Having an accountant or tax attorney advise you both during and after the incorporation process will allow you to best determine the potential tax benefits of electing S Corp status, based on the characteristics of the corporation and its shareholders.
But if you want legal assistance navigating the process, you'll want to find a corporate attorney who focuses their practice on nonprofit organizations and has experience in this realm. A business attorney who represents corporations and LLCs —as opposed to nonprofits—will probably not have the relevant experience you need.
Jun 15, 2010 · They must prepare bylaws and other documents, and they have a far more complicated ownership structure. You'll almost certainly need an attorney to help you start any type of corporation, An S-corp starts as a corporation then elects S corporation status with the Internal Revenue Service. If it sounds complicated, it is. You might need help.
Oct 15, 2021 · Peter Home, with the firm Geoff McDonald & Associates, says, "An attorney can guide you through the process as well as teach you the ins and outs of how your company will need to operate once incorporated." A legal consultation can help an owner determine which corporate entity will be most advantageous and how to get the most out of incorporating the …
Dec 08, 2004 · In terms of the type of attorney most beneficial for starting a business, a business attorney may prove to be the best fit. This is because they are knowledgeable in a variety of topics that will likely apply to your small business. They can help those who are looking to start their own business, or are facing disputes involving their current small business. The attorney can also …
The most common reasons for needing an attorney are: 1 Navigating the many forms and requirements of legal documents, like incorporation documents, that are involved. 2 Assurance the startup is being done right. 3 Enabling you to focus on other aspects of the business so you don't have to spend time learning the legal processes. 4 Support with specific tasks like trademarking your name, reviewing lease documents, discussing potential legal structures, and preparing incorporation forms. 5 Online legal form providers don't always do it right. Businesses aren't one-size-fits-all, so blanket legal documents don't always work.
The simpler your business, the less you'll need an attorney. A sole proprietorship is the simplest business form. It doesn' t require that you register your business with your state, so no, you probably don't need an attorney ...
You might be able to register online with your state or use an online service to register your business, but it might be a good idea to use an attorney if your business is at all complicated. Corporations or S corporations must register with the state as well.
There are multiple benefits to organizing your company as a corporation: 1 A corporation limits your personal liability and may make tax breaks available to you. 2 Your corporation can take tax deductions for the cost of health insurance and life insurance. 3 Incorporating also means people will take your company seriously and you can set the stage for future expansion of your business. 4 You can raise capital for the business through the sale of stock. 5 Ownership in a corporation can be transferred easily should you decide to sell.
There are multiple benefits to organizing your company as a corporation: A corporation limits your personal liability and may make tax breaks available to you. Your corporation can take tax deductions for the cost of health insurance and life insurance.
And, yes, it is possible to incorporate without using a business attorney.
Incorporating also means people will take your company seriously and you can set the stage for future expansion of your business. You can raise capital for the business through the sale of stock. Ownership in a corporation can be transferred easily should you decide to sell.
Because of their relative ease of operation, and certain tax deductions being made available , small businesses are becoming more popular. Some other examples of why small businesses are gaining popularity include, but are not limited to: Starting incentives, such as financing options.
What constitutes a small business can vary greatly. In general, a small business is privately owned and operated with less than five hundred employees. They may also be defined by a relatively low volume of sales. Small business standards in the United States vary by state, as well as by industry. Because of their relative ease ...
For manufacturing industries, small businesses are to employ less than five hundred employees; for non-manufacturing industries, the criteria is typically less than $7 million in annual income.
Financial independence; and/or. Starting incentives, such as financing options. Small businesses typically take the form of a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Another commonly used term is “ startup .”.
Some examples include but may not be limited to: Research: It is imperative to do your research before starting a small business. This could include things like researching your competition and finding the best suppliers for materials.
The most common form is an “ LLC ,” or limited liability company. The state in which you wish to form your business may also dictate what form that business takes, as well as tax incentives and implications associated with particular forms; and.
Teams and Marketing: You should identify those who will be able to get your business started. This is your team, and they will help you grow your business if you cannot do it alone. Related to your team is your marketing strategy. Solid marketing is what will help your business grow and expand.
According to corporate attorney Michael Murray from Austin, Texas, setting up a nonprofit organization is similar to setting up a for-profit corporation but for a few unique issues. For example, in Texas, nonprofits are not required to have the words “incorporated” -- or its abbreviation “Inc.” -- or “company,” in its name.
Federal tax status is another issue that differentiates nonprofits from for-profit corporations – and a typical reason for founding a nonprofit organization.
You must apply to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for non-profit status. Attorney Murray cautions that the application is extensive, requiring voluminous data – far more onerous than state filings. As of 2012, the IRS application was over 25 pages long; with attachments, expect it to at least double in size.
If you elect not to engage a corporate attorney to help you start your nonprofit, the Society for Nonprofit Organizations recommends that you at least hire one to review your application and related paperwork. Murray also suggests that a corporate attorney with a tax background would be an asset.
You can form an LLC by filing articles of organization and paying a filing fee with the Secretary of State in the state where you plan to operate your business.
Hiring an attorney or consulting an online legal service provider is not one of the requirements for starting a limited liability company (LLC), but it is often helpful as you create your organization.
Although it's not a requirement for the legal formation of an LLC, hiring a small business attorney can be beneficial, as the advantages of having a professional do the work for you often outweigh the cost. Using an attorney to prepare and file the required documents with the Secretary of State helps you avoid making mistakes when starting your LLC.
Using an online service provider to help you form an LLC is an option that provides a middle ground between doing it yourself and hiring an attorney. It's usually less expensive than an attorney and can help you avoid many of the common mistakes that can occur from doing it yourself.
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10. Contracts. Most businesses execute contracts for space, services, and supplies. Businesses often have agreements between partners, investors, and employees. It is important to get it right so you don't end up in court. 9. Registering, Licensing, and Permits.
Some people opt to start the business by themselves or with family members, while others have partners or other investors who will not be involved with the day-to-day affairs of the business. The laws that apply to start-up businesses differ based on the specifics of the situation, and even business people who decide to go it alone have options ...
The choice of business form (i.e. sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation) often dictates the legal responsibilities and potential liability of those involved in leading the business, as well as the manner in which it may operate.
The preconditions to forming and conducting a business entity in one state may not be accepted in another state. If you are not careful, the protections you have in your home state of operations may be lost if you do business in another state. See the State Business Laws section for more details. 6. Strict Conformity.
The only thing more crucial to a new business is liability . 1. Liability. Different business forms provide different protections and risks to the business owner/investor. Personal liability means that your business puts everything you own at risk. An attorney can help you avoid this situation or minimize your risk.
In most cases, you're going to need the services of a lawyer for your startup, perhaps for tax services or employment law compliance. Whatever the reason, make sure you contact the right attorney for your needs.
A corporation is a business structure that allows owners to establish their company as a separate legal entity. Incorporated companies enjoy “corporate personhood,” meaning that, like a person, they have the right to enter into contracts, loan and borrow money, sue and be sued, and so on.
The name of your corporation must not match or be similar to that of an existing corporation. Check with your local secretary of state’s office to see the availability of your proposed name.
Because of this, the owners and shareholders of a corporation are not held personally liable for its debts and obligations. Corporations have a two-level structure. The first level is the ownership level. Typically, shareholders are the ones who own a corporation.
Officers and directors do not necessarily have to be shareholders, although they can be. Typically officers and directors may double as shareholders in smaller firms, but not in larger firms. The most basic corporation is known as a C corporation.
Perhaps the most significant benefit of corporations is that they offer personal liability protection to shareholders. Owners are only responsible for the amount they invest in the company, and their personal assets are not subject to seizure. This is different from what’s offered by sole proprietorships and general partnerships where owners are responsible for the debts and obligations of the company.
All businesses begin as a C corporation. After registering as a C corp with their state’s Secretary of State’s Office, owners can then elect to become an S corp by filing IRS Form 2553, Election by a Small Business Corporation.
Electing corporation status offers numerous tax advantages. For instance, owner-paid health insurance premiums are tax-deductible. Owners can also save from having to pay Social Security, Medicare, and Workers Compensation taxes, which corporate income is not subject to. Furthermore, as mentioned, S corps allow owners to opt in to pass-through taxation.
Consigliere – A Sounding Board. Whether you are starting your first company or your fiftieth, early days generally bring long hours, hard work, and a multitude of questions both legal and not, often in what amounts to a vacuum for the new founders.
California Gov. Jerry Brown recently completed acting on the 1,217 bills that came across his desk this year. He has signed 1,016 of them into law, with the majority taking effect...
Richard ("Rick") Hoeg received his undergraduate degree in Economics from Hillsdale College before attending the world-renowned University of Michigan Law School where he graduated in the top 5 of his class.
The modern world is a specialized one. That business you’re starting ? It probably isn’t aimed at being a multinational conglomerate (at least, not from the start). Instead, chances are you’ve decided to start a business because you’ve identified a hole in the market or an underserved customer base; a place where your specialized knowledge or skill will help differentiate your brand from everyone else’s.
The entire purpose of the corporate (or LLC) structure is to limit an investor’s exposure solely to the assets it puts into the entity. In other words, to make sure you don’t lose your house.
The estate planning lawyer specializes in wills and trusts, and can help you to draw up a will to pass on your assets. Among other estate planning legal services, this type of lawyer can help you set up a trust which will help take care of your children’s financial needs.
Doctors do occasionally make mistakes, and if you’re facing the consequences of a medical mistake such as a medical misdiagnosis or inaccurate treatment, a lawyer who specializes in medical malpractice issues can be particular helpful.
Also known as an IP attorney, an intellectual property lawyer can advise you with regard to issues relating to intellectual property, such as copyrights, trademarks, patents, industrial design and trade secrets.
Employment Lawyer. Whether you’re a company that’s having a problem with an employee, or an individual who’s having problems with the company you work for, an employment lawyer can generally provide advice about legal issues which arise from an employment contract or within an employment relationship.
A corporate lawyer will be able to help you with issues related to the formation of your corporation, general corporate governance issues and corporate compliance issues.
If you’ve been injured while on the job, or have had to face the death of a loved one as a result of a workplace accident or occupational disease, a lawyer who specializes in workers compensation law can help you navigate the issues you face, such as the extent of the employer’s fault and the amount of benefits to which you are entitled.
Unlike lawyers who specialize in a particular area of law, a general practice lawyer has a practice that handles a wide range of legal issues. Different general practice attorneys will have different areas of law with which they are most comfortable, so if you consult with a general practice lawyer, it’s always prudent to discuss his or her experience in handling the type of legal issue you’re facing.