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LLC's and C Corporations

What are the Similarities?

• Both are separate legal entities that are created by a state filing.
• Both offer the same limited liability protection, the owners are typically not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business.
• Both entities have very few ownership restrictions. The owners are not required to be US residents and the number of owners is without limitation. The owners are not required to be individuals as with an S Corporation.
• The ownership, (stock with Corporation or membership interest with LLC) can be divided into numerous classes.

 

What are the Differences?

• Taxation:
o The LLC is a pass-through tax entity - this means that the income or loss generated by the business is reflected on the personal income tax return of the owners.
o A C corporation is a separately taxable entity. The profits and loses are taxed directly to the corporation. This can lead to double taxation on dividends that are paid out of corporate profits to the owners.
• Formalities:
o A corporation requires that certain formalities be followed. The corporation must hold annual meetings of shareholders and directors each year and meeting minutes must be kept with the corporation's records.
o LLCs are not required to hold such meetings, however, it is a good idea to document major decisions of the company and hold regular meetings of members.
• Transferability of Interest:
o Transferring stock in a corporation is typically easier than the transfer of ownership with an LLC. Typically, a shareholder of a corporation is not required to get approval of the other shareholders before selling stock. Whereas with an LLC, the usual rule is that the owners must obtain approval of the other owners before ownership can be sold.

How is Management different?

• The management of an LLC can be by members, in which case the management is much like that of a partnership. If the management of an LLC is by managers, then the management structure closely resembles a corporation.