what is a pc for an attorney

What does PC in reference to an attorney mean?

In some states, it isn't uncommon to see the name of a law firm or attorney's office with the letters "PC" after it. PC stands for "professional corporation." Like limited liability companies, corporations and other business structures, professional corporations are legally recognized business entities in some states. Structure

What does PC stand for after an attorney name?

P.C. An abbreviation for professional corporation, which is a special corporation established by professionals, such as physicians, accountants, or, in some states, attorneys, who practice together. In most jurisdictions, a professional corporation may be organized by professionals who render a personal service to the public that requires a license and that, before proper statutory …

What is the difference between a LLC and a PC?

Sep 26, 2018 · Unlike a regular corporation, a PC for lawyers requires that each director, shareholder and officer be licensed to practice law. Further the legal PC may only provide services in its field. A PC is a popular form of organization for a solo practitioner, as it provides some liability protection, while still allowing you to keep your solo operation.

What does the PC after an attorney's name mean?

Jul 16, 2021 · The exact requirements to use a PC vary from state to state. Generally speaking, they include accountants, engineers, healthcare professionals, lawyers, psychologists, social workers, and veterinarians. Typically, each individual organization limits their membership to one profession or grouping of professions.

What does PC mean in a Lawyers Title?

Professional corporations or professional service corporation (abbreviated as PC or PSC) are those corporate entities for which many corporation statutes make special provision, regulating the use of the corporate form by licensed professionals such as attorneys, architects, engineers, public accountants and physicians ...

Why do some lawyers have PC after their name?

In some states, it isn't uncommon to see the name of a law firm or attorney's office with the letters "PC" after it. PC stands for "professional corporation." Like limited liability companies, corporations and other business structures, professional corporations are legally recognized business entities in some states.

What is the difference between LLC and PC?

The difference between LLC and PC is straightforward. A limited liability company (LLC) combines the tax benefits of a partnership and the limited liability protection of a corporation. A professional corporation (PC) is organized according to the laws of the state where the professional is licensed to practice.

What does PC mean in court?

Penal CodePC and CPC are abbreviations for “Penal Code.” California's Penal Code is a collection of statutes that set forth the state's laws on most criminal offenses. Penal Code is also sometimes referred to as “CPC,” or California Penal Code.Dec 9, 2020

What is a PC for lawyers?

Unlike a regular corporation, a PC for lawyers requires that each director, shareholder and officer be licensed to practice law. Further the legal PC may only provide services in its field.

What is a PC in business?

A PC is much more formal, as operating decisions often require director approval and votes of shareholders. As with any corporation, you must hold shareholder and director meetings, keep records and minute books.

Why do we need a formal business structure?

None of the business organization structures will protect an attorney from personal liability for professional malpractice, personal loan guarantees, or intentional torts . However, an LLP, LLC or a PC will protect against liability for the malpractice of other partners or shareholders and business-related liabilities, such as a slip and fall near the watercooler.

What happens if there is no written agreement?

So, if there is no written agreement or the agreement doesn't address particular issues, the LLP or LLC will be subject to the gap-filling provisions in their states' business code.

What should the articles of incorporation state?

The articles should state: the intention to operate as a corporation; a definition of the corporation's purpose; the names of the officers and shareholders; and. the agent for the service of process.

Why do we need partnership agreements?

The idea behind partnership agreements or by-laws is to prevent conflict down the road when a new situation arises. The more thought that goes into the initial agreements on the front end will prevent or minimize any business interruptions when unexpected events happen down the road.

What is professional corporation?

A professional corporation is a product of state laws which provide detailed provisions on what the corporation can and cannot do. A corporation should have its own set of by-laws and agreements that dictate the responsibilities and conduct of the corporation, its directors, and shareholders.

What professions use a PC?

Generally speaking, they include accountants, engineers, healthcare professionals, lawyers, psychologists, social workers, and veterinarians. Typically, each individual organization limits their membership to one profession or grouping of professions.

What is a business attorney?

A business attorney can also answer many of the questions you may have about setup and liability for business in your area. They can also make any requirements from a board of directors to stock shares and more.

Can a licensed professional be relieved of liability for malpractice?

While there is some limitation on liability surrounding the actions of each partner, the licensed professionals in the firm may not be relieved of liability for their own professional negligence or malpractice. This is the main reason professionals form this type of corporation.

Is a professional corporation necessary?

A professional corporation status can be essential in some business models. If state laws allow you to register your business corporation accordingly, it could eliminate many hassles. Each situation has to be evaluated individually, though.

Can a group of doctors form a professional corporation?

For example, a group of doctors who have their individual medical practice can form a professional corporation if their business is to practice medicine.

Who is required to incorporate as a professional corporation?

The list of professionals required to incorporate as a professional corporation, or personal services corporation, is given below: health care professionals (audiologists, dentists, nurses, opticians, optometrists, pharmacists, physical therapists, physicians, and speech pathologists) Of course, this is a general list.

Do I need to carry a certain designation in my company name?

You may have to carry a certain designation in the company name, such as “PC” for professional corporation. You will also need to draft corporate by-laws. These are the rules of how businesses will operate and be governed.

What is a professional corporation?

Professional corporations provide a limit on the owners' personal liability for business debts and claims. Incorporating can't protect a professional against liability for his or her negligence or malpractice, but it can protect against liability for the negligence or malpractice of an associate.

What are the requirements for a professional corporation?

The list of professionals required to incorporate as a professional corporation is different in each state. Usually, though, mandatory professional incorporation requirements apply to these professionals: 1 accountants 2 engineers 3 health care professionals such as audiologists, dentists, nurses, opticians, optometrists, pharmacists, physical therapists, physicians, and speech pathologists 4 lawyers 5 psychologists 6 social workers 7 veterinarians.

What professions are required to incorporate?

Usually, though, mandatory professional incorporation requirements apply to these professionals: accountants. engineers. health care professionals such as audiologists, dentists, nurses, opticians, optometrists, pharmacists, ...

Can a professional form an LLC?

As an alternative to incorporating, professionals wishing to limit their personal liability can also consider forming a limited liability company (LLC). States laws vary on what type of entity professionals can form though so be sure to check the rules for your state. For example, professionals are not allowed to form an LLC or professional limited ...

Do professional corporations have pass through tax?

Unlike sole proprietorships, partnerships, and LLCs, professional corporations do not enjoy pass-through taxation, which means the professional corporation pays tax on its profits, and the owners pay tax a second time on the same income on their personal tax returns. However, you can avoid double taxation by electing S Corporation tax status.

Who is personally responsible for the $1 million excess?

Dr. Bartolo, however, would still be personally responsible for the $1 million excess, because he was the one guilty of malpractice. (In some states, Dr. Anton would be free from personal liability only if the professional corporation carried at least the minimum amount of insurance mandated by state law.)

Can a doctor incorporate a professional corporation?

In many states, people in certain occupations (for example, doctors, lawyers, or accountants) who want to incorporate their practice can do so only through "professional corporations" (PC) or "professional service corporations.". In other states, some professionals have a choice of incorporating as either a professional corporation ...

What professions are required to form a PC?

The following are often required to form a PC: Accountants. Attorneys. Engineers.

What is a professional corporation?

A professional corporation or PC is one variation of a corporation. Licensed professionals who want to incorporate their practice can form a PC. However, the shareholders, directors, and officers must belong to the same profession.

Why is it important to choose the right business structure?

It's important to choose the right business structure to protect your business from unforeseen legal and tax consequences. When choosing between an LLC and a PC, check the state statutes to make sure the legal entity can operate in your state.

What happens to a professional when he retires?

If a professional retires or leaves, ownership is easily transferred to the others, and professionals can share management responsibilities and profits without worrying about being liable for each other's malpractice actions. The flat corporate tax rate, however, could limit corporate growth.

What is a licensed professional in California?

In California, licensed professionals are limited to forming a sole proprietorship, general partnership, or professional corporation (PC). One advantage of an LLC is that each owner—also called a member—has limited liability, which means they are not personally liable for the financial obligations of the LLC.

Is it better to be an LLC or a solo practitioner?

For solo practitioners, however, this advantage doesn't matter, unless they plan to add additional professionals at a later date. In this case, forming as an LLC is often the better choice. In some states, however, single-member LLCs don't have any creditor protection.

Can a professional LLC be a PLLC?

While some states allow professionals to form an LLC, others require that professionals form a professional limited liability company (PLLC) as set out by state statutes. In a PLLC, the members and managers must be licensed to practice the same profession.

How are PCs different from corporations?

Until recently, PCs differed from corporations in that PCs had a 35-percent federal tax rate whereas corporations had a graduated tax scheme. In November 2017, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that applied a flat tax rate to all corporate entities.

What are the advantages of LLC?

That means that members' personal assets are legally distinct from the LLC's assets. So, in the event someone sues the LLC, member assets are shielded from the proceeds of the lawsuit.

Does an LLC pay taxes?

An LLC also provides members with pass-through taxation, which means that the LLC does not pay taxes on profits earned. Instead, profits "pass through" to the members, who pay personal income taxes on profits distributed by the LLC.

Can a PC be taxed as a corporation?

Moreover, PCs do not have a pass-through taxation scheme and are instead taxed as corporations—in other words, they are subject to double taxation.

Is it easier to start an LLC?

Another advantage is that an LLC has minimal paperwork requirements, which makes launching an LLC rather easy. An LLC can have multiple members or as few as one member. As such, it is advantageous for someone with a small home-based business to incorporate as an LLC.

Can a PC be a professional?

As the name suggests, only "professionals" can form a PC. A professional, in this context, refers to someone who engages in a business that requires a professional license, such as a doctor, lawyer, or architect.

Is an LLP a partnership?

As the name suggests, an LLP is a partnership, which means, in contrast to an LLC, that there is no flexibility for creating centralized management.

What is a PC or PSC?

The general category of the PC or PSC can be as S-corporation, C-corporation, or LLC, but with subcategorization as a PC or PSC. Legal regulations applying to professional corporations typically differ in important ways from those applying to other corporations.

What is a professional corporation?

Professional corporations or professional service corporation (abbreviated as PC or PSC) are those corporate entities for which many corporation statutes make special provision, regulating the use of the corporate form by licensed professionals such as attorneys, architects, engineers, public accountants and physicians.

Why do professional corporations organize?

The principal reason why groups of professions choose to organize as a professional corporation is that, unlike a general partnership, an owner is not personally liable for the negligence or malpractice of other owners.

Can a limited liability partnership have multiple directors?

Professional corporations may have a single director or multiple directors.

Do professional corporations have citizenship?

United States. In U.S. federal subject matter jurisdiction, professional corporations have two citizenships for purposes of diversity, just like ordinary corporations, namely that they are citizens of (1) the state in which they are incorporated and (2) the state in which they have their principal place of business .