| Aspect | LLC (Limited Liability Company) | C Corporation (C Corp) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Formation | Requires filing Articles of Organization with the state | Requires filing Articles of Incorporation with the state |
| Liability Protection | Yes, protects owners from personal liability for business debts | Yes, protects shareholders, directors, and officers from liability |
| Ownership | Owned by members; ownership defined in Operating Agreement | Owned by shareholders; ownership through stock |
| Management Structure | Flexible; members manage directly or appoint managers | Rigid; must have board of directors, officers, and shareholders |
| Taxation | Pass-through taxation (income taxed at owner level only) | Double taxation (corporate profits and shareholder dividends taxed) |
| Stock Issuance | Cannot issue stock | Can issue multiple classes of stock to attract investors |
| Investor Appeal | Less attractive due to no stock and pass-through taxation | More attractive due to stock and established governance |
| Formalities | Fewer required formalities and paperwork | Must hold annual meetings, keep records, and follow corporate rules |
| Continuity | May dissolve if a member leaves unless otherwise stated | Perpetual existence regardless of changes in ownership |
| Operating Flexibility | High; determined by members and outlined in Operating Agreement | Limited; follows corporate bylaws and state laws |
| Global Recognition | Not typically recognized internationally | Recognized and can operate internationally |
| Profit Distribution | Determined by agreement, not necessarily based on ownership percentage | Based on share ownership |
| Best For | Small to mid-size businesses seeking flexibility and tax simplicity | Businesses planning to raise capital or go public |
Now that you know all you need, what do you choose? An LLC is a business structure that offers protection to its owners and avoids double taxation. C corps also offer personal liability protection to their owners, but their profits are taxed at both the corporate and personal levels. C corps also have strict administration requirements like annual meetings, extensive record keeping, and electing a board of directors.
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