Forming Your Business

Limited Liability Companies

Corporations

Limited Partnerships

Business formation is the process of legally establishing a new business entity. The type of business entity you choose can have significant implications for your business’s structure, taxation, liability, and overall operations. We offer legal assistance with each and every step. Here are some of the basics of business formation:

  1. Choose a Business Structure:
    • Partnership: Owned and operated by two or more individuals. Partners share profits and liabilities.
    • Limited Liability Company (LLC): Combines aspects of partnerships and corporations. Provides personal liability protection for owners (members) while allowing flexibility in management and taxation.
    • Corporation: A separate legal entity from its owners (shareholders). Provides strong personal liability protection but involves more complex formalities, such as issuing stock and holding regular meetings.
    • S Corporation: A type of corporation that offers pass-through taxation (profits are not taxed at the corporate level but pass through to shareholders’ individual tax returns). Restricted in terms of ownership and number of shareholders.
    • Limited Partnership (LP): A limited partnership (LP) is a business entity that consists of at least one general partner and one limited partner. The general partner manages the business and has unlimited personal liability for the debts and obligations of the partnership. The limited partner is liable only up to the amount of their investment.
  2. Choose a Business Name:
    • Select a unique and legally available name for your business. Check with your state’s business registration office to ensure it’s not already in use.
  3. Register Your Business:
    • Depending on your chosen structure and location, you may need to register your business with the appropriate government authorities. This may include filing articles of incorporation, articles of organization, or a partnership agreement.
  4. Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses:
    • Check with federal, state, and local authorities to determine the permits and licenses required for your specific type of business. This can vary widely depending on your industry and location.
  5. Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN):
    • An EIN, also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, is required for most businesses. It’s used for tax reporting and other administrative purposes. You can obtain an EIN from the IRS.
  6. Set Up Business Banking:
    • Open a separate business bank account to keep your business finances separate from personal finances. This is important for accounting and legal purposes.
  7. Choose a Taxation Method:
    • Depending on your business structure, you may have different options for how your business is taxed. Consult with a tax professional to determine the most advantageous method for your situation.
  8. Comply with Employment Laws:
    • If you plan to hire employees, make sure you understand and comply with labor and employment laws, including payroll taxes, workers’ compensation, and employment contracts.
  9. Draft Business Agreements:
    • Create contracts or agreements, such as operating agreements for LLCs or bylaws for corporations, to outline how the business will be run, how profits will be distributed, and how disputes will be resolved.
  10. Insurance:
    • Consider business insurance to protect against unforeseen liabilities or losses.
  11. Keep Records and Financial Statements:
    • Maintain accurate financial records and statements for tax reporting and business management purposes.
  12. Annual Filings and Compliance:
    • Be aware of any ongoing filing and compliance requirements, such as annual reports or tax filings, depending on your business structure and location

Call us at (615) 747-7467 or chat with us today to let us help begin your business journey! 

Business Formation Services

Operating Agreements

Choosing the right governance structure for your LLC and its member is vital.

Trademark Registration

Registering your brand, slogan, and logo are vital parts of protecting your goodwill and business.

Compliance

Every business needs to ensure they are properly compliant with local, state and federal laws.

 

Frequently Asked Questions on Choosing the Right Business Entity

1. Why is choosing the right business entity important?
Selecting the appropriate business entity is crucial as it affects your legal liability, tax obligations, ability to raise capital, and the overall management structure of your business. It sets the foundation for how your business will operate and grow.

2. What are the main types of business entities?
The most common types are Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), and Corporation (including S-Corp and C-Corp). Each type has distinct legal and tax implications.

3. What is a Sole Proprietorship and when is it suitable?
A Sole Proprietorship is the simplest form of business, owned and operated by one person. It’s suitable for low-risk businesses and is easy to set up, but offers no personal liability protection.

4. What are the advantages of forming an LLC?
An LLC provides personal liability protection, separating your personal assets from your business debts. It’s flexible for tax purposes and requires less formal paperwork and record-keeping than a corporation.

5. How does a Partnership differ from an LLC?
A Partnership involves two or more people running a business together. Like Sole Proprietorships, they offer ease of setup but lack personal liability protection. An LLC, on the other hand, offers this protection and can also have multiple members.

6. What is a Corporation and who should consider it?
A Corporation is a more complex entity, suitable for businesses that plan to go public or seek significant investment. It offers strong liability protection but requires more extensive record-keeping, regulatory compliance, and is subject to double taxation.

7. What are S-Corp and C-Corp?
S-Corp and C-Corp are designations for tax purposes. A C-Corp is taxed separately from its owners, while an S-Corp allows profits and losses to be passed through to the owners’ personal income without corporate tax.

8. How do I decide which entity is right for my business?
Consider factors like the level of liability protection you need, tax implications, the potential need for investors, and the complexity you’re willing to manage. Consulting with a legal or financial advisor is highly recommended.

9. Can I change my business entity type later?
Yes, it’s possible to change your business entity as your business grows or needs change, but it may involve complex legal and tax considerations.

10. Where can I get help with setting up my business entity?
Legal professionals and business advisors can provide valuable guidance. Contact Moore Love Law for expert assistance in choosing and setting up the right entity for your business.