Startup and Launch

Is it better to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a C Corporation? Many entrepreneurs ask that question as they work through the many facets of transforming their dream of business ownership into a reality. The business structures have similarities and...

A single-member LLC can be taxed as an S Corporation if it meets the IRS’s eligibility criteria. In fact, both single-member and multi-member Limited Liability Companies can elect to be treated by the IRS as either an S Corporation or a C Corporation if they meet...

Tax implications are among the most important factors to think about when deciding on a business entity type. Some business owners are attracted to the simplicity of pass-through taxation, which is how a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, and S Corporation are...

While it may sound mysterious and intriguing, an anonymous LLC (also known as a private or confidential LLC) is like a regular Limited Liability Company, except its members are not publicly identified by the state. The names, addresses, and contact information for...

If you’re considering forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC), you’re likely drawn to the business structure because it provides personal liability protection for the business owner, the simplicity of pass-through tax status, and ease of administration thanks to...

One of the most exciting initial tasks to tackle when starting a business is brainstorming names for your company. It’s also one of the most critical to-dos; your company’s name will be the foundation of your brand, so you need to consider it carefully. As you...

Etsy has given artists, crafters, and collectors a highly visible online marketplace for selling their own-made arts and crafts, vintage items, and crafting supplies. Are you a talented, hands-on individual with a vision of offering your creations to customers...

With the legalization of marijuana for adult recreational use in California, it’s an exciting time for the state’s business community. The law brings many opportunities for entrepreneurs interested in producing and selling cannabis and cannabis products. CorpNet is...

Are you thinking about how to start a restaurant business? Without a doubt, it's an industry that contributes immensely to our economy. According to statistics from the National Restaurant Association, there are over one million restaurant locations in the United...

With a relatively low tax burden and low cost of labor, Alabama is the 14th fastest-growing state in the United States. It's becoming the sweetheart state for business start-ups. If you’ve been thinking about forming a business in Alabama, here is a comprehensive...

A C Corporation is a legal structure for a company that is authorized by the state to conduct business. Its owners, who are referred to as shareholders, are taxed separately from the business, and in most cases cannot be held personally responsible for business...

Some states require business owners to publish a notice in a local newspaper after they form or make certain changes to their business entities. States’ publishing requirements help inform the public about new business entities and significant changes to existing...

A Sole Proprietorship is the most popular business structure in the U.S., with nearly three out of four businesses operating as one. But if you’re running a Sole Proprietorship or thinking about starting a business that will operate as one, it’s important that...

Once entrepreneurs taste what it's like to be their own boss and carve their own career path, some decide to pursue starting multiple businesses. Depending on the situation, owning multiple Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) might make sense. Which leads to the...

I regularly speak to business owners about entity types and their potential impact from a tax perspective. A while back, I created a webinar for accountants (and other professional services providers that work with businesses) on the topic of business structures...

Besides the questions of when and how to start a company, many entrepreneurs want to know where to incorporate a business. Each state has its own business laws and tax codes, so deciding where to form an LLC or a corporation should not be taken lightly. I recently...

A pass-through entity refers to a business that does not pay income tax of its own. Its income, losses, credits, and deductions “pass-through” to each business owner’s personal tax return, where its profits are taxed according to each owner’s individual income tax rate. Sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, limited liability companies, and S Corporations are all pass-through entities. Corporations, and limited liability companies that elect to be taxed as a corporation, are not pass-through entities.

Do you need a DBA for your business? It is a common question for evolving and growing businesses. Let's explore what a DBA is, what benefits it offers, and discuss some situations when you might need to file a DBA. What is a DBA? A DBA is a fictitious business...

Besides personal liability protection, flexibility is among the top reasons entrepreneurs choose the Limited Liability Company (LLC) business structure for their companies. An LLC can have an unlimited number of owners, called “members” (with few restrictions on...

Many entrepreneurs who want to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) think they must hire a lawyer to handle the paperwork. They’re mistaken! While it’s helpful to consult an attorney about which business entity type is right for your business and get answers to...

A professional corporation and a professional LLC are business entities that licensed professionals may wish, or be required, to form. Generally, professions that form professional LLCs or professional corporations include: Attorneys and law firms Accountants and...

Just as there are flavors of ice cream, different varieties of the LLC business structure exist, too. The ideal option for a company may depend on a business's industry, type of commercial activities, number of owners, and even an owners' professional credentials....

When starting a Limited Liability Company or C Corporation, businesses in most states must provide a written statement of business purpose in their formation documents (Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization). The business purpose statement describes...

Entrepreneurs cannot succeed in business completely on their own. Successful business owners will leverage their talent, expertise, and skills, while also being quick to delegate tasks and responsibilities to others with the knowledge and proficiencies they lack....

If you have a high level of proficiency, expertise, and experience in a field, you may have thought about how to start a consulting business. Starting a consulting business can be a wonderful career option for individuals who want to leverage their knowledge and...

When you’re starting a small business that has more than one owner, you and your partner(s) may have concerns about your personal liability risks. If this is the case, it would be wise to compare LLP vs. LLC business structures. Limited liability partnerships (LLP)...

Maintaining an exceptional staff reigns as one of the essential ingredients for a successful restaurant. With hiring that staff, comes payroll responsibilities and complying with all related federal, state, and local employment and tax laws. Payroll for restaurants...

Have you been thinking of launching a new business or changing your existing Sole Proprietorship to a formal business entity type like a Limited Liability Company, S Corporation, or C Corporation? Are you concerned that you might not be selecting the best time of...

If you're considering starting a new business in Wisconsin, there are a lot of reasons why this is a great option. Wisconsin offers a robust business ecosystem with a skilled workforce, business-friendly policies, and a central location in the U.S. It provides a...