The Limited Liability Company, or LLC, is a legal business structure that seeks to combine benefits from across several other traditional business forms. A LLC has the benefits of a corporation's limited liability, but avoids double taxation like a partnership or sole proprietorship. Also like corporations, LLC's can have as many shareholders, or members, as it likes. Unlike a corporation however, the death or bankruptcy of one of the members will dissolve the LLC. Many business forms have historically been aimed at the goal of limited liability, but the LLC is the most modern of these forms, having become popular since the enactment of laws in Pennsylvania that authorized its formation.

Can My Business Be Formed as an LLC?

Pennsylvania allows a company to incorporate using the business form it chooses. To begin as an LLC, a company simply files the necessary form with the Secretary of State. Fees are generally charged for opening LLC's, however, and Pennsylvania 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 Dauphin County may change its form. Eligibility for conversion to a LLC is determined by Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.