Advantages and Benefits of Forming an LLC for Your Small Business Brighton MA

If you are interested in starting your own business, you will need to figure out which type of business entity you want to set up. One of the most powerful business entities is the LLC, which has many advantages and benefits. An LLC can protect your personal assets, reduce your taxes and save you time. In this article from JD Supra , the LLC experts at LegalZoom explain why a limited liability company ownership structure may be the right choice for your small business.

The Limited Liability Company, or LLC, is a relatively new type of business structure that combines the best features of the corporation with those of the sole proprietorship or partnership. The primary advantage of an LLC is that it affords its members the personal liability protection of a corporation, but without all of the corporate formalities.

LLCs also have the flexibility to be taxed as a corporation or as a “pass-through entity,” similar to a sole proprietorship or general partnership (for more on pass-through entities, see the Tax Flexibility and Savings section below).

Liability and Asset Protection

As a sole proprietor, you and your business are legally inseparable. In other words, your company’s debts are legally your debts. And a lawsuit brought against your business is also a lawsuit brought against you. This means your home, car, savings and investments could all be taken from you should your business get sued or go into debt. In a general partnership, the risk is even greater. This is because each partner can independently make decisions that impact the partnership as a whole. If one partner makes a bad decision, both partners are on the hook for the entire amount of any damages.

By contrast, an LLC is viewed as a legally distinct entity. If your business hits hard times, you are not personally held responsible for any debts or court judgments. Moreover, if your business goes under, you won’t have to carry your business debts over to your next venture. Whatever your line of business, protecting yourself against personal liability can help you avoid a
potentially disastrous situation.

NOTE: While LLCs can protect you from personal liability, this protection is not absolute. You and other LLC members may be liable for the debts of an LLC if:

• You personally guarantee a debt.
• You intermingle personal funds with LLC funds.
• Your LLC has minimal capitalization or minimal insurance.
• Your LLC fails to pay state taxes or otherwise violates state law.

Tax Savings & Flexibility

When it comes to taxes, LLCs offer the most flexibility. LLCs have the option of being taxed as a “pass-through” entity (like a partnership or sole proprietorship) or as a regular C-corporation. By default, your LLC is automatically recognized by the IRS as a pass-through tax entity. In other words, it “passes” income, deductions, losses, gains and tax credits directly through to you. These amounts are r...

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