The Limited Liability Company, or LLC, is a legal form of business organization that offers the advantages of several other traditional structures. Like a sole proprietorship or partnership, an LLC is not taxed as its own entity. However, it still has the advantage of limited liability, the same as a corporation. An LLC can also have an unlimited amount of shareholders, like a corporation. However, the LLC is dissolved if one of those members dies or files for bankruptcy. Various forms of limited liability companies have been around for hundreds years, but the modern LLC, like the legislature enacted in California, became more popular in the past several decades.

Can My Business Be Formed as an LLC?

Businesses in California can organize using whatever form they choose. The office of the Secretary of State is the organization that accepts filings by those who want to open LLC's. However, there may be an additional fee required for forming your LLC, determined by California laws that govern the formation and actions of LLC's. When deciding whether to form a LLC, you should consider which laws would apply to your company. Although it may take some time to find, choosing the right business structure for your company will lead to increased profitability.

Can I Change the Form of My Business to an LLC?

Businesses in California may change their forms in particular circumstances. Whether a business may convert to a LLC or not is determined by California law.

How Can an Attorney Help?

A lawyer versed in California business law will be able to advise you of the benefits and costs for forming and maintaining a LLC.