Tag: business planning

Business legal services in Silicon Valley

Are LLCs the Right Entity for You?

The current economic environment is highly competitive. It is more important than ever that businesses have the right legal structure in place. An LLC might be the right entity for your California business. Indeed, there are many reasons to select an LLC as a business entity. However, an LLC is not the right business entity for every situation. In California, certain types of businesses cannot lawfully operate as an LLC. Here, our Fremont business formation lawyer highlights the key things to know if you are trying to determine if an LLC is the right entity for your company.

Know the Benefits of Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC)

As explained by the California Franchise Tax Board, a limited liability company is a type of business entity that “blends partnership and corporate structures.” There are a number of different potential advantages to operating as an LLC, including:

Ease of set up: It is relatively easy and cost-effective to set up an LLC in California. You will have to select a name for your LLC, complete form LLC-1 and submit it to the Secretary of State and pay California’s annual LLC tax. There are minimal other requirements, including annual compliance costs.
Liability protection: Perhaps the primary benefit of an LLC is that it offers strong liability protection. As a member of an LLC in California, your personal assets can be protected from the debts and liabilities of the business. There are limited exceptions, similar to a corporation.
Flexibility: A California LLC is a fundamentally flexible business structure. You can effectively structure your company in the way you feel works best—profits, financial obligations, and voting rights can be split however you and the other members desire.

It is highly recommended that you have a professionally drafted operating agreement for your LLC. A well-crafted agreement will ensure that your rights and interests are properly protected.

California Law: Not All Businesses Can Operate as LLCs

It is important to emphasize that not every type of business can operate as an LLC in California. In fact, most licensed-businesses cannot be structured as an LLC. While there are limited exceptions, you should always consult with an experienced Bay Area business lawyer before moving forward. California law is evolving and certain CSLB, service businesses and home health care businesses can now be structured as LLCs.

For certain types of licensed professionals (lawyers, accountants, architects, etc.), an alternative type of business entity called a limited liability partnership (LLP) is an option. If you have any questions about forming an LLP, our Fremont, CA business formation lawyer can help.

LLCs are Not the Right Entity for Every Business

Even if your specific type of company can operate an LLC in California, it may still not be the best option for your needs. While LLCs offer some strong advantages—low administrative costs, liability protection, flexibility, etc.—there are also some downsides.

Most notably, an LLC operates as a pass-through entity for tax purposes. There will be a self-employment tax for LLC members. For this and other reasons, LLCs are generally not the best option for companies holding significant inventory, leasing expensive commercial space, or that have high overhead costs.

Consult With a Business Lawyer in the Bay Area

Lynnette Ariathurai is an experienced, solutions-driven business formation lawyer. If you have any questions about whether an LLC is the right entity for your business, please contact us today. We serve communities throughout the area, including Fremont, Newark, Union City, East Bay, Milpitas, San Leandro, Santa Clara, Hayward, and San Jose.

business entity, business formation, business planning, business structure, liability protection, limited liability partnership

Why Select an LLC as a Business Entity?

Choosing the best legal structure for your business requires knowledge of your line of work and an understanding of local, state, and federal laws. Tax laws are constantly changing and the need for capital is always present, so it is crucial for business owners to evaluate which business structure offers the advantages that will save them money and help them grow. Limited liability corporations (LLC), are one of the most popular business forms for a variety of reasons including:

business planning, laws, structure

Planning Ahead For A Successful Business Merger

On behalf of The Law Office of Lynnette Ariathurai, A Professional Corporation posted in Mergers & Acquisitions on Friday, May 26, 2017.

Many people in California and throughout the United States are foregoing college educations to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. It’s a rather controversial topic with advocates and naysayers on both sides. Both choices often lead to business ownership, and owning a business often leads to an eventual business merger. Thorough research and careful planning can set the stage for successful expansion.

When considering a business merger, there are several things to keep in mind. First and foremost is the fact that once the deal is finalized, a new company exists. Therefore, it’s important to think things through and make well-informed decisions so the outcome will provide the greatest chances for increased business success.

A successful business manager who now coaches CEOs and entrepreneurs advises anyone considering merging with another company or acquiring additional business assets to remember several things. First, it’s important to maintain a work ethic and start-up plan that sets the stage for complete integration and successful mergers. It also helps to be aware of the estimated value and potential costs of a proposed merge.

Many California business mergers fail to boost shareholder returns. This is another reason it’s crucial to thoroughly research a plan and check for possible flaws ahead of time. A business and commercial law attorney can provide many services that assist business owners as they navigate the mergers and acquisition process. From reviewing a proposed plan and making suggestions where changes may be needed to negotiating terms and agreements with other companies’ leaders, aligning oneself with experienced legal representation is often a key to success.

business planning, buy a business, merge a business

Always Good to Think Ahead When Selling a Business in California

On behalf of The Law Office of Lynnette Ariathurai, A Professional Corporation posted in Sales & Dissolutions on Friday, October 21, 2016.

One can imagine the tremendous feeling of satisfaction that accompanies building a successful California business from the ground up. For many business owners, there comes a time when it appears that selling a business is the next logical step to take. However, as such endeavors may present various types of challenges, it is typically best to think ahead before diving in.

An important topic to ponder when considering selling a business is that of potential taxes on the income. There is no set tax rate for money earned through a business sale; various factors determine how much the government gets. In addition to personal income, state of residence and purchase price allocation all play into how much tax will be owed.

Patience may indeed be a virtue when it comes to deciding whether to place a business up for sale. If a business has not been up and running for an extended period of time, some say it is best to wait before selling. Potential buyers are reportedly often more attracted to businesses that have long-standing success and well-established histories.

Anyone thinking about selling a particular business in California may also want to consider what the future might hold with regard to the personal and professional journey. For many, spending every waking moment of their recent pasts working to create and maintain successful businesses leaves them suddenly at a loss when it comes to deciding what to do next in life. Crafting a solid plan is advisable. In fact, a business and commercial law attorney is often able to assist company owners throughout the process of a sale, as well as in creating new business plans.

Source: alleywatch.com, “What to Know Before Selling Your Business“, Mark Daoust, Oct. 10, 2016

If your business is contemplating or already involved in the purchase, sale or merger of another business, please contact the Law Office of Lynnette Ariathurai. We provide professional business legal services for clients in Fremont, Hayward, Union City, Castro Valley, Milpitas, or Newark, CA,

business planning, Sales & Dissolutions, sell a business in california

Legal Guidance in Business Startups May Lead to Future Profits

On behalf of The Law Office of Lynnette Ariathurai, A Professional Corporation posted in Business Formation & Planning on Friday, January 22, 2016.

Starting up a new business in California is an exciting time for any entrepreneur. It is not uncommon for excitement about potential success to prevent new business owners from considering the legal aspects of a business startup. One of the first decisions to make involves the type of business entity that will be formed. Will it be a sole proprietorship or a partnership? There are advantages and disadvantages presented by both.

Choosing a business partner is a process that requires careful consideration. It has been suggested that disputes between business partners are one of the most regularly cited reasons for new businesses to fall apart. A partner in a well-known and successful consumer company said business partners must be able to work together on multiple levels of business, and mutual trust is vital. He also said he would not recommend starting a business with someone who you would not trust to access your bank account.

In any successful business partnership, there will be the need to have someone to consult when legal issues arise. When important decisions have to be made that will not only impact on the new business but also on the business’s long-term success, the advice and guidance of an experienced business law attorney can be beneficial. A lawyer who is prepared to become familiar with the business and its operations can provide valuable input in any circumstances.

A California attorney can provide guidance and support for the idea of a business startup and all the choices that need to be made early in the process through the ultimate decisions concerning the corporate form that will be best for the company. Along with other legal matters, a lawyer will explain responsibilities regarding personal liability and other factors. such as tax considerations. Knowing that the legal side of the business is properly covered by an experienced attorney can leave a sole proprietor or business partners to look after the daily operations that will provide the profits.

Source: entrepreneur.com, “Before Starting a Company With a Partner, Ask Yourself This Question“, Laura Entis, Jan. 20, 2016

Business Formation & Planning, business partners, business planning, startups