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?

Businesses in Massachusetts 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, some charge additional fees for the formation of LLC?s, and in Massachusetts there are particular laws that govern the actions of LLC?s. 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?

Under specific conditions, a business in Wilmington may change its form. Eligibility for conversion to a LLC is determined by Massachusetts law.

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.