Limited Liability Company

The Colorado Limited Liability Company Act was adopted in 1990. An LLC combines the concepts of partnerships for tax purposes and corporations for liability purposes. LLCs are created by filing “Articles of Organization” with the Secretary of State. While similar, LLCs are NOT corporations. In an LLC, the owners are called members. The members may elect or hire a manager(s) to run the business. As in a corporation, the owner(s)/member(s) may elect themselves to be the manager(s).

Advantages — Members of an LLC are protected from personal liability in the same way as corporation shareholders, while the entity itself can have the flexibility of a partnership. The IRS has determined that LLCs may elect to be treated as partnerships or corporations for income tax purposes. A Colorado LLC will be treated as a partnership if there are two or more owners, unless the LLC elects to be taxed as a corporation. However, state law allows the formation of an LLC by a single individual. In that case the IRS will treat the LLC as a sole proprietorship. Because LLCs are a new form of legal structure and various questions remain unanswered, it is recommended that you consult a knowledgeable attorney if considering the formation of an LLC.

Disadvantages — LLCs are a recognized legal structure in all states. However, tax and liability treatment of an LLC is not uniform across state lines. There may also be limitations on the transferability of ownership in certain situations. In that case, the IRS may treat the LLC as a sole proprietorship or partnership.

For more information visit https://mybiz.colorado.gov/intro.