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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?

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​Sharon MA 02067

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  • Home
  • Estate Planning
    • Massachusetts Wills and Trusts
    • Why You Need an Estate Plan
    • Massachusetts Estate Tax
    • Inheritance Tax
    • How to Make an Estate Plan
  • Employment Law Solutions
    • Employment Law MA
    • Employment Termination
    • 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
    • Equal Pay Act
  • Business Law Solutions
    • Small Business Law
    • Business Contract Basics
    • Civil Suit Defense
    • Legal Issues for Start Ups
    • Trademark Basics
    • How to Incorporate
    • Sale of Business
  • Attorneys
    • Emily Smith-Lee >
      • 2018 Lawyer of the Year
    • Jenna Ordway
    • Rebecca Rogers
    • Stowell Simonton
    • Elijah Bresley
  • Reviews
  • Blog
  • Contact