LLCs are popular business structures utilized by both small and large businesses alike seeking asset protection. But businesses run by single individuals may be more interested in Single-Member LLCs: variations of the standard LLC structure that offer many of the same benefits, plus a few extra tax-related advantages that regular LLCs do not provide.
forming an LLC in Georgia entails various considerations, including fees, advantages, an operating agreement, and requirements like taxes and the annual report. Additionally, understanding the option for added privacy by forming an SMLLC as an Anonymous LLC. Continue reading to learn how entrepreneurs can harness the flexibility and benefits that SMLLCs offer for their businesses.
A limited liability company or LLC is a type of business structure often adopted by United States companies. This structure protects business owners by keeping them from being personally liable for any company debts or other liabilities.
Due to their structure, LLCs combine many of the advantages and benefits of corporations and partnerships or sole proprietorships, making them a flexible and popular choice for businesses of all sizes.
A single-member LLC is, as the name suggests, a type of limited liability company. Unlike the majority of LLCs, which have at least two members and more often have multiple members, single-member LLCs or SMLLCs only have a single member or chief owner. Note that this does not mean the SMLLC can't have employees.
Individuals with small or niche businesses may choose to become SMLLCs due to the inherent benefits that this structure provides.
For starters, SMLLCs can result in significant tax savings, especially compared to business structures like sole proprietorships. For instance, the IRS rules currently indicate that SMLLCs are disregarded for federal income tax purposes unless they decide to be treated as corporations, gaining additional benefits for more limitations.
Since SMLLCs, like LLCs, are treated as distinct business entities, owners are not taxed at the same rate as their companies. This can help them save money with every tax year, even if their business makes high profits that can be cycled back into the business to help it grow the following year.
A "softer" benefit is the added professionalism and legitimacy that an SMLLC tag adds to a business. Once fully recognized, SMLLCs must add either LLC or limited liability company to the end of their business name. This may allow them to negotiate differently with vendors and other businesses, offering greater and more legitimate business power in the long run.
As indicated by the name, SMLLCs also protect their owners from liability, such as increased business debt. For instance, if an SMLLC goes under due to market conditions and no fault of the owner, the owner may not necessarily go bankrupt as well or may avoid certain financial hardships.
If the SMLLC is formed privately or anonymously, owners can also enjoy a level of anonymity that they wouldn't get with a sole proprietorship or other types of business structures. This can be useful if the business owner in question is an entrepreneur trying to succeed where they failed before and don't want their reputation to hamper their options.
One last benefit is the uniqueness associated with an SMLLC. Every SMLLC must decide on and register a unique business name with their state's business department. Thus, no other business in the state can use the same name, helping a given business dominate over its competition or keep its customers after the transition, particularly in crowded or competitive industries.
Single-member LLCs are popular business structures since they are formed very similarly to LLCs – the major difference is, of course, that there's only a single owner instead of multiple partners working together.
For example, an operating agreement or document outlining how the company will be run should mention that there's only a single owner instead of multiple.
Beyond this, anyone looking to form an SMLLC must go through largely the same process as they would if they wanted to start a regular LLC. You'll need to file for your SMLLC by:
SMLLCs are considered disregarded entities, meaning the IRS disregards the business for any tax purposes. Instead, the IRS collects taxes for the SMLLC to the business owner's personal income tax information at the end of the year.
SMLLCs involve more paperwork compared to other company structures, but the investment can be highly rewarding in the long run. It's essential to note that SMLLCs are obligated to pay various federal and state taxes. Leveraging the tax and bookkeeping services offered by our partners at Bench can not only save you time but also result in a reduction of the taxes owed to the IRS.
One last key thing to note is that single-member LLCs require EINs or employer identification numbers. This is true even if the business doesn't have any employees aside from the business owner.
The good news is that most SMLLCs will want to acquire EINs anyway since the majority of banks require businesses to have EINs if they want to open a business bank account.
All in all, single-member LLCs are versatile business structures that small businesses with one owner or executive may benefit from becoming. Be sure to consider forming an SMLLC with the assistance of a lawyer who can look over all your official paperwork and make sure that any necessary documents are filed on time.