Cummings & Cummings Law
    • Home
    • Introduction
    • Credentials
    • Firm Services
    • Areas of Focus
    • Selected Publications
    • More About Chad
    • Location
Client Login

What legal structure (e.g., LLC, corporation) should I use for my new business?

← Return to the Library (Back)

Starting a new business is an exciting and challenging endeavor. One of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting a business is choosing the legal entity type. The legal entity type you choose will affect your liability, taxes, ownership structure, and management style. In Florida, the most common legal entity types for small businesses are limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and corporations. In this blog post, we will discuss the practical considerations in choosing a legal entity type for your start-up.

Liability

One of the primary reasons entrepreneurs form legal entities is to limit personal liability. LLCs and corporations offer personal liability protection, while partnerships do not. This means that if the business incurs debts or legal judgments, the owners’ personal assets are generally protected. However, it is important to note that personal liability protection is not absolute. If you engage in fraudulent or illegal activity, you may still be held personally liable.

Taxes

The legal entity type you choose will also have significant tax implications. LLCs and partnerships are pass-through entities, meaning that the income generated by the business is passed through to the owners, who report it on their individual tax returns. In contrast, corporations can be taxed as separate entities, which means that the business pays taxes on its income, and the owners pay taxes on any dividends they receive. This can result in double taxation, which may be a disadvantage for some businesses.

Ownership and Management

The legal entity type you choose will also determine the ownership and management structure of your business. Corporations have shareholders, directors, and officers, while LLCs have members and managers. Partnerships are owned by the partners and managed by general partners. If you want to have a board of directors or issue shares of stock, a corporation may be the best option. If you prefer a more flexible management structure, an LLC may be a better choice.

Cost and Complexity

The legal entity type you choose will also impact the cost and complexity of forming and maintaining your business. LLCs are generally easier and less expensive to set up and maintain than corporations. Corporations require more formalities, such as holding annual meetings, keeping minutes, and filing annual reports. This can add to the cost and complexity of running a corporation.

Flexibility

LLCs offer a great deal of flexibility in terms of management, ownership, and taxation. LLCs can be managed by the owners, or by a separate management team. The owners can choose to be taxed as a partnership or a corporation. This flexibility can be an advantage for start-ups that want to adapt to changing circumstances.

Future Plans

When choosing a legal entity type, it is important to consider your future plans for the business. If you plan to raise capital from investors, a corporation may be the best option. Corporations can issue shares of stock and have a board of directors, which can make it easier to attract investors. On the other hand, if you plan to keep the business small and closely held, an LLC may be a better option.

Exit Strategy

When choosing a legal entity type, it is also important to consider your exit strategy. If you plan to sell the business or take it public, a corporation may be the best option. Corporations can issue shares of stock and have a board of directors, which can make it easier to sell the business or go public. However, if you plan to sell the business to another owner, an LLC may be a better option. LLCs are generally easier to transfer ownership than corporations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right legal entity type for your start-up is an important decision that will impact your liability, taxes, ownership structure, and management style. It is important to consider all of the practical issues when making this decision.

Next Steps

Use the buttons below to to set up a meeting.

When starting or operating a business, timing is critical; therefore, if you need assistance with your business venture, it is important that you retain the services of a competent attorney as soon as possible.

Should you choose to contact me, we will begin with a thirty minute meeting—via phone—to discuss your situation. Then, should you choose to retain my services, I will prepare and deliver to you for your approval a formal representation agreement.

Unless and until I receive the signed representation agreement returned by you, my firm will not have accepted any responsibility for your legal needs and will perform no work on your behalf. Please contact me today to get started.

Book a Meeting

Meet Chad

/Attorney and CPA

I am an attorney and Certified Public Accountant serving Florida and Texas.

Previously, I served in operations and finance with the world’s largest accounting firm (PricewaterhouseCoopers), airline (American Airlines), and bank (JPMorgan Chase & Co.). I have also created and advised a variety of start-up ventures.

I am a member of The Florida Bar and the State Bar of Texas, and I hold active CPA licensure in Florida and Texas and undergraduate and graduate degrees in accounting and taxation from Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

My practice emphasizes, but is not limited to, the law as it intersects small businesses and their owners. I also assist clients with insurance claims, estate planning, and other legal matters on an ad hoc basis. I live and work in Naples, Florida.

If I can be of assistance, please click here to set up a meeting.

Read More

This is a service of Cummings & Cummings Law located at Bernwood Courtyard at Pelican Landing in Bonita Springs, Florida. We are available at this location and other locations by advanced appointment only.

Chad D. Cummings, CPA, Esq. is admitted as an Attorney and Counselor at Law to The Florida Bar (Bar No. 1038575) and the State Bar of Texas (Bar No. 24134400) and as a Certified Public Accountant by the Florida Division of Certified Public Accounting (CPA No. AC49957) and the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (CPA No. 105825).

Read these important notices and disclaimers.

Cummings & Cummings Law (formerly known as The Law Office of Chad D. Cummings PLLC)
24850 Burnt Pine Drive
Suite One
Bonita Springs, Florida 34134-0905
United States of America
By appointment only.

Copyright © 2025 — Privacy Policy
All rights reserved.

Recent Posts from The Cummings & Cummings Law Journal

  • Tax Consequences of Converting a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA in a Down Market May 24, 2025
  • Understanding the “Short Year” Rules for Corporate Tax Returns May 23, 2025
  • Tax Consequences of Passing on NOLs in a Grantor Trust Structure May 22, 2025
  • Legal Requirements for Implementing a Reverse Vesting Schedule for Founders’ Shares May 21, 2025
  • Understanding Material Participation Standards for Passive vs. Non-Passive Losses May 20, 2025