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.
To learn about starting an LLC in your state, choose your state from the list below.
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To learn about starting an LLC in your state, choose your state from the list below.
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.
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.
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.
A professional limited liability company (PLLC) is a business entity designed for licensed professions, such as lawyers, doctors, architects, engineers, accountants, and chiropractors.
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.
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.
Take the proper steps to terminate your LLC--and follow through--to avoid future liability.
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.
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At Nolo, we prioritize quality and transparency because we know how important reliable legal information is to our readers. Our information is meticulously researched, regularly updated, and written in plain English by our experienced writers and editors. Learn more about our editorial standards.