Corporations

Introduction

A corporation chartered by the state in which it is headquartered is considered by law to be a unique entity, separate and apart from those who own it. A corporation can be taxed, it can be sued, and it can enter into contractual agreements. The owners of a corporation are its shareholders. The shareholders elect a board of directors to oversee the major policies and decisions. The corporation has a life of its own and does not dissolve when ownership changes.

Advantages of a Corporation:

·         Shareholders have limited liability for the corporation's debts or judgments against the corporations.

·         Generally, shareholders can only be held accountable for their investment in stock of the company. (Note however, that officers can be held personally liable for their actions, such as the failure to withhold and pay employment taxes.)

·         Corporations can raise additional funds through the sale of stock.

·         A corporation may deduct the cost of benefits it provides to officers and employees.

·         Can elect S corporation status if certain requirements are met. This election enables company to be taxed similar to a partnership.

Disadvantages of a Corporation:

·         The process of incorporation requires more time and money than other forms of organization.

·         Corporations are monitored by federal, state and some local agencies, and as a result may have more
paperwork to comply with regulations.

·         Incorporating may result in higher overall taxes. Dividends paid to shareholders are not deductible from
business income; thus it can be taxed twice.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

The LLC is a relatively new type of hybrid business structure that is now permissible in most states. It is designed to provide the limited liability features of a corporation and the tax efficiencies and operational flexibility of a partnership. Formation is more complex and formal than that of a general partnership.

The owners are members, and the duration of the LLC is usually determined when the organization papers are filed. The time limit can be continued, if desired, by a vote of the members at the time of expiration. LLCs must not have more than two of the four characteristics that define corporations: Limited liability to the extent of assets, 
continuity of life, centralization of management, and free transferability of ownership interests.