San Diego's Premier Law Firm

Get Your Business Started On The Right Foot With The Optimal Formation

Helping You Explore Which Business Entity Option Is Best For You

Whether you have an existing business or are interested in starting a new business “from scratch”, we’re here to help you. Whether you’re a sole proprietor interested in incorporating your existing business, or you have an idea and some capital and want to explore which business entity option is best for you, we can provide the legal advice and discuss which option would fit your needs best.

First, we’ll discuss the basics of your business: how you plan on operating your business, where you plan on operating your business, and who you plan on operating your business with. We’ll sort through your questions about taxes, investors, and your potential liabilities. Each small business is unique – our team will guide you through the legal process to help set you up for the success you deserve.

Sometimes your structure needs to evolve as your business grows. Our team is proud to provide “business check-ups” to make sure that your entity, your tax structure, and even your contracts are best meeting your needs.

We are well-equipped to serve as your general counsel, providing direction and guidance for every critical growth phase of your business.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

In California, a limited liability company (LLC) is a corporate entity. To form an LLC in California, Articles of Organization must be filed with the California Secretary of State (SOS). Rather than shareholders, a California LLC is owned by members, and rather than shares, a California LLC has membership interest, represented in percentages, which must add up to 100%.

C-Corporation (C CORP)

A C-Corporation is a corporate entity that generally pays its taxes annually on its earnings (unless it decides to be taxed as an S-Corporation). A C-Corporation must create bylaws, that include provisions regarding shareholder meetings, director meetings, and the number of officers and their responsibilities.

S-Corporation (S CORP)

An S-Corporation, for the United States federal income tax purposes, is a closely held corporation (or, in some cases, a limited liability company or a partnership) that makes a valid election to be taxed under Subchapter S of Chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code. In general, S-Corporations do not pay any federal income taxes. Instead, the corporation’s income or losses are divided among and passed through to its shareholders.

Professional Corporation

A “professional corporation” is a corporation organized under the General Corporation Law or the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act and that is engaged in rendering professional services in a single profession (except as authorized in § 13401.5) pursuant to a certificate of registration issued by the governmental agency regulating the profession and that in its practice or business designates itself as a professional or other corporation as may be required by statute.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

An LLP should have a formal, written agreement that sets out how the LLP will be run. To form a California LLP, partners are required to file an Application to Register a Limited Liability Partnership with the California Secretary of State. If the LLP is composed of lawyers, the LLP will have to registered with the California State Bar after the application is approved.

Non-profits (501(c)3)

A non-profit public benefit corporation can be formed in California by filing Articles of Incorporation of a Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation with the SOS. These entities are ones that are organized primarily or exclusively for charitable purposes and which plan to obtain state tax-exempt status under California Revenue and Taxation Code section 23701d and/or federal tax-exempt status under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) as a nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation.

Family Limited Partnerships (FLP)

Family Limited Partnerships (commonly called FLPs) are frequently used to move wealth from one generation to another. Partners are either General Partners (GP) or Limited Partners (LP). One or more General Partners are responsible for managing the FLP and its assets. Limited Partners have an economic interest in the FLP, but typically lack two noteworthy rights: control and marketability

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Are you ready to protect your business with top-quality legal services at affordable rates? Get in touch today, and learn how we can help your small business succeed!