Business Formation Lawyer in Southern California
Helping Clients Make Informed Decisions to Achieve Their Business Goals
Choosing to start a new business can be an exciting prospect for those who are first trying their hand at entrepreneurship or well-seasoned professionals. However, regardless of your level of experience, it is always in your best interest to hire a business entity formation lawyer who can assist you with determining the proper legal structure for your new venture.
Business formation lawyers are essential to any new entity as they can help clients determine the best legal structure for their companies while ensuring future growth. Furthermore, business formation attorneys can also assist clients in protecting their personal assets should the start-up face any potential litigation.
If you are in the process of creating a new business entity or are considering your options, contact The Element Law Firm, PC, of Southern California, and schedule a consultation today.
What Different Types of Business Structures are Available in California?
There are several business structure options for those who wish to create a new California business. However, choosing the right structure is critical as the business’s success depends on several factors, such as if you are the only owner, there are multiple partnership agreements, or you need help with corporate formation.
Some common California business structures include:
- Sole proprietorships
- General partnerships
- Limited liability partnerships
- Limited liability companies
- S corporations
- C corporations
However, despite several business entity formations, the most common is typically a limited liability company (LLC). One of the most significant benefits of an LLC includes protection from personal liability and prevents the owner from being held liable for the company’s financial debts.
Additionally, a business formation attorney can provide legal advice to help you make an informed decision regarding business entities.
Why is it Essential to Hire a Business Formation Lawyer When Starting a New Business?
Although new business owners are not obligated to hire an attorney to help them start their new endeavor, it is always best to have legal representation. One of the most significant advantages of hiring a business formation lawyer is that they can thoroughly evaluate your case and determine what entity type will provide you with the most significant benefits.
The ultimate decision you make can directly affect your profit margin, taxes, as well as your personal liability.
For example, many individuals starting out are still determining if they wish to establish a sole proprietorship where they are the sole owner or have limited partnerships with others. A business formation lawyer can explain the differences, including that as a sole proprietor, you would assume all of the risks and liabilities associated with the company, including all business debts.
Some other legal service business formation lawyers can assist with include:
- Requesting an Employer Identification Number if the business entity hires employees.
- Drafting employment contracts, shareholder agreements, and operating agreements.
- Periodically review partnership agreements to ensure they remain relevant.
- Ensure the business structure remains compliant with all state and federal regulations.
If you want more information about how entity formation attorneys can assist you with your new start-up, contact the Element Law Firm, PC, to schedule a meeting with our experienced attorney, who can advise you of your legal options.
Which is Better, an S or a C Corporation in Terms of Tax Liability?
Although S and C corporations have many advantages, business owners looking for tax advantages often choose to establish an S corporation. For example, all business profits are subject to state and federal taxes in a C corporation business structure. Additionally, all dividends that are distributed to the corporation’s shareholders are taxed again, which must be reported on personal tax returns.
However, to avoid double taxation, it is better to elect to have an S corporation status and file taxes on Form 1120. All profits and losses in an S corporation are passed to the shareholders who pay the applicable taxes, which are reported on their personal tax returns.
However, it is essential to remember that there are specific legal procedures that must be followed for S and C corporations to remain compliant, a few of which include:
- Issuing stock
- Keeping minutes of meetings.
- Holding annual shareholder meetings.
- Filing annual reports with the state
If you want to discuss the advantages of creating a corporation, contact the Element Law Firm, PC, and ask to speak with a qualified legal representative who can provide more information.
Does Your Business Formation Lawyer Have the Experience It Takes to Help Me Choose the Right Structure for My New Business?
The Element Law Firm, PC, is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs with their legal needs. Our legal staff has extensive experience in all aspects of business law and business entity formation. When you come to us, we will sit down with you to discuss your business goals and the different business entities that may suit your personal needs.
We can also provide sound legal advice as you grow and build your business, including focusing on planning for the future and avoiding potential lawsuits from vendors, customers, employees, and partners.
One of the best steps a business can take to be proactive is to hire a law firm that can provide other essential legal services to help the business thrive. The Element Law Firm, PC, can meet all your business needs, from determining the best legal structure to helping you review policy guidelines and procedures.
Your business must have legal representation that understands your legal structure, goals, and your company’s overall culture.
Contact the Element Law Firm, PC, of Southern California at and ask how to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
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Based on 37 reviewsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would like to share my experience since 2017 Diane and attorney yodel has been with us for so long and what can say Yes it has been stressful but we work it thru. Im so happy that we got approve on our case. Finally! i got to be with my husband... and also i want to apologize regarding the past. i really really appreciate both of you for sticking with every journey of our lives. sheena canonizadoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you, Element Law Firm, for your unwavering support and commitment from day one until the completion of our matter. Your professionalism made the process smooth and successful. It was truly a pleasure working with your team. Thank you once again for helping us! Nim UTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t thank enough Element Law Firm, PC for helping me to get my mom an immigrant visa! Atty. Yodel and her legal assistant Diane are very helpful, prompt and willing to answer all my questions and for guiding me throughout the process. My mom will be here in July, and that wouldn’t be possible without the help of this great Firm! I recommend this Law Firm office 100% to all your immigration needs. Chi Chi CostarTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience here and are very thankful that Yodel helped us with the citizenship process. She made us feel heard, valued and we had successful results! Thank you! Highly recommend to anyone looking for an immigration attorney. Allyson FordTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This firm is truly a godsend. Atty. Penacho’s expertise in this field is outstanding. She will guide you through every step, paying close attention to the details of your needs, preparations, and what to do, all while ensuring your peace of mind. She is deeply understanding and sensitive to your circumstances, no matter what situation you're facing. We are incredibly grateful to be among the many she has helped. In addition, Customer Service of Atty. Yodel’s team is amazing! Specially to Diane L.—she is very efficient and accommodating. 😊 Jackie KrausTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommended! Great people. Fely EbbatTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Attorney Yodel Penacho and her staff at Element Law Firm provided top notch customer service, professionalism, and legal guidance which led to US citizenship! She was patient, understanding and showed great empathy throughout the entire process which lasted for over three years. She is great at her craft and I would recommend her a million times over to anyone seeking legal assistance. We cannot thank her enough!!!! Charles jones JrTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My call was taken by Yodel Penacho. Ms. Penacho was not only sensitive to hearing my concerns, but was beyond helpful and informative with next steps!! Thank you! Fernanda CorralTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Loved Yodel so professional and most important she was so caring and made this process very easy for me Maria LeiteTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The attorney was intelligent, caring and very knowledgeable; she was very helpful with providing information regarding my case during our consultation. Looking forward to working with her soon! Ari