If you’re starting a business, one of the first decisions to make is the type of business entity to form. A limited liability company (LLC) is ani ...
4 Disadvantages of Forming an LLC
Written by: Carolyn Young
Carolyn Young has over 25 years of experience in business in various roles, including bank management, marketing management, and business education.
Published on July 2, 2022
Updated on January 12, 2023
If you’re starting a business, you may be considering forming a limited liability company (LLC). An LLC has many benefits including liability protection for ownership and greater flexibility than a corporation, particularly in terms of taxes. The LLC itself does not pay taxes. As a “pass-through” entity, income passes through the business to the owner or owners, who report it on their personal tax returns.
However, an LLC also has a few disadvantages you should be aware of before you make your decision.
1. High Cost of Forming an LLC
Forming an LLC involves a filing fee paid to the state, ranging from $40 to $500. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships don’t require registration in most states, and therefore do not have filing fees.
Additionally, in most states, LLCs are required to file an annual report which also involves a filing fee. Sole proprietorships have no such filing requirements. Some states also require LLCs to pay an annual franchise tax.
2. Annual Taxes and Fees Could be High
LLC owners, called members, are subject to self-employment taxes on the profits of the LLC. The self-employment tax rate is 15.3% as of 2022. If you instead form a corporation, you will be a shareholder of the corporation as well as an employee of the corporation, and therefore not subject to self-employment taxes.
However, LLC owners can instead choose to be taxed as a corporation. There are some situations where this can be beneficial to LLC owners because by electing to be taxed as a corporation, they avoid the self-employment taxes.
3. Difficult to Transfer the Ownership of an LLC
It is much more difficult to transfer the ownership of an LLC than a corporation. Corporations have shares that can be sold or transferred, while LLCs do not. This makes an LLC less attractive to investors since ownership cannot be easily exchanged for a capital investment. If you’re planning to try to raise money from angel investors or venture capitalists, you might want to consider forming a corporation instead.
However, if you don’t plan to raise capital for a significant amount of time, you can always dissolve your LLC and form a corporation instead at a later date.
4. Not Good Legal Structure for the Investors
Another meaningful drawback to forming a business as an LLC is it is not the optimal business structure for a company that will obtain funding from outside investors. A business owner in need of venture capital will find such lenders and investors generally only fund corporations.
Corporations are the ideal business structure for luring outside investment as the company can easily issue stock in exchange for investor funds. Though it is possible for those outside of an LLC to invest in the LLC and obtain ownership interest, doing so without a corporation will prove challenging.
Is an LLC Right for You?
An LLC is a very popular business structure for startups because, for most, the advantages generally outweigh the disadvantages. If you hope to raise capital quickly, however, you should strongly consider forming a corporation. If you envision slow and gradual growth, on the other hand, you might want to remain a sole proprietorship or partnership and avoid filing hassles altogether.
If you’re unsure, it’s highly recommended that you speak with your attorney and tax advisor to make sure you make the right decision for your company and your vision.
4 Disadvantages of Forming an LLC
- High Cost of Forming an LLC
- Annual Taxes and Fees Could be High
- Difficult to Transfer the Ownership of an LLC
- Not Good Legal Structure for the Investors
- Is an LLC Right for You?
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
and gain insider access to cutting-edge business insights and trends.
Featured Resources
3 Tax Benefits of Forming an LLC
Published on June 9, 2022
Read Now
How to Change from a Sole Proprietorship to an LLC
Published on May 30, 2022
If your business is growing, you may be considering changing your sole proprietorship to a limited liability company (LLC). LLCs offer severaladvant ...
Read Now
LTD vs LLC: What Is the Difference?
Published on February 16, 2022
If you’re starting a company, you may have heard of various business structures you might choose, such as a limited liability company (LLC).Yo ...
Read Now
Comments