Q: I want to start an online business. DBA, LLC, both, neither?
I will not be selling products. I will offer a service which will pay me a finders fee as compensation. I will be conducting the business from home/online. No employees. Do I need to register a DBA, get a license, LLC? Im in California
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- California
- (707) 584-4529
- View Profile
- Answered
A: As is often the case, the answer is "it depends" ... upon [1] your exposure to liability ... [2] your management structure ... and the [3] the scope of your services ... the next step would be for you to schedule at least two free initial consultations by video call or telephone call.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- California
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
In California, if you are operating a business under a name that is different from your legal name, you are required to file a DBA (Doing Business As) statement with the county clerk's office in the county where your business is located.
However, if you want to protect your personal assets from potential liabilities associated with your business, you may want to consider forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company). An LLC provides a level of legal protection to its owners, known as members, by separating personal assets from the company's assets. It also offers flexibility in terms of how the business is managed and how it is taxed.
In your case, since you are not selling products and will be conducting business from home/online, it may not be required to form an LLC, but it is still a good idea to consult with a business attorney or accountant to determine the best structure for your business and any licensing or permitting requirements that may apply to your specific industry or location.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
