There are many reasons to form a business, and people often select limited liability companies as their entity of choice. There are many purported resources online, but what are the risks? Is it even safe to use these internet forms and templates? To ensure that your LLC is formed properly and operates as you need it to, skipping online forms and seeking professional help is the way to go.

Online forms present a number of risks. To start, each state has its own laws that govern LLCs and, while many are similar, different states have different requirements. These requirements cover the formation of LLCs, governance, management and membership, annual fees and reporting requirements, filing, service of process, transfers, and more. Without conforming to the correct laws, you may not be able to form an LLC, or keep it in good standing with the State.

Online forms may also fail to meet the specific needs of you and your business. There are many Operating Agreements and other LLC-related templates online, all of which govern the affairs of LLCs differently. These templates frequently run the risk of not conforming with the law, being outdated, or being improperly drafted, which could lead to litigation between co-owners, unnecessary tax implications, and other similar problems. Additionally, there is no one-size-fits-all template for governing an LLC. To truly have the organization run how you want it to, you will need documents tailored to your business.

There are financial and legal risks involved in forming an LLC. Attorneys Sarah Rubury and Connor O’Neill can provide expert legal advice to assist you in properly forming and maintaining your company.