Scottsdale Business Formation Attorney

Maximize your Business’ Potential and Protect Your Personal Assets

 
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The Pitfalls of DIY Business Formation

  • Being held liable for claims against your business.

  • Difficulty securing funding or attracting investors

  • Paying the IRS more than necessary, or 

  • Wasting time and resources on compliance issues and the resulting legal consequences.

Start your business on the right path with the help of a Scottsdale LLC attorney.

Discover the Modern Best Practice: Forming an LLC Taxed as a C-Corp, S-Corp, or Partnership

The way you structure your company is essential to its success. The modern best practice for Arizona business formation is to create a Limited Liability Company (LLC) that is taxed as a C-Corporation, S-Corporation, or Partnership. This approach offers significant benefits compared to forming a traditional C-Corp, S-Corp, or General Partnership.

Bound portfolio with tabs for Partnership, S Corp, C Corp, ad LLC titled "Choosing a Business Entity" rests o table with iphone and keyboard
 

Why Choose an LLC Taxed as a C-Corp, S-Corp, or Partnership?

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Flexibility

LLCs offer flexibility in management structure and ownership. Unlike corporations, they don't require a board of directors or a rigid management hierarchy. This allows business owners to adapt to changing circumstances and manage their company efficiently.

 
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Limited Liability Protection

 An LLC provides limited liability protection for its owners, shielding their personal assets from the business's debts and liabilities. This is similar to the protection offered by corporations but not available in a general partnership.

Businessmen reviewing potential tax classifications of an LLC and the implications on the profit and loss statement

Pass-through Taxation (for S-Corps and Partnerships)

LLCs offer flexibility in management structure and ownership. Unlike corporations, they don't require a board of directors or a rigid management hierarchy. This allows business owners to adapt to changing circumstances and manage their company efficiently.

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Enhanced Credibility

Forming an LLC demonstrates to clients, vendors, and partners that your business is professional and legitimate, potentially leading to more opportunities and growth.

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Simplicity

Forming and maintaining an LLC is generally simpler and less expensive than a corporation. While corporations require annual meetings, extensive record-keeping, and additional filings, LLCs have fewer administrative burdens.

AZ Business Formation Services to Protect your Personal Assets

We provide full-service Arizona LLC formation, including the preparation of a complete company records book including the following:

  • The foundational document that officially forms your LLC. It includes basic information about your company, such as its name, address, and the names of its members. The document is filed with the Arizona Corporation Commission and serves as the public record of your business's creation.

  • These are formal written statements made by the LLC members during the initial formation process. The resolutions document important decisions about the company's management, structure, and operations, such as appointing managers, adopting an Operating Agreement, and authorizing the opening of bank accounts.

  • The Operating Agreement is an internal document that outlines how your LLC will be managed, governed, and operated. It includes details like member roles and responsibilities, voting rights, profit and loss allocation, and procedures for adding or removing members. The agreement is tailored to your specific tax classification (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, S-corporation, or C-corporation) to ensure it complies with relevant tax laws and regulations.

  • The Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique tax ID number assigned to your business by the IRS. You'll need an EIN to open bank accounts, hire employees, and file taxes. The EIN Application is the form you submit to the IRS to obtain your EIN.

  • A document filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to inform them of your chosen tax classification for your LLC. The classification determines how your business will be taxed, and the IRS will use this information to ensure you are in compliance with the appropriate tax laws.

  • Certificates that serve as proof of ownership for each member of the LLC. They show the percentage of the company each member owns, and they can be used to transfer or sell ownership interests if needed.

  • A comprehensive guide provided to the LLC members that explains each of the legal documents involved in the formation and operation of the company. The manual helps members understand their roles, responsibilities, and rights, as well as the processes and procedures outlined in the various documents. It's designed to be a user-friendly resource to ensure all members are on the same page and have a clear understanding of how the business should function.

 

Assisting Clients with Forming Limited Partnerships, LLPs, and Nonprofits

We understand that every business is unique, and there are situations where forming an LLC taxed as a C-Corp, S-Corp, or Partnership may not be the best choice. That's why we also assist clients with forming Limited Partnerships (LPs), Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), and Nonprofit Corporations.

LPs and LLPs offer varying degrees of liability protection and management structures, which can be advantageous in specific situations, such as professional services or real estate investments. Nonprofit Corporations serve a charitable, educational, religious, or public purpose and can apply for tax-exempt status.

Ready to get started? Contact us today or call (480) 776-6055 to schedule a consultation and discover the best business structure for your unique needs.

 

Guidance for all Phases of your Business’ Lifecycle

Your company will go through various stages as it grows and evolves. As your trusted legal counsel, we serve as a resource to guide and support you throughout your business lifecycle, so your company can thrive at every stage.

Graph showing lifecycle of business from startup, to growth, to plateau of maturity
  • We help you navigate the complexities of forming your LLC, ensuring that it is structured correctly and complies with all legal requirements. We'll work with you to create a customized Operating Agreement, tailored to your specific needs and goals. We can also assist with obtaining necessary licenses, permits, and tax registrations, setting your business up for success from day one.

  • Throughout your business journey, you will encounter various contractual relationships, such as with vendors, clients, and employees. We can draft, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements on your behalf, protecting your interests and mitigating potential legal risks.

  • As your business grows, you may need to hire employees or engage independent contractors. We can connect you with counsel for employment and labor law matters, including drafting and reviewing employment contracts, creating employee handbooks, and ensuring compliance with federal and state labor laws.

  • Your LLC's intellectual property (IP) may be one of its most valuable assets. We can connect you with counsel to identify, protect, and enforce your IP rights, such as trademarks, copyrights, and patents, ensuring that your business's unique ideas, products, and services are safeguarded.

  • In the event of a business dispute or potential litigation, we provide strategic advice and representation. We will work with you to resolve conflicts efficiently and effectively, whether through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation, always prioritizing your best interests.

  • As your business continues to grow and evolve, you may need to consider expansion, restructuring, or even merging with another company. Our attorneys will guide you through these processes, providing legal advice and support to ensure a smooth transition.

  • We'll work with you to develop a plan that protects your interests and ensures a seamless transition.

At Sorrell Law Firm, we're committed to being your legal partner throughout your LLC's lifecycle, providing expert guidance and support every step of the way. Call (480) 776-6055 to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help your business succeed.

Your Path to a Thriving Business

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Schedule an Initial Consultation

We’ll discuss the players involved, who will serve in management roles, and the funding of your new business venture so we can develop an optimized business structure.

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Design your Business Structure

Our full service LLC formation includes forming the business entity together with all documents to qualify your business for specific tax benefits and protection against future lawsuits.

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Start your Business with Confidence

Enjoy peace of mind in knowing that your business structure is designed to keep you in control, protect your personal assets and maximize tax-saving opportunities.

Meet Whitney Sorrell, your Arizona Business Formation Attorney.

Scottsdale business formation attorney Whitney Sorrell
 

With a background as a revenue agent for the Internal Revenue Service and a Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation, Whitney brings valuable tax expertise to the table to design optimal business structures for his clients.

As a certified public accountant (CPA) since 1993 and a recognized thought leader in the field, Whitney frequently shares his knowledge through speaking engagements and published articles on topics including the advanced taxation of LLCs, partnership taxation, and business succession planning.

Throughout his 32 years of experience as a tax attorney & CPA, Whitney has formed hundreds of Arizona businesses - even those with complex ownership structures and tricky compliance requirements. His primary goal is to build in protection and flexibility for his clients as the business progresses throughout its lifecycle. 


 

Schedule a Consultation with Whitney Sorrell, Scottsdale Business Formation Attorney.

Starting or growing a business can be an exciting yet challenging journey. To ensure your business is set up for success, it's crucial to work with an experienced attorney who understands the complexities of business formation and tax matters. Whitney Sorrell, a respected Scottsdale business formation attorney, is committed to guiding you through this crucial stage with confidence and ease.

When you schedule a consultation with Whitney Sorrell, you can expect:

Personalized Attention: Whitney will take the time to understand your unique business goals, as well as the players involved, management roles, and funding considerations. This personalized approach allows him to develop an optimized business structure tailored to your specific needs.

In-Depth Expertise: With years of experience as an IRS and certified public accountant (CPA), Whitney possesses the knowledge and experience to navigate the intricate world of business formation and tax planning effectively.

Comprehensive Guidance: From choosing the right business entity type to understanding tax implications and legal requirements, Whitney will provide comprehensive guidance and support throughout the business formation process, ensuring that your venture is set up for long-term success.

Empathetic Approach: Whitney understands the challenges and concerns that entrepreneurs and business owners face. He takes a compassionate and empathetic approach, offering guidance and reassurance while keeping your best interests at the forefront of his recommendations and advice.

 

Our Business Formation Law Office in Scottsdale, Arizona

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Don't leave the future of your business to chance. Schedule a consultation with Whitney Sorrell, Scottsdale business formation attorney, and take the first step towards building a strong foundation for your venture. Together, you'll navigate the complexities of business formation, empowering you to confidently achieve your business goals.

 

Sorrell Law Firm, PLC Location