How-to guides for starting and operating an LLC

When deciding where to form your new business entity, you may be tempted to follow the crowd. Business-friendly laws and a business court of chancery make Delaware the most popular state for small business owners and seasoned entrepreneurs alike to form an… Read more…

If your limited liability company (LLC) works with any business partners (which it probably does!), you may be asked to fill in and submit a W-9 form. That’s a standard request for ensuring federal tax compliance. But new business owners often feel trouble… Read more…

Forming an LLC is a sound decision for individual entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to scale their businesses. A limited liability company offers better liability protection for business and personal assets than self-employment and sole… Read more…

When starting a new business, most entrepreneurs choose the sole proprietorship status first. Then as your business grows to a new level, you may consider incorporation. Getting established as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a common next step. This… Read more…

Deciding on the legal structure of the business is the first step for new entrepreneurs. Many choose an LLC for its simplicity in setup, flexible managerial structure, and extended personal asset protection. An LLC can have one owner (called a “member”)… Read more…

Every incorporated business — a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation (INC) — must appoint a registered agent. That’s a legal requirement. A registered agent (also called a statutory agent) is a person or legal entity designated as your… Read more…

Limited liability companies (LLCs) provide greater flexibility for the taxation of your business. You can choose to use the default federal tax classification for your business structure, such as sole proprietorship or partnership. Or elect to be taxed under… Read more…

Successful LLC formation doesn’t mean the end of paperwork for you. You’re required to file an annual report with your state's Secretary of State as part of operating your LLC. Due dates, forms, and filing fees vary, but one thing remains the same across… Read more…

Starting an LLC in Illinois is a good idea. Why? Because this business structure protects your personal assets better. If your business is sued, it can only be held liable for the assets of the LLC. Not only that, but LLC is also a better structure for tax… Read more…

One of the common questions new limited liability company (LLC) owners have is — how do I get paid from my business? The good news is that you have at least three options. But the less great one is that each one requires you to think about company cash… Read more…

A major advantage to forming an LLC is the flexibility of members to choose how they wish to be taxed (if they meet the eligibility criteria). Because an LLC is a disregarded entity for tax purposes, members can be taxed as a sole proprietorship (for… Read more…

For various reasons, a small business owner may need to move their limited liability company (LLC) to a state other than where it was formed. Entrepreneurs may do this for many reasons: Cross-border business expansion The owner’s relocation Estate planning… Read more…

Starting a business is a big decision, requiring some operational knowledge. It's essential first to determine your business’s optimal structure, especially if you plan to get a business partner instead of operating as a sole proprietor. When two or more… Read more…

In New York State, starting an LLC is simple with a few documents, a waiting period, and paying state filing fees. New entrepreneurs are excited to launch businesses and bring their inventions and ideas to market. Forming an entity like an LLC is important to… Read more…

Considering giving your company a rebranding or expanding your services and need a new name to reflect this change? Whatever your reason for changing the name of your LLC, it’s likely a decision you didn't come to overnight. From mistakes in your initial… Read more…

As a new business owner, you may have heard people talking about an EIN, federal tax ID number, FEIN, taxpayer identification number (TIN), or something along those lines. All of these terms refer to the same thing – an Employer Identification Number (EIN),… Read more…

A limited liability company (LLC) is a flexible business structure attracting large and small businesses. It’s easy to set up, doesn’t cost as much to maintain as a corporation, plus diminishes LLC members’ personal liability and asset exposure. Now,… Read more…

When incorporating a business, you need to take several critical early steps: select a unique business name, decide on the type of business entity and formation state, and get business licenses sorted out. But that’s not all. You’ll need to designate a… Read more…

Steps to Start an LLC in Colorado (CO) Step 1: Secure a business name for your LLC Step 2: Designate a registered agent Step 3: File the Colorado LLC Articles of Organization Step 4: Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS Step 5: Register… Read more…

After a temporary slump, the real estate market is back on track. The upward trajectory is partially driven by experienced real estate investors expanding their portfolios and new investors entering the market. Whether you’re an existing real estate… Read more…

Looking to start an LLC in Virginia? Luckily, the company formation process in Virginia relatively fast, affordable, and straightforward. New small business owners who want to start a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Virginia must first select a name and… Read more…