What Does It Mean to Be an LLC?

An LLC formation limits your personal liability and legally separates you from your business.

Ready to start your business? Plans start at $0 + filing fees.

Trustpilot star rating bar
what does it mean to be an llc

Contents

Updated on: March 21, 2024
Read time: 4 min

The letters "LLC" after a company name mean that the company is organized as a limited liability company rather than as a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other business type.

An LLC has a more flexible structure and fewer requirements than a corporation. It also offers liability protection and potential tax savings that aren't available to sole proprietorships or partnerships.

man and woman at home discussing business

What exactly does LLC mean?

An LLC, or limited liability company, is a type of business entity that a company can form by filing paperwork with the state. An LLC can have one owner (known as a "member") or many owners.

The words "limited liability" refer to the fact that LLC members cannot be held personally responsible for business debts. In a dispute with a business creditor, members may lose the money invested in the company but their personal assets aren't at risk.

LLC members also aren't usually liable for a co-owner's negligence or wrongdoing in business matters. Corporations also offer this liability protection, but sole proprietorships and partnerships do not.

An LLC is governed by a written operating agreement that describes the way the business will be run, the roles of the members, and the way profits will be shared. But LLCs are very flexible in the specifics of the agreement. In contrast, corporations have a rigid structure of officers, directors, and shareholders.

What does LLC mean in a company's daily business?

Being an LLC means you'll need to draw a firm line between your business life and your personal one. Mingling business and personal finances—or being unclear about whether you're acting in a business or personal capacity—could cause you to lose your liability protection in a dispute. Here are some actions to take:

  • Set up a business bank account and never mix business and personal funds
  • Always sign business documents as an officer or member of the business
  • Include the letters "LLC" after your business name on correspondence, invoices, business cards, and other documents

Forming an LLC may also mean changing the way you pay your members and handle taxes. Your LLC can be taxed in the same way as a sole proprietorship or partnership, with self-employed owners paying their own quarterly income and self-employment taxes.

But some LLCs save money by electing S corporation taxation. In an S corp., members can be company employees, with the company running payroll and withholding taxes for them. A business accountant can explain more and advise you on the best tax status for your business.

State law may require you to keep certain LLC records, and you may have to file an annual LLC report and pay an annual fee. Staying on top of reporting deadlines will ensure your LLC remains in good standing with the state.

Limited liability company advantages and disadvantages

Many small business owners are unsure whether to form a business entity at all—rather than remaining a sole proprietorship or partnership—or whether an LLC or a corporation is best.

Advantages of a limited liability company over a partnership or sole proprietorship include:

  • Liability protection. As long as you keep your business and personal matters separate.
  • Structure. An LLC operating agreement provides a roadmap that can help avoid expensive disagreements among members.
  • Potential tax savings. By electing S corporation taxation.
  • Protection of your business name within your state. States don't allow two business entities to form with the same name.

Corporations can have these same advantages, but they have a less flexible operating structure and are usually subject to more reporting requirements than LLCs.

Compared to a sole proprietorship or partnership, the main disadvantage of a limited liability company is the expense and paperwork of setting up the business and filing annual reports. There are also potential administrative hassles in keeping a separate bank account and running payroll. If you plan to solicit outside investment, you may find that investors prefer corporations over LLCs.

How to start an LLC

You can start an LLC in just a few simple steps. First, you'll need to choose a business name and select a person to serve as the registered agent to receive official documents on behalf of your business. Then, you file LLC formation paperwork with your state and pay a filing fee.

Your LLC should also have an operating agreement. You can find a sample LLC operating agreement online to get started, but for a document that fits your business perfectly and follows state laws, consider working with a lawyer or using a reliable, professional service. This way, you'll get an agreement that protects and clarifies everything for all members.

Understanding what LLC means in business will help you decide whether an LLC is right for your company. If you're unsure, a business lawyer can answer your questions and get your company started on the right foot.

Ready to start your business? Plans start at $0 + filing fees.Start My LLC
Twitter logoFacebook logoLinkedIn logoReddit logo

This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

94 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Great service

From the beginning the experience has been great. Super easy set up of my LLC, i have the concierge package and they are amazing, Teresa Scherbing is awesome. She is always there to answer any questions i may have.

Stanley Bolanos
66 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Was very easy to use and I got my LLC…

Was very easy to use and I got my LLC the same day. I was SHOCKED. I know every state is different but it was like a miracle. Thank you LZoom!

Erica Walters
67 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

My experience has been excellent from…

My experience has been excellent from the first day opening my LLC, and continues to be great now that my business is thriving. All of my important documents are organized and secured on their sight. Which is amazing when getting loans and doing my taxes. They also provide great customer service every time I call with questions. Would highly recommend using LegalZoom. Plan to start another business and will be using them again. Thank you LegalZoom!

George Wells
66 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

I find that LegalZoom has all the…

I find that LegalZoom has all the answers if you're starting a business an LLC and incorporation or you're doing a trust or a Will. These are the people you want to trust don't go to an expensive attorney you're just throwing your money away. Legal soon gets five stars!

Sean Christopher
66 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Representative was highly skilled

Representative was highly skilled, knowledgeable, and promptly took appropriate actions to assure that my LLC is in total compliance with New York State regs. Excellent service!

Edward Jordon
74 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Just efficient and easy

Just efficient and easy. Made my filing of an LLC simple and stress free

Stefanie ONeill
73 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Great service

Great service! Thank you to Monica for helping me establish my new LLC

ZS
73 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Five Stars For LegalZoom

LegalZoom offers a streamlined and accessible platform for creating an LLC, simplifying complex legal procedures for entrepreneurs. Their user-friendly interface and comprehensive guidance ensure that even individuals without legal expertise can confidently establish their businesses. Overall, LegalZoom enhances efficiency and provides valuable support in the LLC formation process.

CLC
73 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Being new to this process of starting…

Being new to this process of starting an LLC, LegalZoom has been there to walk me through it. Making the process easy and leaving me with a good feeling of confidence. Their business hours are very good and they're open on Saturday too

Eric Geyer
78 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Alifer was so helpful in setting up my…

Alifer was so helpful in setting up my LLC and refunding me my cost from my DBA that was processing!!

Morgan Keats
79 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Considering this was my fist time…

Considering this was my fist time filing an LLC, the site was very user friendly and made the process very streamlined. Will def refer to others!

Kat H
82 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Legal zoom helped me set up an LLC with…

Legal zoom helped me set up an LLC with ease and great customer service

Lori Willinski
96 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

I could've never completed my LLC…

I could've never completed my LLC without the help from legal zoom. They made it so easy.

Christie H.
95 days ago
Trustpilot star rating bar

Very helpful and professional

Very helpful and professional. Knowledgeable of all the LLC requirements and compliance guidelines.

Klaeton Orsted
Rated4.6out of 5 based on23,798+ reviewson

Showing our favorite reviews