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If you’re thinking about starting a business, you might want to consider forming an LLC. An LLC is a legal entity that provides business owners with limited liability protection, and tax benefits and its processing time depends on the state.
If you’re considering forming an LLC, there are a few things you should know before you begin.
LLC Processing Time
The processing time depends on the state where you live and whether your state has a simple or complex filing procedure. Some states allow you to form an LLC online while others require that you fill out forms by hand and submit them by mail or fax.
The process generally takes between one day and a few weeks but can take longer if there are problems verifying your identity or if you don’t complete all of the necessary forms correctly.
Name Choosing
Another important thing to consider when forming an LLC is choosing a name for your business. You can’t just pick any name you want; there are some restrictions on what you can call your company.
In general, you should make sure that your business name is not too similar to another company’s name or trademarked item. If you’re unsure about whether or not your proposed name will be accepted by state officials, you can always try searching online for similar businesses in your area to see if they have registered with the state under that name already.
Make Sure You Understand What an LLC Is
Before you form an LLC, it’s important to understand what a limited liability company is and how it works. Here are some of the basic facts about LLCs:
An LLC is a business structure that provides limited liability for its owners. This means that if the business has debts or lawsuits filed against it, the owner’s personal assets are protected from those debts. In other words, creditors cannot go after your personal savings or property to pay off business debts.
LLC owners (called members) have management authority over their businesses as well as the right to receive an income from the business. Members are not responsible for any liabilities incurred by other members.
LLC owners generally pay taxes on their share of profits from the business rather than on all profits earned by the entire company which minimizes your tax burden and allows you to keep more money in your pocket.
What’s Your Plan for Growth?
If you start out small but plan on growing into a larger business, then an LLC may be better suited for you than other types of businesses.
With an LLC, there’s no limit on how many members can be in your company unlike with a partnership or sole proprietorship so if one member wants out down the road, it won’t affect the entire company’s structure or finances.
Where to Form the Company
You can form an LLC in any state. You can form it online, although you should always consult with an attorney for guidance.
The only real consideration is that the state in which you form your LLC determines how much paperwork and fees will be required to get started. Some states, such as Nevada and Wyoming, have very streamlined processes that can be completed online with minimal cost. Other states require more paperwork and higher filing fees.
Different Requirements
The state in which you form your LLC will have certain tax implications. For example, if you form in Delaware, you will not have to pay a lot of taxes because it has a low tax rate.
On the other hand, if you form in Nevada, there are fewer sales taxes on goods and services sold outside of the state.
Do I Need an Investor?
You don’t need investors to form an LLC, but it’s easier if you have them. An investor can help with the initial funding for your new business, but they may also be able to provide valuable guidance.
What Are My Intentions?
If your goal is to make money as quickly as possible, then an LLC probably isn’t right for you.
An LLC requires more paperwork than other business structures like sole proprietorships or partnerships (which are simpler). However, if you want more legal flexibility and protection against liability claims, then forming an LLC could be beneficial.
To Hire an Attorney or Not
Decide whether or not you should hire an attorney when forming your LLC. This is a personal decision based on how much money you have available and how much time you want to spend learning about forming an LLC yourself (or hiring someone else).
Some people choose not to use an attorney because they don’t want the added cost of paying someone else every time they have a question about something. Others prefer to take full responsibility for their business, even if it means spending hours researching legal documents themselves.
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