If you’re wondering how to form an LLC, or limited liability company, you may be surprised to learn that you do not need to hire an attorney! Instead, enlisting the help of a registered legal document assistant could save you hundreds of dollars. Plus, legal document assistants like A People’s Choice will walk you through the entire process, and even assist with submitting the required paperwork!

To learn more about limited liability companies and how to form an LLC in the state of California, read on for our step-by-step guide:

What is an LLC?

Note that most references to LLCs in the United States refer to domestic limited liability companies. However, foreign LLCs and professionals LLCs are also common.

A limited liability company, or LLC, is a sort of hybrid between a partnership and a corporation. Like corporations, LLCs are run by either one or two “members”, or owners. However, unlike corporations, LLCs are separate legal entities from their members. This distinction is one of the greatest benefits of LLCs, as LLC business owners are most often not legally liable for the company’s debts.

Additionally, LLCs benefit from pass-through taxation, which prevents companies from being taxed twice. Instead, LLC members receive all the business’ profits and report them on their tax returns. As a result, many business owners look into how to form an LLC to take advantage of the tax benefits.

What our Clients Say...
“This company is excellent! They helped me get through all of my paperwork, submitted it to the court, and now everything is complete. Everything was clear and almost too easy. I saved thousands of dollars!”
Seth M.
“I am glad I chose A People’s Choice. They were very friendly and helped me with my documents in a very efficient way in very little time. Give them a try and you will be writing a positive review just as I did.”
D. Buelna
“The service provided by A People’s Choice was very professional and comprehensive. We have used A People’s Choice on a previous occasion and were completely satisfied. We would highly recommend A People’s Choice to anyone!”
R. Betancourt
“I had the opportunity to use A People’s Choice again, Wow doesn’t say enough for the way the staff was able to get me in and out and all my answers answered. Very Professional, Organized and Friendly. I highly recommend!”
Debbie E.
“How much is peace of mind worth to you? This company of hardworking, caring individuals will help you get the job done in the quickest, most efficient way. Conveniently located. Check it out. Thank you!”
Diana K.
“Extremely satisfied with the performance of A People’s Choice. The communication was excellent and all was handled in a timely efficient manner.”
Pam T.
“I was very happy with the service received. They were extremely responsive by phone and email and completed the document in less than 24 hours! All questions were answered promptly. I would highly recommend this service to anyone needing a legal document prepared!”
M.D.
“A People’s Choice is extremely customer orientated and friendly. Their service was fast and reliable. in the future, should I need their services again, I will not hesitate to call them. All e-mails were answered with either a phone call or e-mail sometimes even late at night”
Tar
“A People’s Choice is a great option to get legal documents prepared inexpensively. They offer a very professional, low cost service for all sorts of legal paperwork. You won’t be disappointed and will save lots of money as compared to using an expensive attorney!”
Kathryn R.
“A People’s Choice is awesome! They made the legal documentation process painless. I highly recommend A People’s Choice. The name says it all.”
Eric J.
“I Recently used A PEOPLE’S CHOICE !!!! This service is absolutely AMAZING !!!! At first I was so confused , but after their process was explained to me , everything worked exactly the way they Said it would & they are there to help with the process. every step of the way , as promised. I would recommend this service 100% based on them being so efficient, professional, and always available to address any concerns that you may have . I appreciate the work that they did for me . THANKS !!!!“
R. Ivey
“I needed help understanding and filling out legal documents but I didn’t have enough money to pay for an attorney. I would highly recommend A People’s Choice for your legal documents as you will get outstanding service at an affordable price. “
Sharon B.
“Lightning fast response, I had my very simple document on the same day as my order for the very fair and reasonable price compared to my attorney who quoted me 3 weeks and $2500. I will definitely use these folks again and highly recommend them!”
L. Carnes
“I highly recommend A People’s Choice. The customer service and professionalism are exceptional. This service is only a fraction of the cost, more responsive, and better suited to quickly completing complicated court forms. “
Linda F.
“Great service. Highly professional and efficient creating legal documents. I am completely satisfied and highly recommend them to others. People who are looking for professional legal services look no further, try A People’s Choice.”
Radtech N.
“I recently required the help of A People’s Choice, Inc. and found them to be entirely professional. Everything was done in short order yet all was explained to my satisfaction. They were friendly and courteous. I am happy and impressed.”
C. Zyobel
“We love A People’s Choice. It’s legally run and professional. Everyone has to have a recommendation and license. Highly recommended.”
Christy C.
“Made the process so easy for me. Also VERY prompt replies through email. So glad I used their services.”
Kristina C.
“My wife and I needed to have some papers filed in court but found that traditional lawyers were quite expensive. They did a very professional job completing our paperwork and I might say, at a very reasonable price.”
D. Hileman
“Very professional, excellent follow up and easy to work with. I will recommend them often! The staff rocks!”
Gene A.
“A People’s Choice is a business that delivers what they promise. I was treated like a VIP by their staff and Sandy was the best. As for their services, they promptly delivered all of the official documents and fillings on my behalf and their price is more than reasonable.
Juan B.
“A People’s Choice – Saved me time, money & hardship. The people are professional and a pleasure to work with, I totally recommend them to everyone! I will used them for all my legal documents in the future. Thank you!”
C. Lazalde
“I have worked with A People’s Choice since September 2013. They are very knowledgeable and experienced. Their work is done professionally and timely. They showed a real concern for my situation. I recommend you give them the opportunity.”
D. Echeverra
“A People’s Choice prepares legal documents so you can represent yourself and still look like you know what you’re doing. I utilized their services recently and found them to be professional as well as extremely helpful. I couldn’t be happier.”
Evan J.
“I was in need of some serious help and didn’t know what to do. I had contacted a lawyer and he wanted to charge me $1800.00. A People’s Choice got my paper work started and at a much lower cost. I am very grateful for the company’s services.
April R.
“I can’t say enough about the level of service and professionalism I received working with A People’s Choice. Emails were always responded to quickly and thoughtfully. I ended up saving a lot of money by going with A People’s Choice over an attorney.”
M. Rice
“This team is efficient, professional, ethical and easy to work with. Any of my questions were responded to immediately. They did everything they could to help me. I highly recommend their services.”
Leigh A.

Get help forming a California limited liability company!

START MY LLC

…or continue reading the article below to learn more about how to form an LLC.

How to Form an LLC in 5 Steps

Step 1: Pick a Business Name

The California Secretary of State’s website provides general guidelines for all corporations, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies reserving business names. More specifically, the law states:

A limited liability company name may be adopted if the name is distinguishable in the records of the California Secretary of State or if the name is not misleading to the public. (Source: California Secretary of State)

The Secretary of State’s office must officially determine that a business name is unique in the state of California. However, LLC members may conduct preliminary research before attempting to reserve a name using the Business Search tool.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

A registered agent is a business or individual who acts as the company’s representative. For example, the registered agent will take care of legal documents, government correspondence, and tax documents. This information will be necessary for completing the Articles of Organization Form LLC-1.

Step 3: Complete the Articles of Organization

When you work with a registered legal document assistant (LDA) such as A People’s Choice, we help you complete and file the necessary documentation with the Secretary of State. First, all LLCs must complete an Articles of Organization, which requires the following information:

  • Proposed LLC name;
  • Designated office address;
  • Registered agent name and address; and
  • Number of LLC members

Unfortunately, a large number of legal forms submitted to the Secretary of State’s Office are returned due to incomplete or inaccurate information. However, hiring an LDA ensures you will not have to pay to re-submit your legal documents. Instead, we will work with you until all of your paperwork is complete and accurate.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

In addition to the Articles of Organization, A People’s Choice is here to help you write your LLC’s Operating Agreement. Note that the state of California requires all LLCs to complete this document. However, while not every state mandates Articles of Organization, legal professionals always recommend them. Ultimately, Operating Agreements help prevent conflict between members and add credibility to the company.

Typically, Operating Agreements contain the following information:

  • Organization – Identifies the members of the LLC and defines their ownership. Also describes the company’s formation and dissolution process, should the company require one.
  • Management – Describes management and how voting will take place, as well as how changes in management may be made.
  • Investments – Identifies how much money each member has invested in the company.
  • Distributions – Defines how profits and losses are distributed between members.

Operating Agreements are an integral part of protecting yourself and your LLC. However, you do not have to write it alone – A People’s Choice is here to help.

Step 5: File Documents With the State

Although you do not need to officially file your Operating Agreement, you will need to submit your Articles of Organization and potentially additional legal forms to register your LLC. Sometimes, people fail to recognize when their situation requires additional documentation. Luckily, when you work with an LDA, we ensure you have completed and filed all necessary paperwork to avoid any wasted time and money.

Benefits of Working With A People’s Choice

When it comes to forming an LLC, working with A People’s Choice is a no-brainer! First, our services have flat rates, including filing fees, so there are no surprises. In fact, you will save hundreds of dollars by working with a legal document assistant instead of an attorney!

Additionally, A People’s Choice provides a Quick Start Interview that kickstarts your new company by providing us with all the necessary background information up front. Ultimately, we want to help you form your LLC as quickly and easily as possible.

A People’s Choice has been in the legal document preparation business for over 40 years. Plus, we have a great reputation in the community. Contact A People’s Choice to learn more about how we can help you complete and file legal documents in a timely manner. Call us today at 800-747-2780 with any questions.

Get help with your Legal documents today!

A People’s Choice can save you hundreds of dollars by preparing your legal documents instead of an expensive attorney!

GET STARTED!

Was this article helpful? We would love to know your thoughts! If you found this article helpful, please check the LIKE button below. Your feedback helps us plan topics for future articles.