Is an LLC a Corporation?

Is an LLC a Corporation? The answer is technicallyThe corporation entity subjected small business
NO but the limited liability company offers all theowners to onerous requirements and formalities often
advantages of a corporation without thenot needed for the typical small business.
disadvantages.The state legislatures recognized this and in attempts
The corporation is an age old legal entity that has beento further support the small business growth in this
around for ages primarily to afford limited liability tonation, looked to enact laws to provide for a more
businesses and offer them a way to eventuallysuitable limited liability entity for the small business.
become public. A corporation has shareholders asWyoming was the first state to enact laws allowing
owners and issues shares of stock as ownershipfor the creation of the LLC and now, the number of
interests.limited liability formations has surpassed corporations.
On the other hand, the LLC, which is short for limitedThis is because the LLC provides more of what is
liability company, is a relatively newer type of legaltypically needed for a small business and does not
entity that was not available until the 1970s. However,require anything else. At the same time, it has the ability
do not let the young age of the LLC fool you.to change and grow and accommodate complexity as
You see, entrepreneurship is the main driver of thea business grows.
economy in the US. Yet before the LLC, the only wayIs an LLC a corporation? No, but for most small
entrepreneurs could obtain personal liability protectionbusinesses, it is a better choice than a corporation.
was to incorporate their business with a corporation.