• What happens after I fill out the on-line information checklist and pay by credit card?
• Do you really handle the tax identification numbers for my LLC?
• When is the right time to form my LLC?
• I know there are quite a few kinds of business entities, but what is the main reason why I should form an entity for my business?
• Why can’t I just file LLC papers with the State myself?  It’s just like getting a dog license, isn’t it?
• Why is it so important to do this early on...After all, cash is tight in the early days of the business and I’m trying to keep start-up expenses to a bare minimum.
• What is an Operating Agreement and why do I need one?
• I live in Rhode Island and plan to start my business there.  Can LLC Express handle the formation of my Rhode Island LLC?
• I’ll be providing consulting services.  Anything special I need to know?
• What about home-based businesses? Are there particular legal requirements I should know about?

What happens after I fill out the on-line information checklist and pay by credit card?
We will send your LLC Express package to you (by U.S. Priority Mail) within 3 business days after we receive your completed information checklist and payment. Your LLC Express package contains your custom-prepared LLC documents (with detailed instructions) along with tips for launching a successful Connecticut business.  After you sign the LLC documents, you’ll return the signed Articles of Organization to our office in the mailer we provide.  We then file your Articles of Organization with the Connecticut Secretary of State. We will advise you by e-mail as soon as your filing has been accepted by the CT Secretary of State. This process can be completed in as short as one week. 

Do you really handle the tax identification numbers for my LLC?
Yes, we do!!!  After your LLC has been formed, you will be contacted by a Connecticut small business accountant that is a member of our team.  The accountant will obtain any additional information needed to determine which State of Connecticut tax ID numbers your LLC needs.  A federal EIN number will be obtained for your LLC but not all LLC’s are required to obtain a State of Connecticut tax ID number.  If it is determined that your LLC needs a Connecticut tax ID number, the accountant will prepare the application and forward it to you with filing instructions.  Note that the State filing fee to obtain a State tax identification number is $50 which you will need to pay when the application is filed.

When is the right time to form my LLC?
Forming your LLC - where does that go on your long to-do list?   While it may not be the very first step you take, it should be handled early in the process.  Answer the following simple questions to help you decide if now is the right time to form your LLC.

	Yes	No
Will you be investing money or effort in creating a logo or special design to identify your business?
Are you finding that potential suppliers will not provide wholesale pricing information to you unless you’re an ‘established’ business?
If you’re providing consulting services, have you provided one or more consulting proposals to potential clients?
Have you received any business income yet?
Do you plan to open a business bank account soon?
Are you trying to find suitable business premises?

If you answered ‘yes’ to one or more of these questions, then the ‘right’ time to form your LLC is TODAY!  It couldn’t be easier to get your LLC formed with LLC Express. Let us help you move your business forward today.

I know there are quite a few kinds of business entities, but what is the main reason why I should form an entity for my business?
Unless you form a limited liability entity for your business, in general, all of your personal assets will be exposed to the risks of your business.  This includes your bank accounts, brokerage accounts, vacation home and your other property.  If your business is structured as an LLC, your personal assets are protected to the maximum extent possible.  In general, it is the assets of the entity that are at risk, not your personal assets. Find out more: Why Incorporate.

Why can’t I just file LLC papers with the State myself?  It’s just like getting a dog license, isn’t it?
If you’re looking to protect your personal assets, you’ll need to make sure your LLC is properly set up and that all the organizational steps have been completed (such as adopting an Operating Agreement).  Otherwise, you can be held personally liable under a legal doctrine known as Piercing the Veil. Find out more -  An LLC is Not a Dog License .

Why is it so important to do this early on...After all, cash is tight in the early days of the business and I’m trying to keep start-up expenses to a bare minimum.
If you don’t form an LLC at the outset then it’s likely you won’t make the effort to change the structure later on.  Once you get busy running your business, you won’t want to take the time to focus on a business re-structure. Even if you do incorporate later, it won’t provide you protection for jobs done (or contracts entered into) before you incorporate.  Also, when an existing business incorporates, the owner has to open new bank accounts for the business, order new letterhead and notify all existing suppliers and customers of the re-structure.  It’s a fair amount of work (and it’s one reason that business owners who start out as sole proprietors often stay that way).

What is an Operating Agreement and why do I need one for a single owner LLC?
An Operating Agreement is the document adopted by the owners of an LLC (called members) that governs the operation of the business.  The type of issues addressed in an Operating Agreement include: identifying the owners and their percentage ownership interests, identifying the amount of money that each member is required to contribute to the LLC and creating the management structure for the LLC.  A single member LLC that is not properly established is particularly susceptible to a claim of personal liability under the doctrine of Piercing the Veil,.  Adopting an Operating Agreement for a single member LLC will maximize the LLC’s protection from personal liability.

I live in Rhode Island and plan to start my business there.  Can LLC Express handle the formation of my Rhode Island LLC?
LLC Express specializes in forming Connecticut LLC’s.  An LLC formed by LLC Express is structured to comply with Connecticut LLC statutes and related laws.  Sorry, we can’t help you with a non-Connecticut LLC.

I’ll be providing consulting services.  Anything special I need to know?
In addition to operating as an LLC, it’s very important that you maintain consultant’s liability insurance.  Find out more—Consulting Safeguards .   See also A Legal Road Map for Consultants by Attorney Judy Gedge

What about home-based businesses? Are there particular legal requirements I should know about?
You’ll want to check out your local zoning regulations to make sure your home-based business is in compliance.  Also, if you live in a condominium, you’ll want to check the condo rules to make sure your home-based business is not a problem.  Similarly, if you are renting a house or apartment, you’ll want to check your lease. Find out more— Beware of Pitfalls .