The Limited Liability Company, or LLC, is a legal business structure that seeks to combine benefits from across several other traditional business forms. Like a sole proprietorship or partnership, an LLC is not taxed as its own entity. However, it still has the advantage of limited liability, the same as a corporation. 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 South Dakota legislature enacted laws authorizing its formation, the modern LLC has become more and more popular.

Can My Business Be Formed as an LLC?

A business in South Dakota can be organized using the form that it chooses. If the founders want to organize as an LLC, all that is required is filing the appropriate form with the Secretary of State. There may be a fee required for opening your LLC, however. Applicable South Dakota laws govern the formation of LLC's and their actions. These laws should certainly help you decide whether to organize as an LLC. The business structure that is appropriate for your business may take some effort to find, but finding the right business form can reward you with increased profitability.

Can I Change the Form of My Business to an LLC?

Under certain conditions, a business in Sturgis may change its form. Eligibility for conversion to a LLC is determined by South Dakota 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 South Dakota.