Work with a hands-on business lawyer
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, working with the right team will help take your dream and help make it a reality. Learn how I can help you today!
Why Should You Work With Me (Attorney Josh)?
People Love My Quality of Service: See my reviews on Avvo and Google
Affordable Pricing: Forming an LLC with the backing of an experienced lawyer shouldn’t cost an arm and leg. Working with me, you get an experienced attorney guiding you AND a new business entity starting at $997. This is just a fraction more than LegalZoom’s $842 express gold LLC package for similar services, and you will be working with a licensed attorney, so you know your business will be filed correctly.
Free consultations: I (Attorney Josh) offer free 15-minute consultations to answer questions about forming your business. You can call me today at (855) 393-0846
IRS Employer Identification Number: I will get your business an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS
Digitally Sign ALL of your documents: All documents will be signed using my secure vendor.
Start Your Business
If you're thinking about starting a business in Alabama or Michigan, there are a few things you should know. First, both are great states for businesses. They offer a variety of tax incentives and programs to help businesses get started and grow. Additionally, both have a well-educated workforce and a variety of resources available to businesses.
Forming your business is the first part of any entrepreneurial journey. Filing with the State is only the first step! When starting a new business, it is important to weigh all the different factors to make the best decision for your company. But don't worry, you're not alone. I am here to help you every step of the way. When you work with me, we will meet to discuss your business idea, discuss your potential business partners and weigh how to set up your business entity. I will help you understand the different business entities and which is right for you.
Business Types
Limited Liability Companies
A limited liability company is a common entity type used by many entrepreneurs. I work with you to walk through starting your business as a limited liability company. I will take you through each step of the process so that you can get your business up and running as quickly and easily as possible. We will decide on a name and discuss the terms of your operating agreement and the relationship between the partners, and more!.
Partnerships
Another common entity type is a partnership. Partnerships are both an entity type and a tax preference. You will choose your partnership entity type when you register your business with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). A partnership can be either a general partnership or a limited partnership. When working with me, I will help you work through the different options for forming your partnership and analyze the different structuring issues that may arise to ensure you have a business structure that works for you and your partners.
C Corporations
A C Corporation is a separate legal entity. The life of a C corporation is perpetual. A C Corporation conducts business, realizes net income or loss, pays taxes, and distributes profits to shareholders. It is important to take great care when setting up a C Corporation because of the potential tax and control issues that may arise. I frequently work with business owners to work through the different options to set up a C Corporation and the formation and registration issues that come along with setting up this entity type.
S Corporations
An S Corporation is a special tax designation for certain corporations and LLCs. The primary benefit of an S Corporation is that instead of the double-tax properties of a C Corporation, there is only one layer of tax. This means that the business only pays taxes on its income at the personal level. The shareholders of an S Corporation must file a separate tax return for themselves, but they only pay taxes on their share of the corporation's profits, not on the corporation's income itself. I will work with you to decide if an S Corporation is an option for you and the benefits or downsides of choosing this entity type.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to form my business?
As the old lawyer joke goes, “it depends.” When starting a new business, there are two timelines to consider. The upfront negotiation, strategy and planning that goes into forming a business. This could include picking the right entity type, meeting with me or negotiating an operating agreement. If it is just you forming your business, from start to finish we can set up your business in less than a month. If you have business partners and there are competing interests, the process can take longer.
The second timeline is how long does it take to get documents back from the State once filed. The standard turnaround time is approximately 2 weeks once filed
Should I form an LLC?
This is the age-old question. Although an LLC is a great choice of entity for many entrepreneurs, it isn’t foolproof as an option. There are a number of different questions you need to consider before deciding on an LLC. For example, are you looking to take on outside investment? Is this going to be a family business? Are you in a high risk industry or are you a professional service provider? I can help you think through these questions to help you decide the best entity type. If you are ready to get started, schedule a strategy session with me using the link below.
How much does it cost?
Different states charge different filing fees to form a business. The typical fee to file an LLC is $50.