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As a small business owner, starting an LLC is often the best choice. However, there are several options and information out there that knowing what to do can become difficult.
As this article progresses, you will learn the different steps involved in opening an LLC online. This article will be outlining seven important steps you need to take to open an LLC for your business and get it up and running regardless of your location. You will also learn what basic requirements you need to know on how to start LLC online quickly and easily.
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Opening An LLC: Pros and Cons to Expect
Many companies and organizations opt to register their business as LLCs (Limited Liability Companies). The primary reason for this decision is due to the ease and flexibility that LLCs provide compared to other options.
If you’re about to begin setting up your LLC online, consider how it benefits you and your business. Also, consider the challenges it comes with. Some key disadvantages and advantages of opening an LLC are discussed below.
Pros
Flexible Taxing Structures
Businesses registered as limited liability companies (LLCs) have two different taxing structures that benefit small-and large-scale companies. One structure allows business owners to pay taxes based on the profits they receive from the business.
The first structure allows small and medium-sized businesses to avoid paying personal and business taxes from their profit. The second tax option is the double tax for more established businesses and organizations.
Protects The Business Owner From Company Liabilities
Business owners registering their businesses as LLCs cannot be held accountable for any liabilities (losses and debts) incurred by the company.
There are some limitations to the legal protection that an LLC offers a business.
However, in most cases, the business owner’s private assets cannot be touched legally by anyone looking to make claims. This rule also applies to every aspect of the business, even when a team member gets involved in legal battles connected to the business.
Flexible Management Structure
Limited liability companies (LLCs) are not limited to being managed and controlled by a board of directors. LLCs can be controlled by a hired manager(s) chosen by all the core members of the company. The manager can control the company’s workforce and allocate resources for all business activities.
Alternatively, LLCs can be controlled exclusively by the members (owners) of the business. Members have the right to handle all the company’s financial, legal, and other business-related decisions.
Ease Of Operation
LLCs have fewer rules and regulations governing how members or managers are expected to run the business. Limited liability companies are not obligated to hold regular meetings for their members and workforce.
Additionally, LLCs are not expected to carry out a lot of paperwork or present as many documents as other business corporations. Overall, the members (owners) of LLCs are given more privacy and control of business activities than other business corporations.
Cons
Expensive To Set-up
One of the biggest drawbacks of registering a company as an LLC is the cost of setting up. Setting up an LLC is quite expensive in comparison with business structures like sole proprietorship, etc.
LLCs must pay stipulated fees to obtain operational permits and licenses, lawyer fees, and other professional service charges. LLCs are also required to pay taxes on the profit made by the company and other compliance fees.
Difficulty In Transferring Ownership
It is quite difficult to transfer ownership of an LLC after a member dies, due to all the different tax, and legal restrictions. These restrictions make it difficult for an LLC to be sold or transferred. The parties involved will need professional guidance to help work through the restrictions.
7 Steps on How to Open LLC Online
1. Select a Unique Business Name
When anyone thinks of starting a business, one of the first priorities should be selecting or coming up with a business name. Your business name should stand out and represent your brand effectively. You should ensure that the name you chose has not been taken by another company to prevent legal issues from arising. This can be done by searching the business registry of your state. If the name is not already in existence proceed to your state’s Secretary of State office or portal to register and secure it.
2. Employ the Services of Licensed Registered Agent
Registered agents are people or organizations that handle legal documents and discussions for an LLC. In most States businesses are expected to have a registered agent in order to conduct business operations. You have the option of being the registered agent for your business. Still, it is advisable to use a professional service that offers privacy, security, and reliability. A registered agent can help ensure that you get all the important legal documents and deadlines, and they can also provide additional support and advice for your business.
When you appoint a registered professional agent, you can enjoy various benefits to help your business thrive. One of which is that a registered agent can offer privacy protection for your business, as they will receive all legal and government correspondence at their address rather than your own. This can help you avoid unwanted solicitation and potential legal disputes and keep your address off public records.
3. Submit Your Articles of Organization
Submitting an Articles of Organization is essential in creating a limited liability company. This legal document establishes the formation of the LLC. It includes important company details, like the company name, goal, management structure, and registered agent.
The filing Articles of Organization process varies from one State to another. Still, it typically involves submitting the document and filing fees to the state’s Secretary of State office. Some states also require additional documents or information to be included, such as a certificate from the company’s home state that attests to good behavior.
Filing Articles of Organization is important because it legally establishes the LLC as a separate entity from its owners, providing limited liability protection and allowing the company to conduct business and enter into contracts. It is important to ensure that the Articles of Organization are completed accurately and completely to avoid future legal issues.
4. Draft an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement contains details of the ownership of your LLC, it includes information about the company’s structure for management and lots of other useful information. It is optional in all states, but having one is a good practice. An operating agreement can prevent misunderstandings and disputes among LLC members.
It can also help to safeguard your assets and limit the company’s liability. Your operating agreement should include information about what role each member gets to play. It should also show how the company distributes its profits and losses, and its decision-making structure. Seek professional advice from a lawyer, this will help to ensure that your LLCs interest is protected and the operating agreement complies with the state’s requirements.
In addition to outlining information about the company’s ownership and its management system, an operating agreement should include guidelines for the daily operations of your business. For example, it can set forth procedures for adding or removing members, handling conflicts of interest, and what happens in the event of a member’s death or incapacity. Furthermore, an operating agreement can help your business establish credibility with potential partners, lenders, and investors by demonstrating that your LLC is a well-organized and professional entity.
5. Get An EIN Number
Getting an EIN is crucial if you want to establish an LLC online that complies with the mandatory tax regulations. An EIN will enable you to carry out your business activities without legal repercussions. It will also ensure the IRS recognizes your establishment.
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a federally recognized identification that every business operating in the United States must possess. No business in the US can have a workforce or a business bank account without an EIN. The United States IRS gives an EIN containing nine unique digits you must provide for all your tax payments.
To get your EIN visit the IRS portal online and provide all of the basic information that will be required, like your business name, location, and what product or service it provides. You’ll receive your EIN shortly after. If your business goes through any major changes in the future, you’ll have to apply for a new number.
6. Get The Necessary Licenses And Permits
When starting any Limited liability company (LLC) or business, it is important to get all the licenses. It permits the business to be fully operational. The kind of license your LLC will need will depend largely on what industry your business falls under, the location of your business, and several other factors. Based on that, if you’re trying to figure out how to open an LLC online that’ll operate in any State in the US, you should know that you’ll likely need to acquire several licenses.
Before obtaining any permits or licenses for your LLC, researching which permits are needed for your business to operate legally in its specific industry will help a great deal. This information is readily available through appropriate government channels or LLC consultants. Generally, your business will need a business license recognized in all States, zoning permits for specific areas, and occupational licenses (e.g., Vendor or sales privilege license).
7. Create A Bank Account For Your Business
Finally, after filing all the documents required to open an LLC online, the next step is opening a business account. It’s vital to have a separate account for your LLC that’s different from your account. This creates room for better business accountability. That makes tracking profit for taxes and monitoring the company’s expenditures easy.
Creating a business bank account is a pretty easy process if you have all the documents and information needed to set it up. Some documents you’ll be required to present include your ID, business Operating Agreement, EIN, and other helpful business documents.
Before taking your company’s resources to any financial institution, it’s best if you look into the bank’s APY percentage, initial deposit amount, other additional fees, and if it has an efficient mobile banking option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion
In conclusion, opening an LLC online can be smart for business owners looking to protect their assets and still give their business a professional outlook. While you can explore other business registration options, LLCs offer a range of benefits, including flexible taxing structures, liability protection, and ease of operation.
To open an LLC online, follow the seven easy steps discussed in this article. These steps include choosing a unique and legally available name for your company, finding a licensed registered agent, and filing the needed paperwork with your Secretary of State office.
