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, the LLC can also have an unlimited amount of shareholders, called members. Unlike a corporation however, if a member dies, files for bankruptcy, or otherwise leaves the LLC, the company is dissolved. Various forms of limited liability companies have been around for hundreds years, but the modern LLC, like the legislature enacted in Maryland, became more popular in the past several decades.

Can My Business Be Formed as an LLC?

In Maryland, 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. Fees are generally charged for opening LLC's, however, and Maryland law determines the costs for creating LLC's. When deciding whether to form a LLC, you should consider which laws would apply to your company. Although it may 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?

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

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.