For big enterprises, legal affairs are easier as they have the budget to hire a team of the best lawyers to handle legal affairs. But if you are a small business, then such lavish budget expenses are not available to handle such matters. You have to cut your overheads wherever and whenever you can.
Having said that, the fact remains the same that you need to register your business legally and have to handle legal matters about it. You must have heard the phrase “ use a virtual business address for an LLC registration”, around in your circle. If you are wondering what it means and how to go about it, then read through, this article is for you.
What is a virtual address?
A virtual business address is a physical address at a renowned business location, that you choose to receive your mail and packages. You can use this address in your legal documents and correspondence without physically occupying the location. It is an emerging industry that offers affordable services to small and home-run businesses, providing top-notch locations and lavish meeting areas.
You get the benefits of enterprise facilities without having to pay the hefty cost for them. You don’t have to worry about the rent lease, the maintenance cost, the infrastructure cost, and the utility bills. The expansion that you have been dreaming about becomes easier. You can branch out and work on making your business into a brand.
You can receive your mail, packages at that address. You can also get receptionist services and voice mail services. You can also get the mail scanned and emailed to you.
What is LLC and why is it important?
An LLC or a limited liability company is a business structure that safeguards your liability by keeping it separate from the company’s liability. It is a legal entity that is formed to own and operate your business. The reason why it is important or advised, are:
- It gives the same limited liability as a corporation but it is cheaper and easier to run and operate.
- LLCs separate personal debts from company debts. In case of company debts or litigation, your assets are not affected. You might lose money or the company’s assets but your home or personal accounts are not used for recovery.
- It has a flow-through taxation system. That means that the profit is distributed among the partners and they are taxed on the profit based on the personal tax level.
- It offers a flexible management system to operate the company, limiting the personal liability of partners and senior management.
Can I use a PO box for LLC?
It is not advised to use a PO box for LLC. Some states don’t allow the use of PO boxes for LLC at all. While others discourage it passionately. The reason is that for legal documentation, a physical address is required. Legal correspondence is usually signed by the receiver, and this cannot happen in the case of a PO box.
Can I use my home address for LLC?
Well, technically yes, you can use your home address to apply for LLC. But it is not recommended. The reason for this is the protection of personal privacy and personal space. Another very important reason is that in some zones or municipalities you can not run a business from a residential address. With such restrictions, you cannot use your home address for business registration. Similarly, if you are living in a condo or a compound, you might not be able to do business from home address due to homeowner associations regulations. So do check these rules before planning anything.
The advantage of using an LLC is that you can retain liability and debts. But this is possible only if you keep your activities separate from business ones. This will not be possible if you use your home address. In case your LLC faces legal issues your liability should be protected. In such cases using your home address will cause an invasion of privacy for yourself and your family. Your business address will be listed on many marketing platforms, you should avoid using your home address to ensure discretion of your personal life.
Lastly, it doesn’t give a professional impression if your business address is listed in the residential area. Your prospect partners, investors, and customers will not take your business seriously in such a case.
Can I use my Virtual address for LLC?
YES! You can use your virtual business address for LLC registration. The requirement is to provide a reachable physical address. And a virtual address provides you with one. It is advised for small businesses to use virtual business addresses for LLC. A virtual office gives you the service of signing and receiving mail. You can also get urgent mail scanned and emailed to you.
Another advantage of using a virtual address is that it doesn’t have a paper trail. So, it gives you the anonymity that can be useful for expansion overseas or to states like Columbia.
Verdict:
As you can see, it is easier to use your virtual business address for LLC than any other option. If you have a physical, old-school business address then this discussion is pointless. But if you are a small business that doesn’t have that, then your best bet is to use a Virtual business address for your LLC.
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