Should I Form Separate Legal Entities for Different Lines of Business?
This post discusses whether one should form separate legal entities (corporations or limited liability companies) for different lines of business.
I am writing this post because I have seen this type of question online many times. The most recent occurrence was on Avvo. See Should I set up a subdivision or have a LLC or corporation own another LLC? (more…)
Can I Have a Corporation with Multiple Businesses?
This post is based on a question I have seen online many times. Q. Can I have a corporation with multiple businesses?
A. Yes, you can have a corporation with multiple businesses. Furthermore, those businesses need not be similar or related. So, for example, your corporation might do both software development and per sitting.
However, there is a more important question. Should you have a corporation with multiple businesses?
Top Ten Legal Tips for Independent Contractors
I just made available on the Downloads page (sign up using the drop-down list in the sidebar) “Top Ten Legal Tips for Independent Contractors,” a document that describes how independent contractors can avoid exposing themselves to unnecessary legal risks.
Here are the titles of the ten tips, which are discussed in greater detail in the document:
- Choose the right type of legal entity for your business
- If you choose a corporation or LLC, comply with applicable formalities
- Buy the right types and amounts of insurance
- Identify and protect your intellectual property
- Use your form of client agreement whenever possible
- Be careful when assigning or waiving intellectual property rights
- Be careful when collaborating or subcontracting
- Be careful with nondisclosure / confidentiality agreements
- Avoid oral agreements whenever possible
- Understand what distinguishes independent contractors from employees
For more information about distinguishing independent contractors from employees (tip 10), please see Avoiding the “Independent Contractor” Trap.
This blog does not provide legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
