LLC stands for Limited Liability Company, a business structure that offers owners limited liability protection and pass-through taxation. LLCs are separate legal entities from their owners, so owners are usually not personally responsible for the LLC's debts and liabilities. LLCs are taxed on a pass-through basis, meaning all profits and losses are reported on the owners' personal tax returns.
LLCs are created by state statute, and regulations may vary by state. For example, some states may impose additional fees for running an LLC, or restrict certain professions from working through an LLC. LLCs may also be more expensive to start and maintain than other business structures, such as a sole proprietorship or general partnership. However, LLCs can be a good choice for small business owners because they can protect personal assets.
The IRS treats LLCs differently for tax purposes depending on the number of members and other elections made by the LLC. For example, a domestic LLC with at least two members is usually treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, unless it files Form 8832 to elect to be treated as a corporation. LLCs with only one member are usually treated as disregarded entities, separate from their owners, unless they also file Form 8832 to elect to be treated as a corporation.