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 Maryland 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 Maryland 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. Fees are generally charged for opening LLC's, however, and Maryland law determines the costs for creating LLC's. You should consider these laws when deciding whether to organize your business as an LLC. Finding the right business structure for your company may take some effort, but it will ultimately make your business more profitable.
Can I Change the Form of My Business to an LLC?
A business in Bel Air 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 Maryland laws.
How Can an Attorney Help?
The decision of whether to form or convert to a LLC is best considered with the advice of local Attorneys practicing business law in Maryland.