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What is the Difference Between an LLC, an S Corp and a DBA?

There are three primary ways to operate your business: as a limited liability company (LLC), a corporation that qualifies for certain tax treatment (S Corp), or as an unincorporated enterprise ("doing business as" or DBA).

An LLC and an S Corp achieve the same two primary goals: protecting your personal assets from business debts and liabilities, and avoiding double taxation.  Both are considered "pass through" entities, meaning the income is not taxed twice at the corporate level and in your personal income taxes.

An LLC by definition is a pass through entity.  An S Corp must meet certain requirements under the IRS code in order to qualify for pass through treatment.  Most of our clients begin as an LLC, and consider changing to an S Corp when the amount of revenue makes that more economically beneficial.

A DBA is not an entity at all- it is just you doing business as whatever name you have picked for your business.  Though you avoid double taxation that way, you have no protection for your personal assets if your business has debts or liabilities.


Learn more here about incorporating your business in Massachusetts.

Need Help With Your Business Entity?

Call (781) 784-2322
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Copyright 2022, slnlaw
  • Home
  • Employment Law
    • Guide To Employment Law Content
    • Employment Contracts in Massachusetts
    • Discrimination in the Workplace
    • Employment Termination >
      • Massachusetts Paid Family Leave
      • Severance Pay
      • Unemployment in Massachusetts
    • Sexual Harassment at Work >
      • Sexual Harassment in a Small Business
      • Sexual Harassment and Non Disclosure Agreements
      • Sexual Harassment and Remote Work
    • Wage and Hour Laws
    • Independent Contractor Law
    • Non Compete Agreements >
      • Are non competes enforceable
      • Massachusetts Non Compete Act
      • Pre 2018 Massachusetts Non Competes
  • Estate Planning
    • Guide To Estate Planning Content
    • Legacy Protection
    • Why You Need an Estate Plan
    • Why You Don't Have an Estate Plan
    • Estate Planning Documents >
      • Children with Special Needs
    • Planning for Assisted Living
    • Probate Process
  • Business Law
    • Guide To Business Law Content
    • Small Business Law
    • Business Contract Basics
    • Civil Suit Defense
    • Legal Issues for Start Ups
    • Trademark Basics
    • How to Incorporate
    • Sale of Business
  • About
    • Reviews
    • Slnlaw Offices
    • slnlaw core values
    • Publications and Interviews
    • New Client Intake and Consultation
    • Contact
  • Attorneys
    • Emily Smith-Lee >
      • 2018 Lawyer of the Year
    • Jenna Ordway
    • Rebecca Rogers
    • Andrew Silvia
    • Elijah Bresley
  • Legal FAQs
    • Estate Planning FAQs
    • Probate FAQs
    • Small Business FAQs
    • Wage Act FAQs
    • Commission Pay FAQs
    • Overtime FAQs
    • Independent Contractor FAQs
    • Non Compete FAQs
    • Employment Discrimination FAQs
    • Employment Termination FAQs
    • Massachusettts Unemployment FAQs
    • Severance Package FAQs
    • Medical Leave FAQs
    • Sexual Harassment FAQs
    • Employer FAQs
    • Civil Lawsuit FAQs
  • Blog