how a lawyer would charge me if to help me form an llc company in south florida

How to find a lawyer for an LLC?

Where to Find an LLC Lawyer. 1 1. Ask other business owners. Often, the best way to find an LLC attorney is simply to get recommendations from other people who have formed a ... 2 2. Use online legal companies. 3 3. Go through your local law school. 4 4. Contact your bar association or legal aid orgs. 5 5. Attend business events and conferences.

How do I legally establish an LLC?

To legally establish your LLC, you must file a document usually called articles of organization (sometimes called "certificate of formation" or "certificate of organization") with your state's business filing office.

How much does it cost to form an LLC?

Hiring a lawyer is another option, but will often cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Nolo's Online LLC formation service can complete all of the paperwork and filings for you, with packages starting at just $49. Protect Your Business With Nolo.

Why should I hire an LLC attorney?

An LLC attorney can help you understand if an LLC is in fact the best legal structure for your business, help you establish your LLC, and help you define the financial and management structure of the LLC as you grow the company to the next level.

How much does it cost to set up an LLC in Florida?

The cost to start an LLC (limited liability company) online in Florida is $125. This fee is paid to the Florida Division of Corporations when filing the LLC's Articles of Organization.

How much does a LLC cost?

LLC Filing Cost Filing costs will vary depending on the state laws but generally range from around $40 to up to $500 . Along with filing the articles of organization, most states require that businesses obtain a business license. Business license costs range from around $50 to $100 in most states.

How long does it take for an LLC to be approved in Florida?

Mail filings: In total, mail filing approvals for Florida LLCs take 3-4 weeks. This accounts for the 5-7 business day processing time, plus the time your documents are in the mail. Online filings: In total, online filing approvals for Florida LLCs take 1-2 business days.

What are the requirements of an LLC in Florida?

The Florida LLC articles of organization require the following information:The LLC's name and principal place of business.Registered agent's name and Florida street address (P.O. ... Registered agent's signature.Names and addresses of the LLC's members.Name and address of the LLC's manager if manager-managed.More items...

What expenses can you write off with an LLC?

What Can Be Written off as Business Expenses?Car expenses and mileage.Office expenses, including rent, utilities, etc.Office supplies, including computers, software, etc.Health insurance premiums.Business phone bills.Continuing education courses.Parking for business-related trips.More items...•

Is it better to be a sole proprietor or LLC?

One of the key benefits of an LLC versus the sole proprietorship is that a member's liability is limited to the amount of their investment in the LLC. Therefore, a member is not personally liable for the debts of the LLC. A sole proprietor would be liable for the debts incurred by the business.

Do I need an EIN for my LLC?

An LLC will need an EIN if it has any employees or if it will be required to file any of the excise tax forms listed below. Most new single-member LLCs classified as disregarded entities will need to obtain an EIN. An LLC applies for an EIN by filing Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number.

Do you need a registered agent for an LLC in Florida?

Florida requires a registered agent and a registered office for every corporation, limited liability company (LLC), and limited partnership that is either organized in Florida (a domestic entity) or organized in another state, territory, or country and that conducts business in Florida (a foreign entity).

Do I need a registered agent for my LLC?

No matter where you're starting your business, if you're forming an LLC or corporation, you're required to have a registered agent and a registered office.

Do LLCs pay taxes in Florida?

By default, LLCs themselves do not pay income taxes, only their members do. (Because Florida is one of the rare states that do not have an income tax for individuals, this means LLC members will not owe state income tax on their LLC earnings.)

What title should I give myself LLC?

Here are some acceptable choices: Owner. Managing member. CEO.

How much does it cost to register a business name in Florida?

Corporation FeesServicePriceNew Florida/Foreign CorporationFiling Fees$35.00Registered Agent Designation$35.00Certified Copy (optional)$8.7526 more rows

What is the cost of forming an LLC with a lawyer?

Having an attorney by your side when you are about to register your business as an LLC can help eliminate the guesswork from the process.

Why should you work with a lawyer when filing an LLC?

You aren’t legally required by law to hire an attorney to assist you with the legal matters associated with LLC registration.

What Is A LLC?

Before we break down the costs associated with an LLC, including the lawyers’ fees, it is important to know what an LLC is.

How much does it cost to start an LLC?

In most states, this is the Secretary of State, and the fee to file articles of organization is usually $50 to $100, ...

What happens if you fail to pay an LLC?

If you fail to pay these fees, your LLC could lose the legal right to do business in the state.

How to use a fictitious business name?

To use a fictitious business name, you must file an application and pay a filing fee. In some states, you file a single state-wide application with one state agency, such as the Secretary of State. In other states, you must file an application at the county level in every county where you have a business office.

How much does it cost to reserve an LLC name?

The cost can be as little as $10 or up to $50. Reserving an LLC name is purely optional. You don't have to reserve a name before you file your articles of organization.

How often do you need to file an LLC?

In most states, an LLC is required to make a filing every one or two years with the Secretary of State to keep the LLC's contact information up-to-date. This filing is often called an annual (or biennial) report, periodic report, or statement of information. A filing fee must be paid along with the report or statement.

How much does it cost to file articles of organization?

In most states, this is the Secretary of State, and the fee to file articles of organization is usually $50 to $100, although in Alaska it's $250.

How much does it cost to get a business license?

Most states have local license requirements. The cost to obtain a business license is usually $50 to $100.

How much does it cost to operate an LLC?

The cost will depend on the complexity of the agreement and the amount of negotiation needed. It could cost from $500 to $2,000+ for this work.

How much does it cost to file LLC papers in Georgia?

If you are a single member LLC, you can file the papers yourself and will only incur a filing fee with the Secretary of State ($100 in Georgia.)

How much does it cost to file an LLC in Colorado?

I filed my own LLC online in Colorado for $50. I read the state LLC laws, some LLC books and created my operating agreement. My LLC serves as the registered agent so there is no registered agent fee. Annual online report fee in Colorado is only $10.

How much does it cost to reserve an LLC name?

The ability to reserve an LLC name is available in every state (for a fee). Alabama is the only one that requires the name to be reserved at a cost between $10-$28. Reserving the name is optional in all other states, but is usually not worth the expense unless it will be some time before you plan to start your LLC.

Which states require LLCs to publish a legal ad?

There are some states like Arizona, Georgia, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, and Pennsylvania that require new LLCs to publish a legal ad notifying the public of the LLC formation in a local newspaper and supplying the affidavit of publication. Publishing costs vary depending on the state and newspaper.

What to do if you have one partner?

If you have even one partner, even if that partner doesn’t want anything to do with the business, even if the partner promises to let you do “all the work”, even if the partner is your best friend, then you NEED legal help to develop the operating agreement so everything is spelled out. No matter how well you know the person/people it is IMPERATIVE that their responsibilities and LIMITS are spelled out in excruciating detail. If you can ask “What about…” about anything then the matter should be spelled out. DO NOT agree to work it out only if the issue comes up.

Do you need to register an LLC before filing?

Before filing, you will need to make sure the LLC name is available to register as each entity has to have a unique name.

How much does an LLC lawyer cost?

Fees range $0 – $500.

What happens if you don't pay your LLC fee?

If you do not pay your annual LLC fee on time, your state may dissolve and shut down your LLC.

How much does it cost to get a commercial registered agent?

Fees range $100 to $300 per year.

How much does a lawyer charge?

If you hire a lawyer, this should be included in their fees. Some will charge extra, though. Fees could be $50 to $100 depending on their hourly rate.

How much does an operating agreement cost for an LLC?

If you DIY, you will most likely need to purchase an Operating Agreement online. Fees range $50 to $200. You may also be able to find one for free online. Just remember, bigger is not always better.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?

If you hire a lawyer, it will cost you between $1,000 and $1,500.

What is a registered agent?

The Registered Agent is a person or company who agrees to accept Service of Process on behalf of your LLC.

How to get legal help for LLC?

A great way to get legal help for your LLC without paying a fortune is by utilizing online legal services. Two such sites are LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer, which have business legal plans that give you unlimited access to business legal forms and an on-call attorney for less than $40 per month.

How much does an LLC lawyer charge?

Some LLC lawyers charge a fixed rate of as low as $500 to draft and file LLC formation paperwork, and others charge as much as $3,000. For document drafting and document review, lawyers typically charge an hourly rate of $100 to $300.

What is the advantage of registering as an LLC?

The biggest advantage that you get from registering as a business entity is extra legal protection. If someone wins a lawsuit against your business, they can take only the business’s assets—your personal assets are safe.

What is the difference between a sole proprietorship and a partnership?

Sole proprietorships are pass-through entities, which means that the business’s profits and losses pass through to the owner’s personal income tax return and are taxed at the owner’s personal income tax rate. Partnerships work in the same way, except that the profits and losses are divided among multiple business owners. The biggest risk of sole proprietorships and partnerships is that they leave you open to personal liability. If someone sues your business and wins, they can take your personal assets (your car, your personal bank account, even your home, etc.).

What is LLC lawyer?

An LLC lawyer can be incredibly helpful in your first few years as a business. They can help you get started and keep your business compliant as you expand, raise money, or hire employees.

How to find an LLC lawyer?

Often, the best way to find an LLC attorney is simply to get recommendations from other people who have formed a business recently or obtained help on a business legal matter.

How to register as an LLC?

These are some of the specific things an LLC attorney can help you with: 1 Determine whether your business is eligible to organize as an LLC in your state. 2 Determine which state it’s best to register in, particularly relevant if you do business in multiple states. 3 Understand whether, and why, an LLC is better for your business than other business structures, including the tax consequences of each structure. 4 Draft and file your articles of organization, which is the foundational document for an LLC that you have to file with the state to create your LLC. 5 Draft and negotiate funding agreements for your LLC with investors. 6 Help you comply with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requirements if you want to raise money from investors. 7 Draft your LLC operating agreement, which creates the backbone of your LLC and specifies how you’ll make decisions and manage the business. This will cover things like how to invite new members into the business, replace members, and bind the company to business loans and important agreements. 8 Maintain meeting minutes, member resolutions, and other important LLC paperwork. 9 Understand state-specific LLC laws and how to comply with them.

How much does it cost to register an LLC?

Your LLC will give you tax benefits and protect your personal assets if anything happens to your company. It costs between $50-$500 on average to register your business. You do not need an attorney to form an LLC.

How much does a business attorney cost?

A business attorney can save time and money when business owners create a new business. For around $200 to $5000, they can handle the items you may not have time to consider, such as: 1 Creating an LLC operating agreement that explains the who, what, when, where, why, and how of your company (this is required in some states) 2 Creating articles of organization that list the registered agent, LLC management, and the date of formation 3 Keeping detailed records in case of lawsuits or audits 4 Filing fees and registering with the correct people 5 Registering your business name and checking that the LLC name is available 6 Completing and filing all legal documents

What is an LLC operating agreement?

An LLC operating agreement is an internal document that allows you to establish company rules, layout members' rights and responsibilities, and more.

What is an employment law attorney?

Employment law attorneys to create employment contracts and HR policies.

What is a registered agent?

Acting as your company's registered agent. A registered agent is a person who receives legal documents, tax forms, and service of process for your company. Service of process is when someone notifies your business that there is a lawsuit pending against your company. Some law firms will act as your registered agent as part of their business formation services. As your registered agent, they will collect your legal correspondence at their physical address. This frees you up to move locations or use a post office box without missing essential documents.

What is a business lawyer?

Business lawyers if you need to change your business structure to a single-member LLC, S corporation, or another type of business, or need help with another business-related legal matter. General counsel to review compliance with state laws, state agencies, state fees, or annual fees.

Can an LLC be sued?

Once you register, you can buy or rent a building and have company bank accounts. Unfortunately, your company can also be sued.

Why do attorneys charge different fees?

Some attorneys charge different amounts for different types of work, billing higher rates for more complex work and lower rates for easier tasks .

What factors determine if a lawyer's fees are reasonable?

Factors considered in determining whether the fees are reasonable include: The attorney’s experience and education; The typical attorney fee in the area for the same services; The complexity of the case; The attorney’s reputation; The type of fee arrangement – whether it is fixed or contingent;

Why do lawyers need to put contracts in writing?

A written contract prevents misunderstandings because the client has a chance to review what the attorney believes to be their agreement.

What are the biggest concerns when hiring a lawyer?

Attorney fees and costs are one of the biggest concerns when hiring legal representation. Understanding how attorneys charge and determining what a good rate is can be confusing.

What are the costs of a lawsuit?

Some common legal fees and costs that are virtually inescapable include: 1 Cost of serving a lawsuit on an opposing party; 2 Cost of filing lawsuit with court; 3 Cost of filing required paperwork, like articles forming a business, with the state; 4 State or local licensing fees; 5 Trademark or copyright filing fees; and 6 Court report and space rental costs for depositions.

What is the first step in resolving a dispute with a lawyer?

The first step to resolving these disputes is communication . If there is a disagreement, clients and attorneys should first seek to discuss it and try to reach a mutually agreeable solution. Often, small disagreements balloon merely because both the attorney and the client avoided talking to the other out of fear.

What is the most common legal fee arrangement?

Hourly rates have traditionally been the most common legal fee arrangement. However, as technology changes and the practice of law evolves, it is more common to see “non-traditional” fee arrangements like flat-fee packages.

Who can guide you through the incorporation process?

Owners who are unclear about the process of incorporation may want to hire an attorney. Peter Home, with the firm Geoff McDonald & Associates, says, "An attorney can guide you through the process as well as teach you the ins and outs of how your company will need to operate once incorporated."

How to organize a corporation?

There are multiple benefits to organizing your company as a corporation: 1 A corporation limits your personal liability and may make tax breaks available to you. 2 Your corporation can take tax deductions for the cost of health insurance and life insurance. 3 Incorporating also means people will take your company seriously and you can set the stage for future expansion of your business. 4 You can raise capital for the business through the sale of stock. 5 Ownership in a corporation can be transferred easily should you decide to sell.

What is a legal consultation?

A legal consultation can help an owner determine which corporate entity will be most advantageous and how to get the most out of incorporating the business. Attorneys can also highlight the downfalls of different entities in terms of liability and tax, as well as show you how each different option will have varying effects on the business.

What are the benefits of a corporation?

There are multiple benefits to organizing your company as a corporation: A corporation limits your personal liability and may make tax breaks available to you. Your corporation can take tax deductions for the cost of health insurance and life insurance.

Is it worth it to have an attorney for incorporation?

Dolman offers some perspective for those contemplating DIY incorporation versus using an attorney. "Ultimately, if you have the money to spare, it's well worth it to have an attorney guide you through the process of incorporating. You'll not only save time but also stress, as you'll have a live expert available to both answer your questions and advise you on how to proceed. However, if money is tight, the process is absolutely something you can do yourself."

Is it easy to incorporate a business online?

In addition, in most states, the process is easy, available online, and doesn' t necessarily require guidance from an attorney. "For a solo owner, when you are just starting and are too small for a major lawsuit risk, there is nothing wrong with saving a little money by doing a DIY incorporation," says Ryan Reiffert, a Texas-based attorney.

Is it cheaper to incorporate on your own?

It is definitely tempting to incorporate on your own because it's less expensive than hiring an attorney. "While state fees generally total between $100 and $250, the average attorney charges that by the hour," says Matthew A. Dolman, a Florida-based attorney with Sibley Dolman Gipe Accident Injury Lawyers, PA.