What's the difference between a "LLC" and an "INC"?

Question

Limited Liability Corporation and Incorporation?

Answer 1

Here is an explanation of the different types of business organizations:

A sole proprietorship has the least amount of expense and headaches to setup and operate, but the also the least amount of liability protection. If you go bankrupt as a SP you must declare personal bankruptcy. Income and losses are taxed to you personally and also completely subject to Self Employment tax of 15%.

An LLC is an option you do not mention, but it offers liability protection and is an organization that is more difficult to set up and operate than an SP but less than a Corporation. Income is taxed on your personal tax return as a "pass through". These taxes may be higher if you have income right away, but if you have losses they are deductible against ordinary income on your tax return. SET is due on your salary, but not necessarily on company profits.

An S- corporation has the same tax status as an LLC but is more complicated to setup and operate. If offers liability protections.

A C-Corp is the most complicated to setup and operate, but income is taxed at the corporate rates which can be less than the personal rates. If you sell assets from a C -Corp and then want the money for yourself, it will be taxed twice - once in the corp and once personally. But if you sell the entire business, you get the lowest possible tax rate, capital gains tax, currently 15%.

In short if you will have early losses and need liability protection do an LLC. If you will have a substantial business with lots of profits especially early on, do a regular C Corp. If you're dabbling here and have no real expectation of a meaningful business - do a Sole Proprietorship.

Good Luck,
Dana B - President
www.thebarfieldgroup.com

Answer 2

There is little difference in these two terms.

In most states, in order to incorporate, you have to have one of these words/phrases in your legal name: Corporation, Corp., Incorporated, Inc.; and in recent years, some states have added the phrase Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) to that list. Other states have included a new category, something like PA (Professional Association) that is used by doctors, lawyers, or other professional organizations who wish to have the same benefits of incorporation.

If you are seeking information for your own needs, check the web site of the Secretary of State of your home state. Or, the office of corporation registrations, or similar title name, depending on the state.

Good luck.