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Watch Your Language: Legal Terminology for Business Entities

Posted on Thursday, August 7, 2008 at 12:19PM by Registered CommenterNina Kaufman in | Comments9 Comments

Workshak's post on limited liability partnerships (which pulls from Taxgirl's post on ProBlogger) is right about one thing:  that limited liability partnerships (LLPs) are pass-through entities. 

What the post doesn't address is that the LLP statutes in many states make the form less-than-ideal for many multiple-owner businesses.  For example, in some states, LLPs can be used only for businesses whose principals are licensed professionals (e.g., doctors, lawyers, architects).  In other states, while the LLP will give you some shield against the negligence of your partner, your personal assets may be at risk when it comes to general contractual obligations (e.g., your lease) of the company. 

As a result, if appropriate, a limited liability company (not partnership) may provide you and your co-owners with fuller protection against creditors' claims.

Another good reason to consult with an attorney and an accountant before making your choice, instead of running to the online formation bureaus in the middle of the night.  Once you've made your choice, it's not so easy to switch.

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Reader Comments (9)

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September 3, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterxocai

Useful info, the companies away from the limelight are making all the money.

September 27, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterGbg

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October 3, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterViSalus

Great post, for this excellent compilation of companies operating in this space.

October 4, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterViSalus

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October 16, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterCash Gifting Programs

Really useful list, thanks very much for spending the time to put it together.

October 23, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterExtenze

Good reason to consult with an attorney and an accountant before making your choice, instead of running to the online formation bureaus in the middle of the night.

November 1, 2008 | Unregistered Commentercheap flights to chennai

Interesting post! you mentioned adWords by google that made them make a lot of money.

November 5, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterMesothelioma

Useful info, As a result, if appropriate, a limited liability company may provide you and your co-owners with fuller protection against creditors' claims.

November 12, 2008 | Unregistered CommenterMonavie

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