LLC Formation
Starting an LLC is one of the most advantageous steps any individual or small business can do for one simple fact: it protects your personal assets from litigation that the company might be involved with. In other words, if somebody sues the business, your personal bank account, home, car and other assets are completely safe -- only that of the company will be involved in the lawsuit. An LLC gives you this major umbrella of protection that a sole proprietor is completely vulnerable to. It's easy to
start an LLC on your own without a lawyer, too. Read more about
starting an llc online. You'll also want to determine which business model makes more sense for you: if you should
incorporate or start an
LLC.
LLC Financials
Managing your own company's accounting records is always a fear of the new business owner. Taking care of an LLC is surprisingly simple, however. As long as you keep your receipts and payment records for anything purchased exclusively for the LLC, you can claim those expenses as business expenses, alleviating the tax that is taken out each year. Learn more about
LLC accounting.
You'll want to have a separate bank account for your LLC, since it is considered its own entity. Remember, your LLC is not you: you are only its owner. When you have a dedicated bank account for your LLC, you're able to manage its funds and easily track expenses. Read more about
LLC banking.
Dealing with your LLC's finances during tax time can be simple or complicated depending on how it is being managed. Are you the sole owner? Is anybody else being employed under the LLC? Are there multiple shareholders, or stakeholders? These all determine how your taxes will be completed. Take a closer look at
LLC taxation, and what's in store for you.
Trademark your business name
When you come up with an official business name, it will have no concrete protection beyond an implied trademark. It's best to consider getting a registered trademark for your business name as soon as you can, so that nobody else can use it in commerce or without your permission by law. Once your registered trademark is accepted by the
USPTO, it will be made public in their records, as well as in a book that is distributed to trademark laws across the country. Get more information on getting a
registered trademark.