Monday, December 29, 2008

Is Your Business a Candidate for LLC Formation?

By Caressa Waechter

If you have a business, or are considering starting one, you need to think of the legal implications of doing so. When you are a small business owner, you are opening yourself up to certain liabilities that most likely did not exist before you were your own boss.

Business taxes are another issue you need to consider when you are a small business owner. Since business taxes are handled much differently than your personal taxes, you need to have a handle on your business tax situation. Any thing related to your business taxes is best run by an accountant, so make sure you have one.

Sole proprietorship is always one way you can run your business, but it usually is not the best option for most people. You do not get any of the business tax benefits, or personal liability protection when you are a sole proprietor. Discussing what is best for your situation is a great subject to discuss with a professional.

What should the average entrepreneur do about a business structure? As a smart business owner, you should consult with a professional to decide which business structure will give you the best tax advantages and offer you the best personal liability protection.

A Limited Liability Company, or LLC, is one of the most popular business entities with small business owners. An LLC that is properly set up gives you a good amount of personal liability protection because you are going to lengths to make sure your business and personal activities are seen as two separate entities. And with an LLC, you have the choice of how you are going to be taxed, which can lead to tax savings.

Forming an LLC is very easy, with one of the more expensive options being paying a lawyer to form your LLC. A much less expensive option is to use an online LLC formation service, which lets you get a properly set up LLC with prices starting at under $200.

Despite there being other options to choose when forming your business, an Limited Liability Company offers simple setup and operation and therefore proves to be a wise choice for the average business owner. An LLC is just a great all around choice that is easy to maintain, yet offer the personal liability protection business owners need.

Always talk with a professional to ensure LLC incorporation is the right structure for your small business. It is important to make sure that you have your business set up correctly to reduce personal liability and to take advantage of the tax benefits afforded to companies, and an LLC is a great way to accomplish this. - 16003

About the Author: