How to Change the Name of Your Company

When it comes time to expand your small company, it may also be time to modify its structure. Discover how to update the structure of your entity here.

What you’ll discover:

What is the procedure for altering the structure of my business?
How can I convert a single proprietorship to a corporation?
How can I transform a partnership or LLC into a corporation?
How can I convert a C-corporation into an LLC?
How can I convert a C-corporation or an LLC into a single proprietorship or partnership?

Small business owners may wish to consider modifying the structure of their operation as their company grows. Before making a choice, it is critical to understand the tax ramifications and administrative procedures of converting from a sole proprietorship to an LLC or corporation. The following covers the fundamentals and offers many perspectives on determining whether modifications are appropriate for your company.

What is the procedure for altering the structure of my business?

The process of changing your company structure differs based on your region, present business type, and the sort of business type to which you want to convert. In general, altering the structure of a firm entails:

Completing legal forms.
Creating legal documentation.
Filling up the papers and paperwork and submitting them to your state (and paying fees).
Liabilities and assets are transferred to the new corporate organization.
If appropriate, the previous business entity is terminated.

The Secretary of State’s office in several states may give an outline of the procedure and requirements for altering your company structure. But, you may wish to consult with a lawyer about the unique and particular difficulties that may apply to you or your company.

A new business structure may have an impact on your personal legal responsibilities, income taxes, ownership, and the way your company runs. Although certain arrangements, such as a sole proprietorship, restrict the owner’s responsibility, others, such as a corporation, do not. Certain corporate arrangements restrict who may own the company. Noncitizens who do not live in the United States, for example, are normally not permitted to own an S-corporation. Certain company arrangements, such as a C-corporation, need more administrative time and money.

If the structural change necessitates the dissolution of your current company, you may be compelled to:

Get a new Employer Identification Number (EIN) (EIN).
Apply for a business license for your new venture.
Establish a new company bank account.

Also, certain of your current contracts may not be assignable or transferable to the new organization. The dissolution of an established business may be taxed and may result in additional fees, charges, and repercussions.

How can I convert a single proprietorship to a corporation?

Unless otherwise specified, a sole proprietorship is the default organization for an individual-owned firm. Even if a single owner obtains a trade name, the firm is still considered a sole proprietorship.

In many states, a signed Partnership Agreement constitutes the partnership if you wish to alter your firm to a partnership. If you want the company to be a limited liability partnership, you must normally file paperwork with the state.

To convert a sole proprietorship to a limited liability company (LLC), S-corporation, or C-corporation, the necessary documentation must be filed. Articles of Organization and an Operating Agreement are required for an LLC. Articles of Incorporation, Corporate Bylaws, and Stock Certificates are common for S-corporations and C-corporations. Shareholder meetings may be held by S-corporations and C-corporations, although LLCs may function without formal meetings depending on state legislation.

How can I transform a partnership or LLC into a corporation?

Depending on the state, your partnership may need a statutory conversion, merger, or dissolution before you may incorporate a new company. If possible, a statutory conversion is usually the preferred choice. Yet, converting from a partnership to a corporation may result in increased tax liabilities.

A statutory conversion or a statutory merger may be used to convert an LLC to a corporation. Again, statutory conversion is the better choice when it is available. The tax consequences of converting an LLC to a corporation might vary greatly.

If you wish to modify the LLC’s tax status so that it is taxed as a C-corporation or an S-corporation, you may do so via an IRS filing. By submitting IRS Form 8832 or IRS Form 2553, an LLC that is presently taxed as a partnership or sole proprietorship may opt to be taxed as a C-corporation or an S-corporation. The entity remains an LLC at the state level after this modification.

How can I convert a C-corporation into an LLC?

Converting a C-corporation to an LLC may be difficult and more costly than other company form adjustments. It may also result in tax obligations for both the C-corporation and its shareholders; thus, before making this move, contact with a tax specialist.

If the C-shareholders corporation’s agree a merger with an LLC, certain states allow for a quick statutory conversion by just submitting documents with the appropriate governmental agency. If a statutory conversion is not possible, a statutory merger, which is usually more costly and involved, may be a possibility.

You should consider how the new LLC will be taxed before altering the company structure. A single-member LLC is taxed in the same way as a sole proprietorship. A multi-member LLC is taxed in the same way as a partnership. You may file a request to the IRS if you desire an alternative taxing format. A tax specialist can help you choose the best method of taxes for your new LLC.

How can I convert a C-corporation or an LLC into a single proprietorship or partnership?

Prior to forming the new firm, a C-corporation or LLC must be dissolved, its assets liquidated, and the assets distributed to the shareholders or members. The dissolution of an established C-corporation or LLC will have tax and legal consequences.

A sole proprietorship is formed when you begin doing business without first forming a partnership, LLC, or corporation. While no state filings are normally necessary to operate as a sole proprietor, you may wish to get an EIN for the firm so that you do not have to utilize a Social Security number. You may also be needed to get the proper municipal permissions or licenses to do business in your region.

A general partnership is effective in most states the moment the paperwork is signed. But, if you wish to form a limited liability partnership, you must usually file the necessary paperwork with the state.