Business Formation And Planning

Back to Locations
Clarksville Business Planning Attorneys

Providing Legal Advice And Services For Entrepreneurs

Among the many topics a new business owner needs to think about, laying the right legal foundation for your business should be at the top of the list. It is crucial to choose the proper structure that will protect you from personal liability and offer you the most favorable conditions when it comes to taxes. With four primary business organizations available in the state of Tennessee and several derivatives, it might seem a bit confusing and overwhelming to determine which organization type is best for you. Making the right choice will shape the future of your business. Here are the basic facts about Tennessee business planning and formation, which any entrepreneur should know.

What Types of Basic Business Organizations Are There in Tennessee?

In the state of Tennessee, there are four main types of business organizations: corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and sole proprietorships. Each of these comes with benefits and drawbacks. Crow Estate Planning and Probate, PLC has helped many customers with each of these organization types, from formation through to dissolution. Below, we will briefly go over each organization and derivatives to better understand the options available to you when you start a business in Tennessee.

Among the more elaborate business structures, a corporation is considered a legal entity with the power to sue, be sued, purchase property in its name, and enter contracts. While it is owned by its shareholders, it is also considered a separate entity that files its taxes and requires many formalities before its formation and during its existence. One of the most significant advantages of a corporation is the increased level of protection from liability that it provides its shareholders. Business owners can choose to begin a C-Corporation (that pays its own taxes) or an S-Corporation (a pass-through entity that requires shareholders to pay taxes on the business).

LLCs are becoming more popular among business owners because it provides corporate-level liability protection but requires less in terms of legal procedures and formalities. LLCs must be registered with the state. An LLC also provides more favorable taxation at lower rates when compared to a corporation.

If you wish to start a business with a friend, for example, you may be looking at a partnership. Both individuals, who will serve as co-owners, are jointly liable for any obligations or debts resulting from the partnership. Similar to a sole proprietorship, a partnership does not offer liability protection, but it is a simple business structure that does not require major legal formalities.

This is the simplest way to start a business and the most popular across the U.S. No formal legal action is required to create a sole proprietorship (unless you wish to use a fictitious name or need local licenses and permits). This also offers the lowest levels of personal liability insulation, as you and your business are considered to be the same, and you will be using your tax return to file taxes for your sole proprietorship.

Are There Other Options for Formation in Tennessee?

In addition to these, a business can also be classified as a Limited Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). The right choice for your business depends on many factors, such as whether you are working by yourself or you have a partner, whether you want to file business income-related taxes on your tax return, or if you want a separate tax return solely for the business, or whether you plan on having employees and what level of liability protection you desire.

While starting something like a sole proprietorship or a partnership does not require the help of a business attorney, it is fundamental for any entrepreneur to consult a Clarksville estate planning attorney to double-check if they are making the right choice or if they should be looking at a different business organization. An attorney can also assist with many other items often needed for a new business, such as contracts, business plans, succession plans, operating agreements, and the like.

GET IN TOUCH

Are You Ready to Get Started?

We have assisted many business owners and can offer valuable insights and legal services for anyone wanting to start a business in or near Tennessee and Kentucky. Contact our office and let us help you take the essential first steps.

Contact Us 931-218-7800

Get in Touch With Us

Please fill out the form and someone will be in contact with you as soon as possible.

    Never share sensitive information (credit card numbers, social security numbers, passwords) through this form.. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    Latest News

    View all posts

    Hear From Our Clients

    Marshall P

    Mr Crow and his staff are amazing! Especially the person assigned to my account, so a special thank you to Callie! Callie answered all of my questions and set expectations during a very confusing time in my life. Mr Crow and his team worked diligently with my specific situation and were very results driven. I would recommend Crow Estate Planning and Probate to anyone looking for an estate or probate attorney.

    Benny H

    Today my wife and I completed (at Crow Estate Planning and Probate) our Will, Living Will, Power of Attorney for Finance and Medical. As a Tennessee CPA for over 20 years (now retired), I’d like to leave this review so that others may benefit. Our experience rating with with Crow Estate Planning and Probate is EXCELLENT. Our legal team was Kyle Shannon, Callie and Julia. This team was competent, courteous, and professional. They made a potentially complex experience “easy” despite multiple minor trusts involved. The charge for professional services rendered was very reasonable. My wife (Denise) and I would like to thank Kyle and his team (Callie and Julia) for a great experience that exceeded our expectations. I will return for legal needs and I will refer family and others to Kyle, Callie and Julia.

    Vic H

    I’m very grateful to Mr. Shannon and Callie for the great job they did taking care of my muniment of title. Everyone in Mr. Shannon’s office was exceedingly kind and helpful.

    Lisa M

    They are caring, very helpful and not too expensive. I would recommend them to anyone that wants to plan for their future death and their children.

    Ken A

    Crow Estate Planning was caring, professional and took great care of our family. John personally prepared my mother’s estate and completed her final wishes. Their staff was always friendly and eager to assist. Our family strongly recommends John and Crow Estate Planning

    Amanda H

    Mr. Crow and his staff were very knowledgeable, prompt and pleasant to work with in the estate planning process. Very satisfied clients and highly recommend!

    Nick D

    Working with Kyle Shannon and Brittney Stewart to setup our Living Trust was nothing short than amazing! Very informative, very responsive, and made the whole process easy to complete.

    Todd K

    It was an absolute pleasure to work with Kyle establishing my Estate planning needs. Kyle was very thorough and knowledgeable. Kyle’s understanding and professionalism made for a simple and smooth process. Highly recommended!

    George D

    Be far the best estate planning firm in Clarksville.

    Marc M

    Warmly greeted. Attorney was very attentive to our needs. Reasonable fees.

    Our Locations

    Clarksville

    512 Madison St Suite A, Clarksville, TN 37040

    931-218-7800
    Nashville

    1503 16th Ave S,
    Nashville, TN 37212

    615-558-8002
    Hopkinsville

    203 E 9th St,
    Hopkinsville, KY, 42240

    270-569-0006
    Springfield

    719 S Main St Suite 110, Springfield, TN, 37172

    (629) 280-3330