A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a type of business structure that offers limited liability protection and pass-through taxation. Here are some key features of an LLC:
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Limited liability: Owners, known as members, are not personally responsible for the companys debts and liabilities. This means that their personal assets are protected in the event of a lawsuit or bankruptcy.
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Separate legal entity: An LLC is a separate legal entity from its owners, similar to a corporation. This means that the business can enter into contracts, own property, and take legal action in its own name.
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Pass-through taxation: Unlike a corporation, an LLC's profits and losses are passed through to its owners and reported on their individual tax returns. This can help avoid double taxation, where the business and its owners are both taxed on the same income.
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Flexibility: LLCs offer flexibility in terms of management and ownership structure. They can have an unlimited number of members, and the members can be individuals, corporations, or other LLCs. Additionally, an LLC can choose to be taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, S corporation, or C corporation.
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Easy to form and maintain: Forming an LLC typically involves filing articles of organization with the state and paying a fee. Compared to corporations, LLCs have fewer ongoing formalities and reporting requirements.
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Popular choice for small businesses: LLCs are a popular choice among small business owners due to their liability protection, management flexibility, and tax advantages. They are often seen as a hybrid structure that combines the benefits of a partnership and a corporation.