Incorporation in Rhode Island

Find the right Business Incorporation attorney in Bristol, RI

Under Rhode Island law, a business may incorporate. If it chooses to do so, it is thereafter recognized as its own legal entity. As a separate entity from the owners, the business is then considered to be operating on its own when it buys and sells property, assents to contracts and exercises legal rights. A business seeking to incorporate in Rhode Island must file with the Secretary of State in accordance with established guidelines.

Benefits of Incorporation in Rhode Island

A corporation enjoys benefits that unincorporated companies do not. Primarily, it cannot be held accountable for an amount of debt greater than the value of the assets that the owners have invested in it. If the business had remained a personal asset of the owners, they would run the risk of losing their personal property to pay for the company's financial liabilities in case of default. A corporation may also find it easier to finance itself through loans, allowing creditors in the Bristol area to evaluate their investment by assessing the corporation rather than the individual credit-worthiness of its owners. Lastly, a corporation's ownership stake is divided into equal slices or "shares" of stock, which make investments in the business much easier to transfer.

Costs of Incorporation

These advantages come at a price. First, incorporation in Rhode Island may require a filing fee. Second, a corporation pays taxes just like any other entity. In other words, the profits a corporation makes are now taxed separately, while any disbursements to shareholders are taxed as individual income. This is called double taxation. However, a business may avoid this disadvantage with proper planning and assistance from a local Bristol lawyer.

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Life in Bristol

Bristol is located in Bristol County, Rhode Island. It is a small city with a population of around 23,000 people. It is a seaport that is named after Bristol, England. In fact, the atmosphere at Bristol Harbor is very serene and peaceful. It is one of Bristol's most beautiful spots!

Major industries that drive Bristol's economy include boat building, manufacturing and tourism. Some great attractions include America's Cup Hall of Fame, Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum, Bristol County Jail, Bristol County Courthouse, Bristol Ferry Lighthouse, Colt State Park, Gillary's Tavern, Herreshoff Marine Museum, Linden Place, Mount Hope Bridge, Poppasquash Farms Historic District, Joseph Reynolds House, and Coggeshall Farm Museum. As evident, Bristol is a history-lover's delight!

Bristol is also home to many law offices established by competent attorneys. These attorneys are well-experienced in many areas of law, making them easily able to handle the legal needs of residents and local businesses.

All in all, Bristol has it all--beauty, history, charm, and serenity!

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