Series LLC: Advanced Form of Business Organization

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What is a Series LLC? Series Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a business entity that was introduced by the State of Delaware nearly nine years ago. The concept is innovative and based on the fact that several series or "cells" may be created within a single LLC. Basically, a Series LLC possesses the ability to divide its assets and liabilities into various sub-LLCs or series while still controlling them from one umbrella company. The closest analogy in the business world would be a corporation with several subsidiaries. What are the advantages of a Series LLC? A Series LLC eliminates the expense and administrative duties related to forming multiple LLCs. A Series LLC is preferred to a corporation with subsidiaries because it does not have the taxation, expense or formalities associated with a parent-and-subsidiary corporate structure. Each cell in a Series LLC has its own profits, losses and liabilities and is legally separate from the other series. These sub-LLCs also have their own economic structures, members, managers and assets. The assets in a sub-LLC are protected from legal enforcement against the assets of another LLC. Another, lesser-known advantage is that a Series LLC may not be required to pay sales tax on rent paid by the operating series. The business must own the real estate and the rent must be paid to the sub-LLC owning the real estate series. In this respect, the Series LLC may also be compared to an S-Corporation with Q-subsidiaries. What States Currently Offer the Series LLC Option? Though Delaware was the first to form the Series LLC, other states are also adopting the practice. Currently, District of Columbia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin and Puerto Rico also allow the formation of Series LLC. How to Form a Series LLC Forming a Series LLC is similar to forming an LLC or corporation in any state. Today, only Illinois requires a different application and charges higher registration fees for forming a Series LLC rather than a simple LLC. Once the company is formed with the state, a Series LLC will require some extra documentation compared to an LLC. A 50 or more page Operating Agreement must be prepared to establish a Series LLC. This document must be signed and created according to the rules and regulations governing the Series LLC. In most instances, an attorney is needed to draft the Operating Agreement and an accountant will be needed to explain related tax laws governing the Series LLC. Each sub-LLC will have to create a separate Series Agreement. Each sub-LLC will have its own asset name, bank account and a separate EIN (Federal Tax ID) number. While the Operating Agreement will be amended as series are added or deleted, the Certificate of Formation (also called Articled of Organization) filed with the state does not require amendment. How to Add and Delete a Series https://www.myusacorporation.eu/series-llc.html