| If you own your own business or are thinking of | | | | or "L.L.C." You cannot use a name that is already on |
| starting one, the way the business is structured plays | | | | file with the LLC office for another business. The LLC |
| an invaluable role in how profitable and successful you | | | | office can help you with any questions you have |
| will be. One alternative is by forming a Limited Liability | | | | concerning all of the regulations involved with choosing |
| Company or LLC. A business structured as an LLC | | | | a business name in your state. |
| can be a big step toward a successful business | | | | - Your name should not violate another company's |
| enterprise. | | | | trademark. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office can |
| What is an LLC you ask? Well, simply put is a type of | | | | help you see if your proposed business name violates |
| hybrid business structure that provides the limited | | | | any trademark infringements of another company. |
| liability features of a corporation with the tax | | | | You can be sued by the trademark owner if you use |
| efficiencies and operational flexibility of a partnership. | | | | a previously copyrighted name that is registered with |
| They are a popular choice with single entrepreneurs | | | | the federal government. |
| that want to incorporate in order to protect their | | | | - Next, you'll be filing the articles of organization and |
| personal assets and secure additional loans if needed. | | | | paying all of the required fees with the LLC office. |
| Most business experts will be the first to tell that they | | | | These articles of organization are nothing but a simple |
| are the easiest and least expensive form of | | | | form provided by the filing office at the LLC. You will |
| ownership to organize. | | | | also be listing a registered agent who would receive all |
| LLC's are similar to a corporation in that they have one | | | | legal papers if there is ever a lawsuit brought up on |
| or more owners and protect the owners' personal | | | | you in regards to your LLC. |
| assets from business debts and possible lawsuits. | | | | - Now, you're going to be creating an LLC operating |
| They cannot, however, issue shares of stock like a | | | | agreement. This outlines the percentage of interest for |
| corporation can. Forming one is not a difficult task | | | | each member of the LLC, their responsibilities, profit |
| either but there are a few set regulations that must be | | | | distribution and any other general information that will |
| followed. Here is how you can start your own LLC: | | | | be in the LLC members' agreement. |
| - Before you begin, you should get in contact with the | | | | - Contact your local newspaper about putting in a |
| LLC office within the state your business is based in. | | | | notice that you are forming an LLC. This is actually a |
| You can find it online under the website for the | | | | requirement in many states. After the notice has been |
| Secretary of State for your state since it normally is | | | | in the paper for several weeks, you then file an |
| part of their office. | | | | affidavit of publication with the LLC office. |
| - Find and decide on a creative business name but | | | | - You're almost done; I promise. Finally, you'll be getting |
| make sure it complies with all of the LLC regulations of | | | | all those things like permits and licenses, employer |
| your state. It must end with a designator which | | | | identification numbers, zoning permits, liquor licenses, |
| indicates it is an LLC such as "Limited Liability | | | | export licenses or any other mandatory permits and |
| Company," "Ltd. Liability Co.," "Limited Company," "LLC" | | | | licenses necessary. |