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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 often charged for opening LLC's, however, and Tennessee law determines the costs for creating LLC's. 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 particular conditions, a business in Alcoa may change its form. Eligibility for conversion to a LLC is determined by Tennessee law.

How Can an Attorney Help?

Whether it would be beneficial for your business to form or convert to a LLC is a difficult decision. An attorney practicing business law in Tennessee can give you valuable advice.