slide 1: The Difference between LLCs S Corps and C Corps
Shortly after making the decision to start a new business venture you need to
determine the structure of the organization that will suit you the best. You will
have a few options:
A Sole Proprietorship
A Partnership
A Limited Liability Company or LLC
A Corporation
If you make the decision to form an LLC or Corporation an experienced Los
Angeles business attorney can help you with the process and answer any
questions you may have.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of the Various Business Structures
It is important to keep in mind that the business structure you choose will have an
impact on the amount of taxes you pay your ability to raise revenue and your
legal responsibility if your organization is sued. Consider the advantages and
disadvantages of each.
With a sole proprietorship the typical setup for the single business owner
requires minimal paperwork. The owner has complete control of the organization.
However the primary disadvantage is that there is no separation between
personal and business liability. Also this type of business structure makes it more
difficult to raise money from potential investors.
A general partnership also requires minimal paperwork and is the default
configuration for businesses with multiple owners. The division of ownership is at
the discretion of the owners. Like the sole proprietorship profits are claimed on
the tax return of the individual owners.
An enormous downside to a general partnership is that there is not a separation
between the liabilities of the business and the owners. There is the chance the
vision of the partners may not align as the business grows which can lead to
conflict. This is also a poor business structure for raising capital from investors.
slide 2: This disadvantage can be circumvented by forming a limited partnership but in
this type of structure the owners have restricted control in the management of
the company.
Hire an Experienced Business Lawyer in Los Angeles
At Verhagen Bennett we represent our clients in a wide range of matters from
the initial startup through the growth of the business. We offer practical guidance
and advice that helps our clients make the essential business decisions that will
lead to their company’s success. If you would like knowledgeable legal counsel to
represent you or assistance with business legal matters schedule an
appointment to learn how we can help you.