Should Your Business Be an LLC or a Corporation?

This post was originally published on Yahoo Small Business Advisor Entrepreneurs can generally choose from a number of different entities when incorporating their business. Due to the fluid nature of businesses, however, the advantages and disadvantages are not always clear at the time of formation. Limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporations are the two most… Read More

This post was originally published on Yahoo Small Business Advisor

Entrepreneurs can generally choose from a number of different entities when incorporating their business. Due to the fluid nature of businesses, however, the advantages and disadvantages are not always clear at the time of formation.

Limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporations are the two most typically attractive options for small businesses considering incorporation. Unlike sole proprietorships and general partnerships, members of LLCs and shareholders of corporations have limited liability and greater protection for their personal assets. Members and shareholders can limit their liability and protect their personal assets from creditors.

But if both options offer owners liability protection, why do some business owners choose to form an LLC instead of a corporation, and vice versa? Below are some considerations to help you decide what type of entity might be the best fit for your business.

1. Corporate Formalities

Unlike a corporation, an LLC does not have to hold regular meetings and keep corporate minutes, which reduces the paperwork of maintaining your entity.

2. Taxation

The tax default for an LLC is treated as a pass-through entity, meaning the profits or losses from the entity pass through directly to the owners. Owners of an LLC can instead elect for it to be taxed as a C or S corporation so they can access certain tax advantages based the company’s income and expenses. The tax default for a corporation is subject to taxation at both the entity and the owner level. A corporation can also elect to be taxed as an S corporation which, like LLCs, allows for pass-through taxation. However, additional restrictions regarding who can be a shareholder of the corporation exist if you elect to be taxed as an S corporation. For example, S corporations can have no more than 100 shareholders and can have only one class of stock.

3. Debt Inclusion

Early on, a startup or small business will often operate at a loss. Corporation shareholders may not deduct losses beyond their basis in their stock or debt obligations. In contrast, LLC owners can include their proportionate share of the debt from the LLC, so they can deduct a larger share of the losses.

4. Management

An LLC’s members or managers can manage the company. In contrast, a board of directors and its chief executive officer are in charge of managing corporations.

5. Distributions

A corporation must allocate its distributions in proportion to each shareholder’s ownership share. An LLC, on the other hand, does not necessarily have to allocate its profits or losses in proportion to each owner’s membership interest. Instead, the LLC’s operating agreement (which is subject to certain IRS restrictions against negative capital accounts) can determine the distributive share of gains, losses, deductions or credits. Additionally, members of an LLC can transfer and withdraw property into the LLC without the recognition of taxable gain by the LLC or the member with whom the property has been distributed. In the case of corporations, property distributions can result in taxable gain.

6. Investment

Entrepreneurs hoping to achieve venture seed funding typically choose the Delaware C Corporation. Venture capital firms won’t automatically screen out businesses that are not incorporated in Delaware, but they prefer it due to their friendly corporate governance benefits and predictable corporate laws.

Selecting an entity that is appropriate for your business will depend on how you plan to run the business and where you hope to take it. One size does not fit all. Crafting a strategic entity can mean a world of difference as your business begins to take off.

By Alex King & Doug Bend

Disclaimer: This article discusses general legal issues and developments. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current law in your jurisdiction. These informational materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. No reader should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information presented herein without seeking the advice of counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.  Bend Law Group, PC expressly disclaims all liability in respect of any actions taken or not taken based on any contents of this article.

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How to Select the Right Entity for Your Business

Forbes recently published an article we wrote about factors to consider when starting a business and choosing what type of entity it will be. By Doug Bend Entrepreneurs can typically choose from a number of different entities when incorporating their business. However, due to the fluid nature of businesses, the advantages and disadvantages are not… Read More

Forbes recently published an article we wrote about factors to consider when starting a business and choosing what type of entity it will be.

By Doug Bend

Entrepreneurs can typically choose from a number of different entities when incorporating their business. However, due to the fluid nature of businesses, the advantages and disadvantages are not always clear at the time of formation.

Limited liability companies and corporations are the two most typically attractive options for small businesses considering incorporation. Unlike sole proprietorships and general partnerships, members of LLCs and shareholders of corporations have limited liability and greater protection for their personal assets. Members and shareholders can limit their liability and protect their personal assets from creditors.

But if both options offer owners liability protection, why do some business owners choose to form an LLC instead of a corporation, and vice versa? Below are some considerations to help you decide what type of entity might be the best fit for your business.

1. Corporate Formalities

Unlike a corporation, an LLC does not have to hold regular meetings and keep corporate minutes, which reduces the paperwork of maintaining your entity.

2. Taxation

The tax default for an LLC is treated as a pass-through entity, meaning the profits or losses from the entity pass through directly to the owners. An LLC can instead elect to be taxed as a C or S corporation so the owners can take advantage of certain tax advantages based the company’s income and expenses. By default, a corporation is subject to taxation at both the entity and the owner level. A corporation can also elect to be taxed as an S corporation which, like LLCs, allows for pass-through taxation. However, additional restrictions regarding who can be a shareholder of the corporation exist if you elect to be taxed as an S corporation. For example, S corporations can have no more than 100 shareholders and can have only one class of stock.

3. Inclusion of Debt

Early on, a startup or small business will often operate at a loss. Corporation shareholders may not deduct losses beyond their basis in their stock or debt obligations. In contrast, LLC owners can include their proportionate share of the debt from the LLC, so they can deduct a larger share of the losses.

4. Management

An LLC’s members or managers can manage the company. In contrast, a board of directors and its chief executive officer are in charge of managing corporations.

5. Distributions

A corporation must allocate its distributions in proportion to each shareholder’s ownership share. An LLC, on the other hand, does not necessarily have to allocate its profits or losses in proportion to each owner’s membership interest. Instead, the distributive share of gains, losses, deductions, or credits can be determined in the LLC’s operating agreement (subject to certain IRS restrictions against negative capital accounts). Additionally, members of an LLC can transfer and withdraw property into the LLC without the recognition of taxable gain by the LLC or the member with whom the property has been distributed. In the case of corporations, property distributions can result in taxable gain.

6. Investment

Entrepreneurs hoping to achieve venture seed funding typically choose the Delaware C Corporation. Venture capital firms won’t automatically screen out businesses that are not incorporated in Delaware, but they prefer Delaware due to friendly corporate governance benefits and predictable corporate law.

Selecting an entity that is appropriate for your business will depend greatly on how you plan to run the business and where you hope to take it. One size does not fit all. Crafting a strategic entity can mean a world of difference as your business begins to take off.

Bend Law Group, PC, a law firm focused on small businesses and startups. For questions or comments please contact us at (415) 633-6841, or feel free to reach out to us at info@bendlawoffice.com.

Disclaimer: This article discusses general legal issues and developments. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current law in your jurisdiction. These informational materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. No reader should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information presented herein without seeking the advice of counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.  Bend Law Group, PC expressly disclaims all liability in respect of any actions taken or not taken based on any contents of this article.

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Why Consider A Benefit Corporation?

Forbes published the article we wrote below on factors to consider when deciding whether to form a Benefit Corporation. By Doug Bend and Alex King We have advised hundreds of companies and have found that certain preconceptions about business affect the way they are set up and run. The historical belief that corporations exist solely… Read More

Forbes published the article we wrote below on factors to consider when deciding whether to form a Benefit Corporation.

By Doug Bend and Alex King

We have advised hundreds of companies and have found that certain preconceptions about business affect the way they are set up and run. The historical belief that corporations exist solely to maximize profit for shareholders has had a profound impact on how companies operate. However, when analyzed closely, profit mandates give those in charge much less choice than they might prefer, and the sustainable business movement has felt the constraints of this legal model.

This has caused many to ask: what if a corporation was able to seek profits while also considering potential benefits to society? The answer in many states is the addition of the “benefit corporation.” A benefit corporation is the term used when a company is created under corporate law and should not be confused with a “B Corp,” which refers to a company that is certified by B Lab to meet specific standards for social and environmental performance.

What Are the Benefits of Being a Benefit Corporation?

Incorporating as a benefit corporation legally protects an entrepreneur’s social goals by mandating considerations other than just profit. By giving directors the secured legal protection necessary to consider the interest of all stakeholders, rather than just the shareholders who elected them, benefit corporations can help meet the needs of those interested in having their business help solve social and environmental challenges.

Additionally, the demand for corporate accountability is at an all-time high, with many consumers already aligning their purchases with their values. The benefit corporation status is a great way to differentiate your company from the competition and capitalize on these customers.

What Are the Drawbacks of Being a Benefit Corporation?

One of the major drawbacks is expanded reporting requirements. This is to provide shareholders with adequate information to determine if your business is achieving its stated purpose. Each year a benefit corporation must give each shareholder an annual report.

Key to this report is the requirement of a “third party standard” for assessing overall performance, and the process for selecting this third party standard must be explained within the report. The report must also indicate the efforts made to achieve a general public benefit or the circumstances that hindered that achievement. Finally, if the benefit corporation has a website, it must post this annual report on its site.

Another potential drawback is uncertainty. Benefit corporations are fairly new legal entities. It is unclear how courts will interpret their mandates to not only seek profits, but also to consider potential benefits to society. Furthermore, the impact on raising capital and how angel investors and venture capitalists will react remains uncertain.

How Do You Form a Benefit Corporation?

There are a few legal requirements to consider when forming a benefit corporation. The benefit corporation legal requirements vary between states, and this discussion is limited to California law.

Firstly, your company name. A benefit corporation does not need to make any reference to its benefit status within its corporate name. Therefore, those considering a benefit corporation don’t need to alter the name they’ve chosen, nor tailor their brainstorming any differently than if they were considering a standard C Corporation.

However, a benefit corporation must state that it is a benefit corporation within its articles of incorporation. Additionally, the benefit corporation may contain within its articles a specific purpose (such as to further the arts, improve public health, etc.), but it is not required to do so.

Finally, the share certificates of a benefit corporation must specifically state the benefit nature of the corporation. Generally, all other provisions relating to the shares and their transfer are provided within the state’s general corporate law.

Conclusion

For entrepreneurs, business owners, workers, and consumers, the introduction of the benefit corporation is an exciting development. Community and environmentally minded business owners can preserve their social goals without sacrificing the ability to make a profit.

For all inquiries about benefit corporations please call (415) 633-6841, or email us at info@bendlawoffice.com.

Disclaimer: This article discusses general legal issues and developments. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current law in your jurisdiction. These informational materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. No reader should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information presented herein without seeking the advice of counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.  Bend Law Group, PC expressly disclaims all liability in respect of any actions taken or not taken based on any contents of this article.

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Top 10 Reasons to Incorporate in Delaware

Why are so many companies incorporated in Delaware? This article gives the top 10 reasons why more than half a million businesses, including more than half of all U.S. publicly-traded companies and 68% of Fortune 500 companies, have incorporated in Delaware. It then outlines the biggest drawbacks to incorporating in Delaware and explains why it… Read More

Why are so many companies incorporated in Delaware? This article gives the top 10 reasons why more than half a million businesses, including more than half of all U.S. publicly-traded companies and 68% of Fortune 500 companies, have incorporated in Delaware. It then outlines the biggest drawbacks to incorporating in Delaware and explains why it is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

What Are The Benefits of Incorporating in Delaware?

1.  Corporate Law Expertise

Delaware has a highly respected court that focuses on corporate issues – the Court of Chancery.  Because of this specialization, the Court of Chancery has a great deal of expertise and familiarity in resolving complex corporate disputes.

In addition, cases in Delaware tend to be resolved faster than in other states.

No corporation wants to be involved in litigation, but it is reassuring to know potential disputes will be more quickly resolved by a very knowledgeable judge with extensive expertise in corporate law.

2.  Extensive Legal Precedent

Corporate case law in Delaware is much more extensive than in other states due to the high volume of corporate cases.

More case law means increased predictability of the likely judicial resolution of a business law dispute.

If there have been several cases similar to the one facing your corporation, there is less uncertainty about the legal outcome which can be key when strategically deciding whether to settle a dispute or invest the time and capital to litigate.

3.  Delaware Corporate Statutes Are Flexible

The Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) provides a great deal of flexibility in the organization of a corporation and the rights and duties of board members and shareholders.

For example, Delaware allows one person to be the only director, shareholder, and officer of a Delaware corporation, whereas some other states require at least three people to fill those positions.

The DGCL is also frequently updated to take into account new court and business developments.

Although many Delaware statutes have been mimicked in other states, the extensive case law mentioned above is an enormous asset when determining how a Delaware statute is likely to be interpreted.

4. Attorney Familiarity

Most corporate attorneys are familiar with Delaware business law.  This means your attorney can likely provide more efficient and cost effective assistance if your company is incorporated in Delaware as opposed to a less popular state.

5.  Investors Prefer Delaware Corporations

Angel investors and venture capitalists usually prefer to invest in companies incorporated as a C Corp in Delaware.  If you are serious about receiving investments from these types of investors, you may want to incorporate in Delaware.

 6. Investment Bankers Prefer Delaware Corporations

Many investment bankers insist on a company being incorporated in Delaware before they take it public. If your goal is eventually having an initial public offering (IPO), you may want to incorporate in Delaware rather than converting to a  Delaware corporation later.

7. Sending a Message to Investors

If you incorporate in Delaware, you send a message – “This is a national company.”  From a marketing perspective, this could be important for your customers and investors.  You also send a signal to investors that you understand their preferences and are serious about receiving investments.

8.  Greater Privacy Protections

Delaware does not require officer or director names to be disclosed on formation documents.  This provides a layer of anonymity that is not available in some states.

9.  Quality Customer Service and Quick Turn Around Times

The Delaware Secretary of State’s Office has made it a priority to provide expedited filings. In fact, you can have your filings guaranteed to be processed in less than an hour.

In contrast, California has a 24 hour processing option, but it is not guaranteed to be completed within 24 hours and the rush processing fee is significantly more expensive than in Delaware.  This can be critical if you need to close a deal very quickly.

10.  Less Expensive To Relocate The Corporation

The annual franchise tax in Delaware can vary depending on a variety of factors, but it can be as low as $125 per year with reporting fees.  In contrast, California’s annual franchise tax is $800.

If you incorporate in California and later move the corporation to another state, you still have to pay the $800 annual franchise tax. If you incorporate in Delaware and later move, the annual franchise of your “home state” (where you initially incorporated) could be as low as $125.

What Are The Drawbacks to Incorporating in Delaware?

1. Annual Costs For A Registered Agent for Service of Process

If you incorporate in Delaware, you will be required to have a registered agent for service of process.  The annual fees for this service vary, but companies such as Biz Filings and Legal Zoom charge $129 to $149 each year.

2. Extra Franchise Taxes

If you incorporate in Delaware you will not only have to pay the annual franchise tax in the states in which you are “doing business,” but also in Delaware.

For example, if your company is headquartered in California, but you incorporated in Delaware, each year you will not only have to pay the $800 annual franchise tax in California, but also the annual franchise tax in Delaware.

3.  Extra Reporting Requirements

If you incorporate in Delaware, you will have a second layer of reporting requirements.  For example, if you incorporate your company in Delaware, but are headquartered in California, you would have to comply with the reporting requirements in both states.

If the benefits of incorporating in Delaware described above are not important to your company, you may want to avoid the extra expense and time of being incorporated in Delaware.

If you incorporated your company in Delaware, what have you found are some of the biggest advantages and disadvantages?

Disclaimer: This article discusses general legal issues and developments. Such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current law in your jurisdiction. These informational materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. No reader should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information presented herein without seeking the advice of counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.  Bend Law Group, PC expressly disclaims all liability in respect of any actions taken or not taken based on any contents of this article.

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