Suppose you are a business-minded entrepreneur, but you are more interested in purchasing
an established firm than in starting your own. If this describes you, you may be asking how to get an LLC.
Purchasing an LLC might be difficult, but not impossible. After conducting research, learning everything there is to know about the organization, evaluating your finances, and reviewing the formal purchase agreements, you are ready to go. But before we get into how to purchase an LLC, let's address another issue you may be asking: "What should I know before purchasing an LLC?"
What are LLCs?
An LLC is a corporate structure that distinguishes your company from you personally. It allows you to do business in a more professional manner than a single proprietorship.
What are the Advantages of Running an LLC?
A limited liability company protects your personal assets (such as your home and personal bank accounts) from business lawsuits and debt, offers flexible tax options that allow you to avoid double taxation, and allows you to open business bank accounts, hire employees, and apply for business licenses and permits. But about taxes...
What are the Particular Tax Benefits of an LLC?
This is only one of the numerous reasons why individuals enjoy having an LLC. LLCs allow business owners to carry profits and losses through to their personal federal tax returns, rather than paying corporation taxes on profits and then personal taxes depending on the owner's earnings. By submitting IRS Form 8832, LLCs can opt for corporate taxation to take advantage of reduced tax rates and other tax strategies.
Now that you understand the fundamentals, let's examine how to purchase an LLC:
Step 1: Research Your Business
It goes without saying that you must locate an LLC that you wish to acquire; this may require some research, as not all business owners advertise their desire to sell. You may ask relatives and friends if they know anybody who works for a firm that aligns with your interests, attend conferences and trade exhibitions to network, investigate prospects at the chamber of commerce, and even conduct internet research. Cast a wide net and see what you catch!
Step 2: Explore and Discuss the Opportunity
So you've identified the LLC you wish to acquire. Congratulations! Now is the moment to negotiate with the business owner or someone with full authority to bargain on their behalf. Now is the moment to discover all you need to know about the company, including any concerns, reviewing their publications, and anything else that will help you make an educated purchase decision. Similarly, the owner will want to collect certain information about you, such as evidence that you can afford the property. They may also request that you sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to keep the specifics of the proposed transaction confidential.
Step 3: Review, Review, Review
Even if you reviewed the records of your prospective LLC in the previous phase, now is the time to do a thorough analysis of their financial status. And you'll need to comb through everything, including taxes, banking information, including credit lines and loans, personnel records, and any outside partnerships the firm keeps; anything that may be regarded as a liability or an asset requires your attention. It might be easy to focus just on earnings and losses, but you must also consider the company's financial transactions and duties so that you are not blindsided in the future.
Fourth step: Submit a Term Sheet
When you are certain that you have chosen the best LLC for you, you may begin formal discussions to purchase the firm and begin defining the terms of the transaction. It need not be exhaustive; that will come later. But it's a good idea to prepare a term sheet to cement your purchasing strategy and explain the seller's and your respective commitments. Consequently, everyone will be on the same page.
Create and sign the purchase agreement as the fifth step
Here comes the big one! A purchase agreement is a legal instrument that secures the acquisition of the desired LLC. This is a legally binding contract that outlines every aspect of the acquisition, including the price, conditions of payment, what the seller and buyer are agreeing to, and any other pertinent information regarding the transfer of the firm. To make it official, both you and the seller must sign the document.
Change the Business Ownership Information in Step 6
Once all the paperwork has been completed, you will need to ensure that your new LLC reflects you as its new owner. State requirements regarding the notice of a change in company ownership vary, so you should verify with your state, the IRS, and any other relevant authorities to ensure that they are aware that you are the new owner and point of contact for these categories moving forward.
Do I Require an Attorney to Form an LLC?
Involving an experienced business attorney in the formation of your LLC expedites and simplifies the process. In addition, having an attorney on your side will provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your LLC was established lawfully and legally.
If you're considering purchasing an LLC, LegalShield can simplify the procedure so that you can focus on your new business. LegalShield can guide you through the whole process of acquiring an LLC and provides ongoing legal advice for all the other concerns that will definitely arise. Register now!
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. d/b/a LegalShield ("LegalShield") provides membership-based access to legal services provided by a network of provider law firms to LegalShield members. Certain restrictions apply. For comprehensive terms, coverage, amounts, and conditions, please refer to the state-specific plan contract. The mentioned benefits, including trial defense, are not accessible in all jurisdictions or legal plans. LegalShield nor its officers, employees, or sales associates offer legal services, representation, or legal advice directly or indirectly (business consulting or business advice). This is intended to give basic information, not legal advice, an opinion, or particular recommendations. If you are a LegalShield member in need of legal counsel or help, please contact your provider law firm.
Commentaires