Business Formation

Whether you’re just beginning your entrepreneurial journey or have years of experience, starting your business begins with choosing an appropriate legal structure.

Located in Denver, Lantz Law Group serves companies of all types looking to do business in the U.S. We want to ensure your business’s ongoing success, and we can handle the planning and filing needs of your business and any necessary matters after formation.

Call 719-212-2022 today or contact us to learn more about how we can help.

Choosing the Right Entity

We have experience with many types of corporate entities, and our Denver business formation lawyers will walk you through all your options, which include:

Corporation

A corporation is a legal organization that is distinct from its owners. They are treated as individual persons under the law and can own property, enter into contracts, and be sued. Corporations are owned by shareholders, managed by an elected board of directors, and run by appointed officers. Shareholders have limited liability in corporations and are more protected from lawsuits. The corporation files a tax return and pays income tax on its profits.

In Colorado, corporations are formed by filing Articles of Incorporation with the Colorado Secretary of State.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

In contrast, a limited liability company (LLC) is a legal entity that combines the benefits of corporate protections with the profit-sharing flexibility and simplicity of a partnership. LLCs have the added benefit of “flow-through” taxation, where the profits and losses of the business pass through the personal tax returns of the owners, who are known as members rather than shareholders. This avoids double taxation since the LLC doesn’t pay corporate income tax on its profits — only the members are taxed on their personal returns.

When starting an LLC, you’ll choose someone, known as a registered agent, to receive correspondence and legal papers on behalf of your business. You’ll also have to choose a unique name for your business including the words “limited liability company” or an abbreviation such as limited or ltd., but this doesn’t necessarily have to be the same name you use to market your business to customers.

What Else Do You Need to Form a Corporation in Colorado?

To form a corporation and file Articles of Incorporation, your business formation lawyer will need to know:

• Your company’s name and address
• The name and address of your registered agent
• The name and address of the person wishing to form the corporation
• Names and addresses of your initial shareholders, board of directors, and officers
• The amount of capital the initial shareholder is investing (usually to cover filing fees and initial business setup needs such as renting an office space)
• The number of shares to be issued to the initial shareholders

Other Types of Business Entities

While corporations and LLCs are some of the most common business structures (especially for those in foreign countries establishing U.S. subsidiaries), other types of entities could be suitable for your business. Examples include:

• General partnerships — In this structure, two or more partners agree to manage and operate a business together, sharing profits and losses. General partnerships involve partners who operate a business together but have no other business structure. They share equal responsibility and personal liability for the businesses’ debts and obligations.
• Limited partnerships — In a limited partnership, general partners run the business and share liability, while limited partners are co-owners or investors who contribute capital and have limited liability for business debts. Limited partners are more protected from lawsuits and creditors than general partners.
• Proprietorships —A sole proprietorship is the simplest and cheapest way to start a business. One person owns and manages the business, but this structure creates significant financial exposure since the owner has unlimited personal liability.
• Cooperatives — Cooperatives are controlled by their owners who use the businesses’ services or products. Members of a co-op democratically manage decision-making and share profits.

With so many options to start your business, you might have questions about which structure will most benefit you. A business formation lawyer in Denver can explain the best choice for your business and represent you through the entire formation process. For those outside of the United States, our lawyers are experienced in international law to help you in establishing your business.

Lantz Law Group’s Business Formation Services in Denver

Our team provides legal services for those looking to form a business, assisting with matters such as:

• Selecting the appropriate business entity for your new venture
• Drafting and filing formation documents
• Drafting and reviewing legal agreements such as contracts and shareholder agreements
• Drafting and reviewing your new business’s policies, procedures, etc.
• Obtaining necessary business licenses and permits
• Facilitating the mergers of two businesses to form one new entity
• Ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations

Why Work with Our Business Formation Lawyers?

With an attorney’s guidance, you can navigate the legal landscape with confidence and protect your interests from the outset by:

• Avoiding legal pitfalls and costly mistakes
• Ensuring your business is compliant with all relevant laws and regulations
• Gaining valuable legal expertise and guidance on complex matters
• Freeing time and resources to focus on running and growing your business

Ultimately, hiring a business formation lawyer in Denver is an investment in setting your business up for success and a prosperous future.

FAQs about Business Formation in Denver

Can I set up an LLC or Corporation if I’m not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, you can form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Corporation in the U.S. even if you’re not a U.S. citizen. There’s no requirement for citizenship form these business structures. There may be limitations on the type of corporation you can own if you’re a non-resident alien, but an international business lawyer can explain the requirements and guide you through the process.

Contact Our Denver Business Formation Lawyers Today

Launching your business in Colorado is more than just paperwork — it’s the first step toward achieving your dream. The business formation lawyers of Lantz Law Group in Denver will empower you to tackle the formation process and give you the tools you need to succeed.

Call 719-212-2022 today or contact us to schedule an initial consultation with a business attorney in Denver.