Starting a Business in Northern CA
When starting a business in Northern California, it is wise to work with a seasoned law firm that can help ensure businesses comply with state and federal business laws. For over four decades, Damrell, Nelson, Schrimp, Pallios, & Silva has assisted entrepreneurs in Modesto and throughout Northern California with starting businesses in diverse industries.
Selecting a business entity
The purpose of the business, the type of industry, and business expansion plans are pivotal for business formation that is best suited for a client’s objectives. Under the guidance of an experienced business lawyer, an entrepreneur can evaluate the advantages and disadvantages that different business entities can provide. Various types of business entities exist, including:
- C corporation
- S corporation
- Limited liability company (LLC)
- Limited partnership (LP)
- General partnership
- Limited liability partnership (LLP)
- Sole proprietorship
- Nonprofit corporation
Effective under a new California law in 2012, two new types of stock corporations became available for business owners — a flexible purpose corporation and a benefit corporation, which allowed investors and entrepreneurs to use organizational structures for economic and social objectives.
Factors to consider when starting a business
Tax minimization and liability protection are major factors in deciding on the type of business structure. For example, when forming an LLC, while liability protection is similar to a corporation, taxation is quite different. Formation requires filing Articles of Organization with the CA Secretary of State. Forming corporations requires filing Articles of Incorporation with the CA Secretary of State. Our law firm can assist clients with choosing a company name that distinguishes their business from other similar businesses so as not to mislead the public. Both corporations and LLCs must have registered agents for service of process. An agent’s function is receiving legal papers on behalf of the corporation or the LLC in the event of litigation.
Federal, state and local statutes dictate the rules business owners must follow when selecting a business entity, financing the business, deciding on a commercial location and obtaining required permit registration or business licenses.
Contact a reliable Modesto law firm with an established reputation for excellent business law services
The future success of any business begins with initial planning and business formation, which may involve sophisticated issues and require careful consideration. Damrell, Nelson, Schrimp, Pallios, & Silva brings decades of experience to the table along with credentials, knowledge and skills that make us exceptionally qualified to assist entrepreneurs and investors who are starting businesses in Modesto and Northern California. For more information regarding our business formation practice, please contact our offices to schedule a consultation.