A limited liability company, or LLC, is a common business structure among startups and small businesses. In this case, the business is owned by its members. The business structure mainly affects legal liability and taxation, but in many ways, it can influence the very core of the business model and its daily operations. The main…
What Is a Corporation & How Do You Form One?
A corporation is a legal entity and business structure that is completely independent and separate from its owners. Corporations can make a profit, be taxed, and are legally liable. They offer the highest level of protection for its owners from personal liability but are a more expensive formation. Corporations make sense for high-risk businesses and…
How To Set up an LLC With LegalZoom – Step by Step
LegalZoom is an online legal service that assists you with the LLC (limited liability company) registration process. While you can register your LLC yourself through the designated state website, many business owners choose to have an expert, such as LegalZoom, assist with the process. Throughout LegalZoom’s LLC registration, you may see questions and other products…
How Much Does a Patent Cost? The Beginner’s Guide
A patent’s cost varies depending on its type, complexity, and if you hire an attorney. In general, you can expect the following costs to file a patent: USPTO fee (government): $50 to $700 Maintenance fee (renewal): $400 to $7,400 per year Patent lawyer (search and application): $1,000 to $10,000 Total patent cost: $1,500 to $15,000…
LLP vs LLC: What’s Best for Your Business?
The main difference between an LLP (limited liability partnership) and LLC (limited liability company) is that the LLP provides business asset protection from another partner’s negligence. If one partner were to get sued because of negligence, only that partner’s assets are held liable. Common LLP businesses are law, accounting, and architecture firms. When To Form…
Registered Agent: What Is It & How To Get One
A registered agent (RA) is a business’s official contact to receive important documents—a summons, subpoena, or registration renewal. While every state requires a business to have a registered agent, regulations may differ. Several states allow the business to be its own RA, and others don’t. If you’d like to hire a company to serve as…
LLC vs S-corp vs C-corp: What is the Best for Small Business?
The limited liability company (LLC), S corporation (S-corp), and C corporation (C-corp) are all business structures that you may be considering. The LLC is a low-maintenance legal entity that’s best for a simple business. An S corporation is a tax status created so that business owners can save money on taxes. A C corporation is…
LLC Electing S-corp Status: What, Why & How
A limited liability company (LLC) electing S corporation status for tax purposes could lessen a business’ tax bill by thousands of dollars. An LLC pays a 15% self-employment tax on profits, while an S-corp only pays 15% on the owner’s salary, not the entire profit. You can file IRS Form 2553 to elect as an…
How to Use Trademark.com to Protect Your Trademark From Infringement
Trademark.com, which sponsored this article, is a web-based service that helps small business owners easily and affordably protect their brand identity. Whether you’re ready to trademark your brand with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or already have a mark on-file, can simplify the trademark registration and monitoring process. The service helps you…
How to Create an LLC Operating Agreement [+ Free Templates]
An LLC operating agreement is a binding contract between members describing how profits and losses are shared and whether your LLC is member- or manager-managed. It serves to resolve member disputes, dictate responsibilities and more. Operating agreements aren’t always required by law but have an attorney or legal service draft one to include in filing…
How to Create a Business Partnership Agreement [+ Free Template]
A business partnership agreement is a contract between partners that contains terms like the business’s purpose, partner contributions and voting rights. A partnership agreement isn’t required to form a general partnership and doesn’t have to be filed with your state. However, have your partners sign one to create a legally enforceable document for resolving disputes….
Limited Liability Partnership Agreement Template + Pros & Cons
A limited liability partnership (LLP) agreement is a professionally licensed partnership that protects partners from personal liability of business decisions. These legal entities serve as pass-through entities for tax purposes and are organized to specifically help certain licensed professionals such as lawyers, accountants or architects. An LLP is easy to set up and administer. You…