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Ever wonder why an LLC is a popular choice for many new ventures?
B uilding a solid legal foundation for your business is important as you start your entrepreneurial journey. Due to its advantages and protections, a limited liability company (LLC) is a popular choice for many new ventures. But what protections and other benefits does an LLC provide? This guide will explore the tax benefits of an LLC and how it can protect your assets.
An LLC creates a clear separation between your business and personal finances, a “corporate veil.” If your LLC is involved in a lawsuit or has debts, your personal belongings, such as your car or savings, are typically protected from creditors. This shield of personal assets allows you to focus on growing your business without constant worry.
Imagine you’re a freelance graphic designer with an LLC. A competitor sues for alleged copyright infringement. Because of your LLC, your personal savings and car wouldn’t be on the line for legal fees or damages. Only the assets owned by the LLC, such as your office equipment, would be at risk. While the corporate veil offers protection, it can be weakened in situations involving personal guarantees or fraud, potentially exposing personal assets.
Key takeaway: LLCs shield your personal finances from business liabilities, promoting financial security.
LLCs offer significant tax benefits that can affect your overall financial situation.
Unlike corporations taxed separately from their owners, many LLCs are pass-through entities. The entity itself doesn’t pay income tax. Instead, profits or losses “pass through” to an owner’s personal tax returns, eliminating the issue of double taxation, where a corporation and its shareholders pay taxes on the same income.
A unique LLC feature is the ability to choose your tax classification. By filing IRS Form 8832, you can elect to be taxed as a disregarded entity separate from its owner, a partnership, an S corporation, or a C corporation. This flexibility allows you to pick the structure that best suits your business needs and income level.
Owning an LLC may allow you to deduct many business expenses from your personal tax return. These include typical costs like office supplies, equipment, marketing materials, and even a portion of your home office if qualified. These deductions can significantly reduce your taxable income, lowering your tax bills.
Limited liability companies can also benefit from the qualified business income deduction (QBID). The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 established the QBID, enabling eligible LLC members to deduct up to 20% of qualified business income, lowering their taxable income.
Key takeaway: LLCs offer a tax-friendly structure, allowing you to choose your tax classification, avoid double taxation, and potentially reduce your tax burden through various business deductions.
Due to its advantages and protections, an LLC is a popular choice for many new ventures.
LLCs are popular for many small businesses, especially those with multiple owners. They offer the benefits of limited liability protection by shielding your personal assets and pass-through taxation to avoid double taxation. However, the ideal business structure depends on several factors, including:
The cost of forming a limited liability company varies depending on your state’s filing fees. Some states have lower fees than others. Here’s a breakdown of potential costs:
Bizee offers an easy, stress-free, and personalized LLC registration package to help you form your limited liability company.
Although not legally required in all states, it’s highly recommended that you have a written operating agreement. Think of it as a rulebook for your LLC, outlining key details such as:—how to divide profits and losses among members.
A well-written operating agreement can prevent future disagreements among members and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Limited liability companies offer significant personal asset protection. Personal belongings (e.g., car, house, etc.) are generally shielded from business debts and lawsuits. However, there are exceptions, including:
Operating your business responsibly and ethically is essential to maintain the strong liability protection an LLC offers.
Maintaining separate bank accounts for your business and personal finances is highly recommended. This strengthens the limited liability protection of your LLC and simplifies bookkeeping. It also makes it easier to track your business income and expenses.
In most states, LLCs must file annual reports, usually updating their business information with the state and paying a small fee. You’ll also need to maintain a registered agent, an individual or service that receives legal documents on behalf of your LLC. Specific requirements vary by state, so it’s recommended that you consult with a business attorney or accountant familiar with your state’s regulations.
Beginning in 2024, most LLCs will also be subject to the beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting required by FinCEN, the U.S. Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
Disclaimer: Bizee and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
Key Takeaways
Shaneequa Parker, JD, MPA, MSW, CDP/CDE, has more than 15 years of experience working in the social service and nonprofit fields, as well as professional cosmetology experience. She serves as the Vice President of Compliance and Legal Affairs for a New York City-based nonprofit organization. Managing the organization's compliance and professional development activities feeds her passion for helping others grow professionally and creating nurturing networks and connections. Read more
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