The legal business form of the LLC, or Limited Liability Company, offers the advantages of several other traditional business forms. An LLC has the same benefit 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 main 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 main 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 just requires that the business founders file a form with the Secretary of State. There can be a fee required for opening your LLC, however. Applicable Massachusetts laws govern the formation of LLC's and their actions. When deciding whether to form a LLC, you should consider which laws would apply to your company. Although it might 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 Stoughton may change their forms in specific circumstances. Whether a business may convert to a LLC or not is determined by Massachusetts law.

How Can an Attorney Help?

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