Corporate Law
Experienced corporate law attorneys in Los Angeles.
Let our experience help your corporate law needs.
Helping California residents form and operate corporations
The corporate world can be complicated and overwhelming. The law firm of Lurie & Kramer is dedicated to the creation and protection of businesses in California, and our attorneys work tirelessly to secure the results you deserve. We help businesses and corporations protect themselves from liability. We also help entrepreneurs choose the proper corporate entity and tax structures to allow their companies to grow and prosper. Our lawyers understand that everyone’s business goals are unique, which is why we use our real-world business experience to give you the individualized attention you need to succeed.
Forming a Corporation
A corporation is a business entity that helps protect the owners from personal liability for business debts. Depending on your business plan, there are different types of corporations that you can choose from, including:
- C Corporation. Also known as a general corporation, a C Corp is owned by shareholders who elect a Board of Directors. The Board appoints corporate officers to run the day-to-day business operations. The finances of the company are separate from the personal accounts of the shareholders.
- S Corporation. This type of corporation is taxed as a “pass-through entity” under subchapter S of the IRS, meaning that it is not taxed separately from its owners. There are more limits on who can be an owner of an S Corp.
- Professional Corporation. For doctors, attorneys, accountants and other licensed professionals looking to incorporate their businesses, they need to follow special filing requirements.
- Non-Profit Corporation. A non-profit is a charitable, educational or religious business, without the purpose of creating profit for its shareholders. It is exempt from taxation.
We can advise you on the best choice of entity for your business. Once you choose what type of corporation you want there are a few steps that you must follow:
- Choose an available business name.
- File the articles of incorporation.
- Appoint a registered agent.
- Set up a corporate records book.
- Develop corporate bylaws.
- Appoint initial corporate directors.
- Hold a board of directors meeting.
- Issue stock to the shareholders.
- Make sure that you are complying with California tax requirements.
- File a statement of information.
Our experienced corporate law attorneys can further explain each of these steps and ensure that you are following them appropriately.
Running a corporation
Once you start your corporation, you must run it properly. It is imperative that you follow the rules outlined by the type of corporation you are running. You must hold annual shareholders’ meetings and directors’ meetings. All of these meetings need to be documented properly so you have a record of decisions to protect the owners if questioned by creditors or the IRS. You must also ensure that the bylaws you listed in your articles of incorporation are being followed. It is also important that your file your corporation’s income tax returns properly. With the help of a knowledgeable corporate law attorney, you can run for business smoothly and in accordance of the law.
Get help from skilled Los Angeles corporate law attorneys
Get a consultation now.
Lurie & Kramer cares about your personal situation. Let our lawyers help you achieve peace of mind. You are always welcome at our offices, conveniently located in Los Angeles.
