LLCs (Limited Liability Companies)

A limited liability company (LLC) is a popular business structure combining both the liability protection of a corporation and pass-through taxation of a partnership. As part of the formation process, you’ll have choices to make, like whether to form a single-member or multi-member LLC and whether to choose member-management or manager-management

Here you’ll find out everything you need to know about this type of entity, including the advantages of an LLC versus other business entities, what to put in an operating agreement, and how LLCs are taxed.  

Nolo can help you create your LLC. Use Nolo's Online LLC to form your business or, for a list of Nolo's business formation books, forms, and online applications, see the Business Formation section of our store.

Protect Your Business

Create your LLC with Nolo

Frequently asked questions about starting and running an LLC, or limited liability company.

Learn how LLC owners report their LLC "pass-through" income and losses on their personal tax returns.

Understand the advantages the LLC entity offers over other business structures.

Foreign companies registered to do business in the U.S. must report information about their owners to FinCEN. Learn whether your business needs to follow this reporting requirement and when and how to file the BOI report.

Lean how to protect your personal assets from your family business's debts--and how to lower the value of your estate, too.

See more articles

Here's what you need to do to form a limited liability company.

A comprehensive 50-state guide to each state's requirements for forming an LLC.

Read about why you need an operating agreement and what to include in one.

Find out how much it costs to form and own an LLC in your state.

See more articles

Owners of a single-member LLC are not employees and instead must pay self-employment tax on their earnings.

Learn the rules in your state about SMLLCs, charging orders, and personal liability protection.

See more articles

A professional limited liability company (PLLC) is a business entity designed for licensed professions, such as lawyers, doctors, architects, engineers, accountants, and chiropractors.

See more articles

Find out what limited liability protection you get with an LLC in your state.

Learn what personal creditors of LLC members can--and can't--do.

See more articles

Most LLCs need to raise capital to get started with their business. Read about some of the more commonly-used options for obtaining funding.

Like all businesses, LLCs must follow certain record keeping rules to avoid problems with the IRS, investors, owners, and others.

See more articles

Take the proper steps to terminate your LLC--and follow through--to avoid future liability.

See more articles

Answers to all the basic LLC questions: from what is an LLC? to understanding securities laws issues with LLCs.

Find out the answer to this question and other issues related to where you form your LLC.

Learn about biennial report and tax filing requirements for California LLCs.

Learn about annual report and tax filing requirements for Texas LLCs.

Empower Yourself: DIY Products by Nolo

Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.

Manage the legal and tax affairs of your LLC with this set of books. Form and operate your LLC with Nolo's LLC Handbook. Understand LLC taxation with Tax Saavy for Small Business.
Use this pair of Nolo’s bestselling business books to answer your routine legal questions and guide you in filling out the forms, documents, and contracts needed to run your day-to-day operations.
Our form provides everything you need to establish the internal rules of your limited liability company.
Building Your Business is Expensive. Launching Your LLC Shouldn't Be.

Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.

More Legal Issues

Click below to view more legal issues. Our extensive collection of legal topics ranges across different areas of practice.

Learn About Our Team

Learn About Our Team

Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.

Learn more about the team that manages Nolo’s articles, books, and DIY tools.

Need a Lawyer? We Can Help

Find an experienced, local attorney in three easy steps. Our process is designed for ease and simplicity.

01

Describe Your Case

Briefly tell us about your case, and provide your contact information.

02

Get Connected

We find and instantly list attorneys that can best handle your case.

03

Hire an Attorney

Choose the attorneys you would like to work with.

Integrity and Expertise You Can Rely On

Start Your LLC Today

Protect Your Business With Nolo.