The Limited Liability Company, or LLC, is a legal business structure that seeks to combine advantages 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 benefit of limited liability, the same as a corporation. Like a corporation, a LLC can have unlimited shareholders, called members. But a main 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 main 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 may 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 regularly charged for opening LLC's, however, and Tennessee 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 might 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?

Changing business forms in Athens can be done if a company's situation meets specific conditions. Conversion to a LLC is possible if Tennessee law permits it in your situation.

How Can an Attorney Help?

Lawyers practicing business law in Tennessee can advise you on whether it would be favorable for your business to form or convert to a LLC.