissolve the business before then.
6. Membership Interest.
The operating agreement should list the members and their respective interests. In most circumstances, this will be recorded in a separate document known as a certificate of ownership, which will be submitted with the state office and will detail how much each member is paid for their membership stake. Most jurisdictions, however, do not require ownership certificates if the member’s investment records are readily available.
Types of LLC Operating Agreements
Generally, there are three types of operating agreements:
Single-Member LLC operating agreement
There is only one owner in a single-member LLC. In this type of operating agreement, the owner has total control over all decisions related to the company.
Multi-Member LLC operating agreement
There is more than one owner in a Multi-Member LLC. In this type of operating agreement, each member has equal voting shares unless otherwise specified in the document. The members then elect an individual or group of individuals to handle day-to-day operations on their behalf.
Partnership-Operating LLC operating agreement
A partnership-operating LLC has two or more partners who share ownership and profits of the business. Each partner has equal authority to decide how the company will run unless specified in the document.
Creating an operating agreement takes two steps:
Step 1:
Create a document that outlines your LLC’s management structure, including each member’s tasks and obligations.
Consider what will happen if one of the members departs or dies, as well as how the earnings will be distributed among the members.
There are free templates available to get you started, or you may hire a small company attorney to make sure everything is covered.
Step 2:
Have all participants sign the paper in front of witnesses, who should also sign (some states may require notarization).
This operational agreement, once signed by all members, legally commits you to follow its terms and conditions.
But what if you want to amend anything in your operating agreement? After all, your company’s demands will change as it develops and changes. As a result, no operational agreement should be set in stone. They may be altered or updated as needed, just like any other contract.
To alter the operating agreement, you’ll almost always require unanimous permission from the members. It’s likely, though, that your state has its own method for altering such documents.
6. Obtain Business Licenses and Permits
Licenses and permissions are required for your company to function lawfully.
The first thing you should do is contact your state and local governments. You may require various sorts of licenses to operate lawfully, depending on what you offer, where you are located, and who your target consumers are.
Some jurisdictions, for example, require all firms to acquire a sales tax license, while others will need you to seek particular licences for certain items or services. In certain states, companies cannot function without a permission or license.
The primary goal of these laws is to assist you in paying the necessary taxes and levies to state and municipal governments.
It’s also crucial to comprehend the lengthy application procedure. It’s possible that you’ll have to submit your papers months ahead of time, or that you’ll have to wait weeks for clearance.
As a result, you should begin the application procedure for a business license or permit as soon as possible. It will ensure that you are able to operate immediately once you have opened your doors.
Working with an attorney who specializes in business law is a smart choice in some circumstances.
7. Opening an LLC Bank Account
Following the formation of your LLC, you should open a company bank account. It’s necessary for keeping track of your LLC’s spending and profits, as well as for tax considerations. When it comes time to pay taxes on your profits, you should not use your credit card or other forms of payment for company activities.
Because all deposits into the firm go via that account, your LLC requires a bank account. The following are some of the advantages of having an LLC bank account:
Separate business transactions from personal ones
Keeping a clear distinction between your personal and corporate activities makes it easier to keep accountable and organized.
Establish a good credit score to obtain loans
Using the same credit card for personal expenditures or not paying your payments on time will hurt your credit score. As a result, obtaining loans and developing professional contacts becomes more difficult. Having a second card for business costs helps you maintain track of your money and creates confidence with vendors, partners, and lenders.
File taxes as an independent entity.
You must get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) after creating an LLC, which identifies the new legal company rather than any persons involved with it (like yourself). If you don’t already have one, call the IRS or fill out Form SS-4 online at the IRS website. You will get confirmation and information on how to access Form 8822 through email within minutes of being accepted.
It’s more easy than you would believe to form an LLC. It may take some paperwork, but it isn’t as time-consuming as you may expect.
To create an LLC bank account, follow these steps:
- Find a bank that allows you to open an LLC bank account.
- Obtain a certificate of formation
- Get your EIN, or employer identification number
- Gather information about all owners of the business
- Fill out an account application online or in-person
- Sign the agreement with two signatures from owners and one from any other authorized signers on behalf of your company
- Make sure all documents are current and up-to-date before opening your new account!
You may now begin processing and paying bills for your new business after your bank account has been setup.
File an LLC Today with Ease
While forming an LLC is a simple procedure, it is important to remember that it is your obligation to follow all of the laws, including registering your business name, acquiring a business license, and complying with any employee withholding requirements.
It might be beneficial to have your documents reviewed by a company law professional to ensure that you do not neglect anything. To prevent commingling assets and endangering the liability protection given by the corporate structure, you must keep separate accounts for your personal and business spending once your LLC is formed.
Start A Limited Liability Company Online Today with LegalZoom
Click to get started.
Starting an LLC: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need an LLC for my business?
The answer to this issue is contingent on a variety of circumstances, including the sort of business you operate, your business objectives, and if you desire personal liability protection. If you’re a freelancer or a solopreneur, a basic single proprietorship may suffice. If you’re not sure if an LLC is ideal for your company, we recommend consulting with a business attorney or accountant.
Q: Is an LLC expensive?
LLCs are generally affordable and simple to set up when compared to other business formats. You’ll need to pay a filing fee and file articles of organization with your state’s LLC office, which are usually only a few pages long. Some states may require you to post notice of your intend to incorporate an LLC in a local newspaper.
Q: Can I set up an LLC by myself, or should I hire someone?
As long as you fulfill your state’s regulations, you may typically form an LLC on your own. If you’re not sure how to accomplish it, you can engage an attorney or a registered agent agency to assist you.
Q: Do I really need to create an operating agreement for my LLC?
Yes, having an operating agreement for your LLC is a smart idea. This document lays out your LLC’s ownership and management structure, as well as each member’s rights and obligations. An operational agreement can help prevent future disagreements between members.
article you may like:
- 7 Best Online Payment Processing Providers in 2022
- 5 Best Inventory Management Software of 2022
- 10 Crucial Ecommerce Tools Your Small Business Needs In 2022
- Email Campaigns: How to Test and Boost Deliverability
