Thursday, January 8, 2009

Find Out if LLC Incorporation is What Your Company Needs

By Caressa Waechter

There are certain possible liability implications that you need to be aware of if you are thinking of starting, or already have started, a business. As a business owner, you are possibly subjecting yourself to more legal liability than you had before you owned a business.

One other issue that you have to consider when you are an entrepreneur is taxes. Business taxes are handled much differently than personal taxes, so you have to be aware of what is going on with your business taxes. Consulting with an accountant is a great idea when it comes to business taxes.

If you are an entrepreneur, you can be a sole proprietor, though this generally is not the best choice for most people. When you are a sole proprietor, you are missing out on much of the business tax benefits and personal liability protection that you might otherwise enjoy. Of course, discussing what is best for your situation is best done 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 very common business entity, and most likely the best choice for most small business owners, is an LLC. A limited liability company (LLC) gives you personal liability protection, assuming it is set up correctly, and you totally separate your business and personal activities. Also with an LLC, you can choose how you should be taxed.

Having an LLC set up is a very easy process. Generally, the more expensive option is paying a lawyer to set up your LLC. Or, you can use one of the less expensive online companies that offer LLC formation starting at under $200, which eliminates a lot of excuses as to why you don't have an LLC.

While there are other business structures you could use for your business, an LLC is one of the simplest and works well for most entrepreneurs. An LLC strikes the right balance between ease of use and personal liability protections, so it is generally a great choice.

Talk to a professional to see if LLC incorporation is the right structure for your particular situation. At the very least, you need to take some action to make sure that your company is separated from you, so you limit your potential liabilities and take advantage of the tax benefits afforded to small businesses. - 15790

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