LLC Formation Services

Don’t settle for a cookie-cutter approach to forming your LLC. Your business is unique—and so is your vision. At Easler Law, we work with clients committed to building lasting businesses, not those looking for a quick, one-size-fits-all solution. While generic filings and templates may save money upfront, they often lead to costly mistakes, missed legal or tax requirements, and inadequate liability protection. (As attorneys, we know—because we regularly fix problems caused by DIY services.)

What is an LLC? A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a flexible and widely used business structure that provides liability protection for its owners while allowing for simplified management and pass-through taxation. Forming an LLC helps separate your personal assets from business liabilities—an essential step in protecting what you’ve worked hard to build.

We believe your business deserves more. As attorneys and entrepreneurs, we understand the realities of launching and growing a company. We’ve built businesses ourselves and know how critical it is to start with a strong legal and strategic foundation.

Our Limited Liability Company Formation Package includes:

• A one-hour virtual consultation with a licensed attorney to discuss your goals, structure, and compliance needs (just $350 to start)

• Preparation and filing of the Articles of Formation.

• EIN Number Application.

• A custom operating agreement tailored specifically to you and your business

• Strategic guidance on planning, structure, and long-term legal protection

• The remaining flat-fee balance is only due if you decide to move forward

• The first year of registered agent service included at no additional charge

• A physical minute book for your records

• Introduction to Chase Bank business representative.

We offer LLC formation in Florida and Washington, D.C. Start with a consultation today for a strong, secure business foundation.

Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) have become a go-to choice for entrepreneurs, real estate investors, small business owners, and foreign investors conducting business in the United States. LLCs offer the liability protection of a corporation combined with the simplicity and flexibility of a partnership. Whether you're a solo founder or part of a growing team, understanding the core benefits of an LLC can help you build your business on a solid legal foundation. The combination of liability protection, tax advantages, and operational flexibility makes LLCs a smart and efficient choice for business owners in Florida and Washington, D.C.

Limited Liability Protection

One of the primary advantages of forming an LLC is the personal liability protection it offers. Owners—known as members—are typically not personally responsible for the debts or legal obligations of the business. In the event of a lawsuit or creditor action, personal assets like homes, vehicles, and bank accounts are generally shielded from business liabilities.

Pass-Through Taxation

LLCs are generally treated as pass-through entities for tax purposes, meaning profits and losses flow directly to the members’ individual tax returns. This helps avoid the double taxation faced by many corporations, where both the business and its shareholders are taxed on the same income.

Flexible Management Structure

Unlike corporations, which require a formal hierarchy of directors and officers, LLCs offer flexible management options. Members can choose to manage the business themselves or appoint one or more managers to handle operations, depending on what best suits the company’s goals.

Simplified Compliance

LLCs typically have fewer compliance requirements than corporations. In Florida and Washington, D.C., for example, there is no requirement to hold annual meetings or maintain extensive corporate records—making LLCs easier to operate and maintain, especially for small businesses and startups.

Versatile Ownership Options

An LLC can be formed by a single individual or by multiple people or entities, offering versatility in ownership structure. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, forming a partnership, or launching a joint venture, an LLC provides the legal and structural flexibility to support your business vision.

While Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) offer numerous benefits, they may not be the right choice for every business. It's important to understand the potential drawbacks before deciding on this structure. The good news is that most of these potential drawbacks can be managed—and in many cases, avoided entirely—with proper legal advice and planning. Speaking with a licensed attorney during the formation process ensures your LLC is structured strategically and in full compliance with applicable laws. It’s an investment in long-term stability and peace of mind.

Limited Transferability of Ownership

Unlike corporations, where shares of stock can be easily bought or sold, ownership interests in an LLC can be more difficult to transfer. Most LLC operating agreements require the approval of all members before new members can be added or ownership percentages changed. This can complicate succession planning, investment, or restructuring.

Personal Liability Risks Still Exist

While LLCs offer personal liability protection, that protection can be lost if proper business practices aren’t followed. Risks arise when members personally guarantee business debts, mix personal and business finances, fail to document decisions, or engage in misconduct. Legal guidance can help ensure you maintain the corporate formalities necessary to preserve your liability shield.

Self-Employment Taxes

LLC members are typically considered self-employed and may be subject to self-employment taxes on their share of the business’s profits. While electing to be taxed as an S Corporation can reduce this burden, it introduces additional compliance and reporting requirements. A tax professional or attorney can help evaluate which structure makes the most financial sense for your business.

Tax Complexity and Filing Requirements

Though LLCs offer tax flexibility, that flexibility can also create confusion. Depending on how your LLC is taxed—disregarded entity, partnership, or corporation—there may be varying state and federal filing requirements. Additionally, some states impose annual fees or entity-level taxes on LLCs. Having a knowledgeable advisor helps avoid costly errors and ensures compliance.

Not Suited for Going Public

LLCs are not structured for raising capital through public markets. Unlike corporations, LLCs cannot issue stock and are not eligible for traditional Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). If your long-term strategy includes attracting venture capital or going public, a corporate structure may be more appropriate.

Limited Life Span Without Proper Planning

In some cases, LLCs may be automatically dissolved upon the death, bankruptcy, or withdrawal of a member unless provisions are made in the operating agreement to continue the business. Without proper planning, this can disrupt continuity and create unnecessary legal hurdles.

Inconsistent Treatment Across Jurisdictions

LLC laws and tax rules can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another. If your business operates in multiple states or has members residing in different locations, you may encounter inconsistencies in how your LLC is treated. An experienced attorney can help you navigate multi-state operations and avoid regulatory pitfalls.

Less Legal Precedent Than Corporations

Because LLCs are a relatively newer legal structure compared to corporations, there is generally less case law and precedent available to guide decisions in complex legal disputes. This uncertainty can pose challenges in litigation or when interpreting specific provisions of the operating agreement.

Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are highly versatile legal entities that can be used in a wide range of industries and scenarios. Their flexibility, liability protection, and simplicity make them an attractive option for individuals and businesses alike. Below are some of the most common and effective ways LLCs are used:

Small Businesses and Startups

LLCs are a popular choice for small business owners and entrepreneurs launching new ventures. Whether you're running a consulting firm, a retail shop, a restaurant, or an online service, forming an LLC provides a strong legal foundation while allowing for simple management and future scalability.

Real Estate Investors

Real estate investors often use LLCs to hold rental properties or manage real estate portfolios. By separating each property or group of properties into individual LLCs, investors can limit liability exposure and better organize ownership, bookkeeping, and risk management.

Professional Service Providers

Doctors, attorneys, accountants, consultants, and other professionals frequently form LLCs to protect their personal assets from business-related liabilities. While professional liability (malpractice) isn’t always shielded by an LLC, the structure can help separate business operations and finances from personal holdings.

Family-Owned Businesses

Family businesses benefit from the structure and flexibility of an LLC, especially when it comes to ownership, succession planning, and day-to-day operations. LLCs can help clarify roles, ownership percentages, and voting rights—helping avoid conflict and promoting smoother generational transitions.

Freelancers and Independent Contractors

Freelancers, gig workers, and solo service providers often form LLCs to enhance their professional image, simplify tax reporting, and gain liability protection. Operating as an LLC may also provide greater credibility with clients and potential tax benefits, depending on the business’s structure and income.

Joint Ventures and Partnerships

When two or more individuals or businesses collaborate on a project or shared venture, forming an LLC can clearly define each party’s responsibilities, rights, and profit-sharing arrangements. The LLC operating agreement serves as a flexible and enforceable roadmap for the partnership.

Asset Protection

LLCs are frequently used to hold and protect assets such as real estate, intellectual property, investments, or business interests. By placing valuable assets within an LLC, individuals can create a legal separation between personal wealth and potential business or legal liabilities.

Estate and Legacy Planning

LLCs are powerful tools in estate planning. They allow individuals to maintain control over how assets—like family businesses or investment properties—are owned, managed, and transferred. An LLC can streamline asset distribution, minimize probate delays, and reduce family disputes by specifying clear succession and management terms in an operating agreement.

Historical Evolution of LLCs

Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are a relatively modern innovation in business law, designed to meet the evolving needs of entrepreneurs and investors. The LLC structure emerged in the late 20th century to offer a hybrid solution that combined the liability protection of corporations with the tax advantages and operational flexibility of partnerships.

The Beginning: Wyoming Leads the Way

The first LLC legislation was enacted in Wyoming in 1977, followed by Florida in 1982. These early statutes were modeled in part after European business entities that offered similar protections. Initially, LLCs were slow to gain national traction due to uncertainty about how they would be treated for federal tax purposes.

That changed in 1988 when the IRS issued Revenue Ruling 88-76, confirming that properly structured LLCs would be treated as partnerships for federal tax purposes. This clarification opened the floodgates, and by the early 1990s, all 50 states had enacted LLC statutes. The structure quickly became popular among entrepreneurs seeking an efficient, protective, and tax-flexible option for doing business.

Real Estate: A Natural Fit

One of the earliest and most widespread uses of LLCs was in the real estate industry. Real estate investors and developers began forming LLCs to hold rental properties, manage developments, and engage in joint ventures. LLCs provided an effective way to limit personal liability from property-related risks while maintaining control over investments and structuring ownership among multiple partners.

Professional Services and the Rise of the PLLC

In response to demand from licensed professionals—such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants—many states introduced the Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC). PLLCs function similarly to standard LLCs but are tailored for individuals who must meet state licensing requirements. They allow professionals to benefit from limited liability protections related to business debts and obligations, while maintaining accountability for their own professional conduct.

Small Businesses and Startups

LLCs rapidly gained popularity among small business owners and startups due to their ease of formation, minimal formalities, and built-in liability protection. For entrepreneurs launching consulting firms, online stores, service-based businesses, or family-run operations, LLCs provided the legal infrastructure to operate with confidence and room to grow.

A Turning Point in Business Entity Law

The introduction and rapid adoption of the LLC structure marked a major evolution in U.S. business law. LLCs offered a versatile alternative to traditional corporations and partnerships, combining the best elements of both while minimizing the administrative burden. Over time, the LLC became one of the most commonly used business entity types in the United States—and has since inspired similar entity types around the world.