The legal business form of the LLC, or Limited Liability Company, offers the benefits of several other traditional business forms. An LLC has the same advantage of limited liability that a corporation does, but without being taxed as its own entity. Instead, it's taxed more similarly to a sole proprietorship or partnership. Like a corporation, a LLC can have unlimited shareholders, called members. But a key difference is if one of these shareholders dies or files for bankruptcy, the LLC is dissolved and will stop operations unless the remaining members form a new LLC. For hundreds of years, limited liability has been a primary goal of some business forms, but since the Massachusetts legislature enacted laws authorizing its formation, the modern LLC has become more and more popular.

Can My Business Be Formed as an LLC?

In Massachusetts, a business can be formed using the form that it chooses. Opening an LLC simply requires that the business founders file a form with the Secretary of State. There may be a fee required for opening your LLC, however. Applicable Massachusetts laws govern the formation of LLC's and their actions. Applicable laws are a primary consideration in the decision of whether to organize as an LLC. The right business structure for your company may be difficult to find, but different structures can end up saving your company a lot of money.

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

A business in Southbridge may change its form under specific conditions. Whether or not a business is eligible for conversion to a LLC is a determination made by applicable Massachusetts laws.

How Can an Attorney Help?

Attorneys experienced in Massachusetts business law can give you valuable input on whether your business would be more profitable as a LLC.