Post Archives for Matthew Dochnal

What Is an EIN Number and Does My Business Need One?

By Matthew Dochnal March 14, 2023
clipboard with "EIN" typed out on a piece of paper.

When starting a new business, registering an LLC or corporation is just the first step. To truly get up and running, there are several more steps to take, such as getting an EIN number for your business. While the process of obtaining an EIN number from the IRS is not complicated, business owners often have […]

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Why Freelancers Should Form a Delaware LLC

By Matthew Dochnal February 16, 2023
freelancer working at a desk

In recent years, a growing number of people have turned to freelancing as a way to earn a living. Starting a freelancing business can be a great opportunity with many benefits, including flexibility and independence. One important decision that freelancers have to make is how to structure their business. More specifically, whether they should operate […]

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How to Wind Up and Close a Delaware LLC

By Matthew Dochnal February 7, 2023
"Going out of business" sign in store window

Most entrepreneurs are optimistic when starting a new business venture. However, many understand that commerce is inherently risky. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20% of new businesses fail within two years, and only 50% make it to their fifth year. It’s ok if you decide to close your business. However, you need […]

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What Is an LLC and How Can It Protect My Business?

By Matthew Dochnal January 12, 2023
llc formation document

The Limited Liability Company, or “LLC”, is the most popular business entity type in the United States. LLCs are simple and flexible business structures that combine the tax treatment of a sole proprietorship with the personal liability protection of a corporation.  Despite LLCs being so common, you might not know exactly what an LLC is. […]

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Why Startups Should Choose the Delaware C-Corp.

By Matthew Dochnal January 9, 2023
An investor putting money into a rocketship

What do companies like Uber, AirBnB and DoorDash all have in common? Each secured millions of dollars from venture capital firms and investors as startups. They are also all  incorporated as Delaware C-Corporations.  Delaware C-Corps are the most popular entity choice for startup companies looking to attract investors. Angel investors and venture capital firms prefer […]

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Can a Green Card Holder Set Up a Delaware LLC?

By Matthew Dochnal December 19, 2022
United States green card

Permanent residents of the United States are able to start businesses and form LLCs in Delaware. This includes US green card holders. In fact, individuals from almost any country in the world (except restricted countries) can form a Delaware LLC. If you are a permanent resident looking for your piece of the American Dream, forming […]

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How Do I Add a Member to a Delaware LLC?

By Matthew Dochnal December 15, 2022
business partners shaking hands

Owners of a Delaware LLC can add or change members at any time simply by amending the LLC Operating Agreement. Delaware does not require owners to make any additional public filings to add members to their LLC. However, existing members should take certain steps to avoid conflict when transferring membership. We cover exactly how to […]

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What Is a Corporate Secretary and Does My Company Need One?

By Matthew Dochnal December 9, 2022
a team of business professionals

  A Corporate Secretary can be a valuable asset to a corporation as it grows. But what does a Corporate Secretary do, exactly? Are companies required to have one? We dive into the details of what a Corporate Secretary is and why they are important. What Is a Corporate Secretary? A Corporate Secretary is one […]

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What Are Special Purpose Vehicles?

By Matthew Dochnal November 17, 2022
corporate asset protection

If you are looking to incorporate a business, you likely have sifted through tons of legal jargon. Corporations, LLCs, partnerships, sole proprietors, the list goes on. Here’s another one: Special Purpose Vehicles. People typically associate Special Purpose Vehicles, or “SPVs”, with major corporations; however, they can be useful for businesses of all sizes. Companies can […]

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Do I Need a Lawyer to Set Up a Delaware LLC?

By Matthew Dochnal
lawyer sitting with a client

If you are a business owner looking to form an LLC, you’ve likely researched some of the legal requirements. Setting up a Delaware LLC on your own can be complicated, and stressing over the details of your legal structure can take focus away from your business plan. You may be asking yourself whether you need […]

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How To Save On Single Member LLC Taxes

By Matthew Dochnal November 8, 2022
single member llc tax

20% of small businesses fail in the first year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. One reason is that many business owners cut into their profits by simply failing to take advantage of tax deductions.  If you operate a single member LLC, you can save significantly on taxes – you just need to know […]

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What Is A Delaware Public Benefit Corporation?

By Matthew Dochnal October 24, 2022
B Corp

Do you want to make money while also making a difference in the world? The Delaware Public Benefit Corporation (“PBC”) allows companies to do just that. A Public Benefit Corporation is a for-profit business with a stated “public benefit” purpose set out in its incorporation documents. Delaware PBCs benefit both stakeholders and shareholders, and many […]

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What Is a Subsidiary Company?

By Matthew Dochnal October 11, 2022
Google headquarters with statue in front

People often throw around the term ‘subsidiary’ in business, but you might not know exactly what it means. Subsidiaries play an important role for nearly every large corporation, however, they often do not get the recognition they deserve.  We discuss what subsidiary companies are, how they are used, and the best way to structure them.  […]

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What You Need to Know About Beneficial Ownership Reporting

By Matthew Dochnal October 3, 2022
Financial Crimes Enforcement Netowrk website homepage.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has issued a final rule for creating a beneficial ownership registry pursuant to the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). The rule requires most corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs) and other entity types to disclose information about their beneficial owners.       According to FinCEN, a beneficial owner is any […]

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Non-Stock and Non-Profit Corporations: What’s the Difference?

By Matthew Dochnal September 28, 2022
Man leaning on a question mark.

The terms “non-stock” corporation and “non-profit” have become almost interchangeable, however, this is not correct. “Non-stock corporation” refers to a type of legal entity filed with the Secretary of State. A “non-profit” organization refers to a non-stock corporation that has obtained a tax determination letter from the IRS. Here we sort through these two loaded […]

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What Is An LLC Membership Certificate?

By Matthew Dochnal September 20, 2022
llc membership certificate

The Delaware Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the preferred legal entity for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Compared to a corporation, an LLC offers much more flexibility and minimal red tape.  The company’s Operating Agreement sets forth an LLC’s ownership. This internal document governs the affairs of the company and is not filed in the […]

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Twitter v. Musk Trial Shines Spotlight on Delaware Business Court

By Matthew Dochnal September 12, 2022

On October 17th, 2022, a hive of high-profile corporate attorneys will swarm Wilmington, Delaware to appear in front of the Court of Chancery. The state’s business court was tasked with resolving a dispute between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Twitter, Inc. The lawsuit stems from Musk’s attempt to back-out of a deal he brokered in […]

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What Is an ITIN Number and Do I Need One?

By Matthew Dochnal August 30, 2022
individual tax identification number

The United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) utilizes several different types of identification numbers. You are probably most familiar with Social Security Numbers, which are issued to all US Citizens. You may be less familiar with Employer Identification Numbers and Individual Tax Identification Numbers. The IRS uses these different numbers to distinguish between individual US […]

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What is a DUNS Number and Do I Need One?

By Matthew Dochnal
business credit report

If you have ever tried to rent an apartment or lease a vehicle, you are probably familiar with the personal credit system. Your Social Security Number is attached to credit reports generated by major credit bureaus. Potential lenders then use your credit score to assess your ability to borrow money. Much like how a Social […]

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What are the Record-Keeping Requirements for a Series LLC?

By Matthew Dochnal August 5, 2022

A Series LLC  allows you to take one LLC and break it down into its component parts. One parent LLC has the ability to form an unlimited number of separate, protected series. Each of these protected series is a legal person able to hold assets. The statute shields the assets of each protected series from […]

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What Is a Certified B Corporation?

By Matthew Dochnal July 11, 2022

You may have seen the “Circle B” logo, but what does it mean? The logo can only be displayed by a Certified B Corporation. These are companies that have achieved a minimum score on an evaluation of their corporate governance, community, employee, and environmental benefits. Here’s what you need to know about this entity. What […]

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Who Are The Members And Managers Of An LLC?

By Matthew Dochnal February 16, 2022
member and manager

Before forming an LLC, it is important to understand how it will be structured and managed. LLCs offer business owners complete flexibility to create unique management structures. This includes choosing officer titles, delegating management responsibilities, and structuring ownership interest.  Here we breakdown common management and ownership structures for LLCs, including who the LLC Members and […]

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