what does pllc mean for a lawyer

by Antonina Dietrich 9 min read

PLLC stands for professional limited liability company, which is similar to a regular LLC, or limited liability company. The main difference is there are requirements and restrictions that limit the formation of a PLLC to a business that provides a “professional service.”Oct 4, 2018

What are the differences between an Arizona PLLC vs LLC?

What Does PLLC Mean in Lawyer Terms? The abbreviation "PLLC" in the name of a law firm, or any other business, stands for "professional limited liability company." It's …

What does PLLC stand for after MD?

Oct 07, 2020 · A professional limited liability company (PLLC), sometimes known as a professional service limited liability company (PSLLC), is an LLC organized for the specific purpose of providing some type of professional service. These professional services are typically the fields of: law.

What does PLLC after legal services mean?

A PLLC or a professional LLC is a special type of limited liability company that can be formed only by certain categories of licensed professionals. It can offer only those services which its members are licensed to engage in. The eligibility criteria for forming a …

Should I form a PLLC?

Apr 24, 2019 · A professional limited liability company, or PLLC, is a type of limited liability company that is owned and operated by members of the same profession and can only offer services related to its...

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What is the purpose of a PLLC?

A Professional LLC (PLLC) is a type of Limited Liability Company formed for the purpose of providing professional services. Professional services are those where a person is licensed by the state for the service they provide. In most states, all members of a PLLC are required to be licensed.Mar 4, 2022

What are the benefits of a PLLC?

AdvantagesMembers of a PLLC aren't personally liable for the malpractice of any other member. ... PLLC members are not personally liable for business debts and lawsuits, such as unpaid office rent.The PLLC can choose to be taxed as a pass-through entity or as a corporation.More items...

What does PLLC and LLC mean?

Many states have legal requirements which indicate that providers of licensed professional services, such as doctors and lawyers, must form either professional limited liability companies (PLLCs) or professional corporations (PCs).

What does PHD PLLC mean?

Professional Limited Liability CompanyPLLC stands for Professional Limited Liability Company. It essentially is the same as an LLC, except that it is owned and operated by members of the same professions like lawyers or accountants.

Is a pllc the same as an LLC?

A PLLC is a kind of LLC specifically for licensed professionals. The difference between an LLC and a PLLC is mainly that only licensed professionals such as architects, doctors, lawyers and accountants can form PLLCs. Check with your state to determine if they permit licensed professionals to form a standard LLC.

Does California allow PLLC?

While PLLCs are not allowed in California, California's partnership law, like an equivalent law in many other states, does provide for the creation of a special kind of partnership called a limited liability partnership or LLP.

What is a PC or PLLC?

In a PLLC, the members and managers must be licensed to practice the same profession. In California, licensed professionals are limited to forming a sole proprietorship, general partnership, or professional corporation (PC).Jun 9, 2021

How do you fill out a w9 for PLLC?

Here's how to fill out Form W-9 for a disregarded entity LLC:Enter your name and the name of your LLC. On line 1, write your full name. ... Indicate that you are a single-member LLC. ... Provide information about your LLC. ... Confirm your information and sign the form. ... Submit the completed form.

Is a PC an S or C corporation?

PCs are generally taxed like a C-Corporation, with the PC paying taxes at the corporate rate, which can lead to double taxation. PLLCs, on the other hand, are taxed like LLCs, which generally have pass-through taxation of the members.

What is a PLLC in Illinois?

An Illinois PLLC is a limited liability company (LLC) formed specifically by people who will provide Illinois licensed professional services. LLCs in general are businesses registered with the state that consist of one or more people—called LLC members—who own the business.

What is the owner of a pllc called?

The owners of a PLLC are called members, and they have an operating agreement that governs how they work together and divide profits and losses. Many professionals start a PLLC because they want to separate their individual liability from their liability as a member of the business or practice.Sep 20, 2020

What does PC stand for lawyer?

professional corporationA professional corporation is organized under the laws of the state in which it is formed. Unlike a regular corporation, a PC for lawyers requires that each director, shareholder and officer be licensed to practice law.Sep 26, 2018

What is a PLLC?

PLLC is a professional limited liability company, which is a type of LLC. It is formed by licensed professionals engaged in the same type of services. A PLLC can only offer services related to the profession of its members. For example, lawyers can set up a PLLC for offering legal services, or a group of doctors can establish a PLLC ...

How to file a PLLC?

How to Form a PLLC 1 Prepare Articles of Organization. This is the principal document for forming a PLLC. It includes name and address of the business and its members. 2 Submit your Articles of Organization for approval of the state licensing board. 3 File the approved Articles of Organization with your state (usually with the secretary of state). 4 In some states, you must also prepare an operating agreement for internal functioning of the organization. This document specifies rights and responsibilities of members and sets out procedures for operating the business. 5 Obtain business permits and licenses required by your state.

What is LLC in business?

A limited liability company (LLC) is a state-registered entity, separate from its owners. The owners, also know as members, can't be held personally responsible for debts and obligations of the company. So, the risk involved is only to the extent of their capital contribution in the LLC.

Is there double taxation for LLC?

There is no double taxation, unlike in the case of a corporation. An LLC can have one or more members, including individuals and companies, except for certain restricted entities like banking and insurance companies. Some states prohibit licensed professionals from setting up an LLC to offer their services.

Can a lawyer form an LLC?

However, professionals like lawyers, doctors, and engineers, are not allowed to form an LLC for offering their services as a business. They must form a PLLC. A PLLC is similar to an LLC. However, its formation requires approval of the state licensing board, which ensures that all the owners of a PLLC hold professional licenses.

What does PLLC stand for in business?

Tip. PLLC stands for Professional Limited Liability Company. It essentially is the same as an LLC, except that it is owned and operated by members of the same professions like lawyers or accountants.

Why is PLLC important?

One advantage is that the owners of the PLLC are shielded from liability; if the business is sued or if an employee is negligent, the owners' assets are protected from the suit. Because lawyers are vulnerable to malpractice suits, this benefit is especially important.

What is an LLC?

An LLC is a hybrid business that combines the liability shield of a corporation with the tax benefits of a partnership. Some states, however, do not let people with professional licenses, such as doctors, lawyers, or engineers, form an LLC. Instead, these people must form PLLCs. A PLLC has the same legal structure as an LLC.

What is a PLLC?

A PLLC is specifically for services that require professional licensure, including dental, medical, real estate, engineering, nursing, accounting, or law. For example, a law firm owned by lawyers could be structured as a PLLC to offer legal services. Some states require independently practicing lawyers to form a PLLC.

How to file a PLLC?

To form a PLLC, you must file Articles of Organization with the secretary of the state where you are located. This document includes the name and address of the business along with a list of its owners. These are submitted to the correct agency with the filing fee, which varies by state. The Articles of Organization must be signed by a person licensed by the profession in question. This person is considered the organizer of the PLLC. Include his or her state license number.

What are the advantages of a PLLC?

There are several advantages in forming a PLLC: Professionals' personal assets are protected from business liability. A PLLC can opt for pass-through taxation status. This means the owners will report profits and losses on their individual tax returns.

Who must sign the articles of organization?

The Articles of Organization must be signed by a person licensed by the profession in question. This person is considered the organizer of the PLLC. Include his or her state license number. In some states, the PLLC must file an operating agreement delineating: The company's financial management.

Is a PLLC a sole proprietorship?

PLLCs can opt to be taxed as a disregarded entity (sole proprietorship) or an S corporation . Both are subject to pass-through taxation. However, you may still need to submit an informational tax return for the PLLC.

Is a PLLC a legal entity?

In contrast, a PLLC remains a valid legal entity even in those instances, a benefit known as perpetual existence.

Why do you need a PLLC?

One of the major reasons to form a PLLC is because it creates a separation between the individual and the entity. In most cases, if a PLLC is formed, the individual will not be personally liable for the business' debts or any lawsuits against the business.

How to form a PLLC?

To form a PLLC, you usually must meet the following requirements. The state licensing board for your profession must approve your articles of organization or similar organizational document. The requirements will differ depending on the state and the particular profession.

Can a professional form an LLC in California?

California allows professionals to form registered limited liability partnerships (RLLPs) or professional corporations (PCs), but not LLCs or PLLCs. Laws and requirements vary state to state, but here are some general principles regarding PLLC's.

Can a professional form a limited liability company?

In some states, professionals that hold a license can form a professional limited liability company (PLLC) rather than the more common LLC.

What is a PLLC?

A PLLC is a type of limited liability company owned and operated by individuals holding the same professional licenses in the same state. By definition, a PLLC can only provide services that are associated with the owners’ licenses. For example, three licensed dentists may start a PLLC, but they can’t offer services outside ...

What is the difference between an LLC and a PLLC?

The main difference between an LLC vs PLLC is that all members of a PLLC must be licensed practitioners in the same profession. Otherwise, a PLLC functions in similar ways to an LLC.

Who is Mollie Moric?

Mollie Moric is a staff writer at Legal Templates. She translates complex legal concepts into easy to understand articles that empower readers in their legal pursuits. Her legal advice and analysis...

Do you need an operating agreement for an LLC?

Some states require an LLC operating agreement or single-member LLC operating agreement be filed with other formation documents. Provide member’s licenses: prove that the PLLC members hold all valid and necessary licenses. Sign documents: At least one member must sign the articles of organization document.

What is the tax rate for self employment?

The self-employment tax rate is 15.3% (12.4% for social security and 2.9% for Medicare taxes). A single-member PLLC is taxed as a sole proprietorship, which allows the same “pass-through taxation” afforded to partnerships.

Do PLLCs pay federal taxes?

The PLLC is not required to pay federal income taxes as an entity.

What is a 2553 form?

A PPLC can file Form 2553 to change its tax status from a partnership or sole proprietorship to an S corporation. The PLLC files a Form 1120S which reports members’ earnings as wages or dividends, depending on their percentage of ownership and work, which are taxed as personal income.

What is a PLLC?

A professional limited liability company, or PLLC, is a business structure that offers personal asset protection for business owners in licensed occupations, such as medicine and law. Only recognized in some states, PLLCs are subject to the same laws as ordinary LLCs.

What is PLLC in business?

A PLLC is a business structure that offers personal asset protection for business owners in licensed occupations, such as medicine and law. Priyanka Prakash Oct 28, 2020.

What happens if a doctor commits malpractice?

If a doctor commits malpractice, then the patient can sue the doctor and lay claim to the doctor’s personal assets. For this reason, it’s very important for members of a PLLC to carry professional liability insurance, more commonly known as malpractice insurance.

Do professional occupations have multiple business entities?

Now you know that business owners in professional occupations typically have multiple business entities to choose from. Here are some of the pros and cons of PLLCs that you should consider before making a final decision on which business structure is best for you.

What is a registered agent?

In every state, business entities must designate a registered agent or statutory agent. A registered agent is a person or company who accepts service of process and official documents for your business. Professional businesses often receive official notices from state licensing boards and get sued more often, so it’s especially important to designate a registered agent. If you're unsure who to appoint as your registered agent, IncFile is an online legal services company that provides registered agent services.

Is a PLLC a good business?

Business owners in professional industries often prefer to go into business together, but malpractice lawsuits are common. Forming a PLLC is a great way to protect yourself from a partner’s failure or mistake.

What is the most important license for a PLLC?

The most important license for PLLCs is the professional license, which the state licensing board for your profession will grant. Every owner in the PLLC must be licensed to practice the specific profession that the business will be providing.

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