LLC vs Corporation: Which is better for USA Company Formation?

While pondering on Company Formation in the US, one of the common dilemmas one faces is whether to opt for LLC or Corporation. Choosing the right business structure is pivotal to fulfilling business requirements. LLC and Corporation business structure offer distinct strengths and disadvantages to business owners and its members. Which suits you the best? Read this article till the end, we have made it easier for you to decide.

LLC vs Corporation- Brief Overview

Under both these business entities, you will have to file business formation documents with the authority. Both these structures protect business owners from personal liability in case of financial loss to the company. Corporations generally have a more standardised as well as rigid operating structure. Further, they have more reporting and more recordkeeping requirements as compared to LLCs. On the other hand, LLC owners enjoy increased flexibility in running their business.

In terms of taxation aspect, LLC have more options than Corporations. LLCs can be taxed as sole proprietorships, partnerships, C corporations or S corporations. In case of Corporation, shares can be easily transferred which makes it attractive option for a business owner looking for outside investors.

LLC vs Corporation- Formation

At the time of forming an LLC, you first need to file a document called Article of Association with your state’s business filing agency. It contains some of the basic information about the LLC like the name of the LLC, address etc.

In order to form a corporation, articles of incorporation should be filed with the secretary of state’s office in the state where the corporation is being organised. In case where the secretary of state’s office accepts the articles of incorporation, it shall send the certificate of incorporation.

LLC vs Corporation- Ownership Structure

LLCs owners are termed as members. Each members owns a membership interest in the business. Membership interests in LLCs can be owned by individuals, corporations, other LLCs and foreign individuals.

The ownership of the LLC is laid down in the operating agreement of the business and without this agreement, LLC operates in accordance to the state law. On the other hand, corporation differs from an LLC. In corporation, owners are called shareholders whose ownership is reflected by the number of shares of the company stock they own.

LLC vs Corporation- Taxation

The major point of distinction between LLC and Corporation is how they are taxed. In case of corporation, a corporate tax return needs to be filed and corporate taxes have to be paid. In case where the shareholders take distributions from the company, they will have to report such distributions on their personal tax returns and pay taxes on them.

On the other hand, LLCs do not have an IRS^[1] tax classification of their own. Single member LLCs are taxed automatically, just like a sole proprietorship and multi-member LLCs are taxed like partnerships. In both cases, company profits pass through to the members and the members pay income and self-employment taxes on their share.

LLC vs Corporation- Liability and Compliances

As far as the liability of these business entities is concerned, both corporations are limited liability entities which mean that business owners won’t be personally liable in case of business debts or cases against the business. Both in case of corporation or LLC, must keep business and personal finances separate. Owners sign on documents and contracts on behalf of the company. In case of corporations, they are required to maintain additional documentation including corporate minutes, details on annual shareholder meetings, and information on its board of directors. Corporations should hold annual shareholders meeting every year. Further, any changes to be implemented will require a corporate resolution to be voted on at a meeting with board of directors.

A limited liability company is suitable for small businesses or manufacturing sector, whereas large businesses having their presence in multiple locations often tend to incorporate themselves into a corporation.

LLCs and corporations should fulfil compliance requirements in order to ensure smooth functioning. Both forms of business entities need to have a registered agent and update the details of such agent on file with the state. LLCs and Corporations need to file an annual report or franchise tax reports in order to maintain active status. LLCs have relatively lesser record keeping requirements than corporations. An LLC, unlike corporations doesn’t need to keep minutes, hold annual meetings or have board of directors. However, some states may mandate LLCs to file some documents while others may not. 

Comparison Chart

For a quick understanding, refer to the table made below to understand the difference.

Parameters	Corporation	LLC
Well suited for	Large entities	Smaller businesses
Management level	Shareholders, directors, officers etc.	Members of the company
Taxation	Double taxation	Single taxation
Ownership	Shareholders are owners	Members
Existence	Withdrawal, incapacity, or death of a shareholder doesn’t affect existence of the corporation.	Indefinite term
Legal entity	Separate legal entity	Separate legal entity
Shareholders meet-up	Meeting should be held periodically	Not mandatory
Paperwork requirements	Lot of paperwork required	Comparatively less paperwork requirements
Benefits	Can issue shares of stocks to lure investors; corporate income splitting can help in reducing total tax liability.	There is no upper limit on the number of owners; profit and loss are passed to the owners’ individual tax return; annual meeting or maintaining minute book is not necessary.
Disadvantages	Double taxation; High compliance requirements	It cannot engage in corporate income splitting to lower tax liability and also cannot issue stock.

Conclusion

Both corporations, as well as LLCs, offers attractive benefits to its business owners. However, you need to decide based on which type of business structure aligns well with your goals.

Read Our Article: Membership in a Company: How to Addition or Removal of a Member from Limited Liability Company in Delaware