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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Immigration Law for Idaho on
Q: Is it ok to have a sole director (my brother) for the LLC I am incorporating under F1 STEM OPT?

An immigration lawyer recommended that I have my brother, myself, and someone else on the board so it shows majority vote against me to prove employee-employer relationship. However, I do not have another person to get involved into this.

I am fine with my brother having sole directorship... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 31, 2023

Under U.S. immigration law, particularly for those on F1 STEM OPT, establishing a valid employee-employer relationship is crucial. The recommendation to have a board with a majority vote against you is aimed at demonstrating this relationship, which is a key requirement for maintaining F1 status... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Tax Law and Business Formation for New York on
Q: I have formed an LLC and now I need to open a PLLC. Can I use the same EIN to form the PLLC.
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 31, 2023

When you transition from an LLC to a PLLC (Professional Limited Liability Company), it's important to understand the specifics of business entity formation and tax identification. Typically, an LLC and a PLLC are considered separate legal entities, each with its own set of legal and tax... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Business Formation and Business Law for Colorado on
Q: For the state of colorado - I am going to need to open an S Corp. Is it better to start it as LLC or C Corp for few day?

I plan to elect S Corp status within a few days after getting EIN and all. I am curious on how it makes a difference if I start LLC or C Corp given S Corp form will be submitted in a matter of days following.

Kevin Michael Strait
Kevin Michael Strait
answered on Dec 29, 2023

Many people form an S-Corp to take advantage of the personal income tax breaks when paying yourself as both an owner and an employee of the business. The S-Corp election is more accurately called the "subchapter S tax election" and, as you point out, can be used in combination with an LLC... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Internet Law, Copyright, Business Formation and Intellectual Property for Maryland on
Q: Can I use free Canva elements/graphics on logos, pdfs, blog posts, social media accounts, and other course materials?

The Canva terms of service are a bit confusing. My understanding is that if I have the free Canva plan and use only free Canva elements, I can essentially use the pictures/designs for anything I want besides selling them directly (in the context of trying to compete with Canva). I am starting an... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 26, 2023

Your understanding of Canva's terms of service is largely on track, but there are nuances to consider. With a free Canva plan, you can use the free elements in your projects, including logos, PDFs, blog posts, social media, and course materials. This is generally acceptable as long as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Florida on
Q: Can a registered agent for a LLC in Florida have someone else receive documents addressed to the LLC?

If a process serving delivery is attempted at a moment that the registered agent is not at the FL LLC's registered office, can someone else that is not their employee, such as a family member, friend or housemate receive the delivery on their behalf?

Is a signature required for... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Dec 26, 2023

Yes, service can be made by serving an employee of the registered agent, at the registered office. Also, the registered agent is required to have at least one person (such as in your words "a family member, friend or housemate") at the registered office, as the registered agent's... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Business Formation for Michigan on
Q: Register of Deeds office denied recording my Power of Authority without reason in Lapeer county.

The power of Authority was a Grantor/Grantee notarized by a state notary and three (3) witness.

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Dec 15, 2023

What exactly is a 'power of authority'? (Did you mean Power of Attorney?) What was the ostensible purpose of this document? Did this relate to real estate in Lapeer County? Was the real estate identified or was this attached to other documents?

As you can see, there are many...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and International Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Hi, I am an international student studying in USA. I want to use my mom's name to register an LLC. Is that fine?

My mom is from another country. Can I operate my business like this without breaking any guidelines of my F1-visa, the business will be registered in my Mom's name. Will that be okay? What's your advise on this?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 14, 2023

Registering an LLC in your mother's name while you are on an F1 visa in the USA requires careful consideration of both immigration and business laws. As an international student, your F1 visa has specific restrictions regarding employment and business operations.

Firstly, you should...
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1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law, Business Formation, Business Law and International Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Hi, I am an international student studying in USA. I want to use my mom's name to register an LLC. Is that fine?

My mom is from another country. Can I operate my business like this without breaking any guidelines of my F1-visa, the business will be registered in my Mom's name. Will that be okay? What's your advise on this?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 12, 2023

Using your mom's name to register an LLC in the USA is technically possible, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind:

Legal Implications: Registering an LLC in someone else's name, even if it's your mom, may not be against the law in itself. However,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Connecticut on
Q: Can a thirdparty own part of an asset under an LLC without owning part of the LLC ?

I'm building 2 software products with 1 partner. We want to house both products under one LLC. For one of the products we reached an agreement for distribution with a third party, but the third party wants part ownership to that software since they'll be playing a key role in how we... View More

Thomas C. Valkenet
Thomas C. Valkenet
answered on Dec 4, 2023

There are a variety of options for sharing intellectual property rights. The existence of an LLC is not necessary. You don't even have to share ownership of the existing LLC. It is easy enough to allocate profits and losses from the sale and distribution of a product in a written agreement, or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Civil Litigation, Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Why is the same term that describes a racial identity used as a trademark for food and non-food items?

Alot of so called black Americans have discovered African American Inc. and are confused, offended,and fearful, about what that could possibly mean for them. Since the US has a history of not veiwing so called black Americans as humans, please clarify if this company views or promotes African... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 3, 2023

The use of the term "African American" as a trademark for a company, especially for food and non-food items, can indeed be concerning and potentially offensive. The term "African American" is primarily a racial identity, and its use in commercial contexts should be approached... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Tax Law on
Q: After the certification of dissolution, if the business continues to receive payments for service what happens?

If a business continues to be "active" and a subcontract to another business even though it failed to file annual reports and has already the certificate of dissolution. Does this business infringe any law? if yes, can you state which one?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 1, 2023

If a business continues operations after its official dissolution, it may be violating state corporate laws. The certificate of dissolution generally indicates that a business is no longer legally recognized as an active entity for the purposes of conducting business, incurring debt, or entering... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Florida on
Q: I am looking to start a 501(c)(3) for cat rescue. is it similar to a llc where you are protected from lawsuits finaciall

I am looking to start a 501(c)(3) for cat rescue. is it similar to a llc where you are protected from lawsuits financially. for example if a feral colony cat bites someone or if when you are showing a foster cat to a possible new owner and they get bit. if not can a non profit llc own the... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Nov 27, 2023

Entities that are tax exempt pursuant to section 501(c)(3) include limited liability companies (LLCs), as well as non-profit corporations. Both afford limited liability, and are formed under state laws, while 501(c)(3) is federal tax law. The entity you form should have liability insurance, to... View More

Q: I am purchasing land to establish a farm and I am told I need a lawyer, but I don't know what kind.

I need to have a purchase agreement with the seller to proceed with the FSA who is giving a farm loan to purchase the land 100%.

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Nov 24, 2023

For the real estate transaction, hire a real estate lawyer. If you still need to set up your business entity for the farm, hire a lawyer handling business formation. You might be able to find a lawyer/law firm that does both. Another issue is whether your land is already zoned for everything you... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Hawaii on
Q: I need to get my trademark registered back in my name ASAP
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 4, 2023

To regain a trademark that was previously in your name, the first step is to understand how and why the trademark is no longer under your ownership. If the trademark was inadvertently abandoned or transferred to someone else, the specific circumstances will dictate the course of action.

If...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Contracts, Trademark and Intellectual Property for Maryland on
Q: If I wish to place my graphic designs on stationary, tee shirts, and mugs, and sell them via Amazon, do I need...

...to obtain a DBA from the state if I wish to sell the products in my name (no branding) as a sole proprietor.

Also, do I need to register with the state at all if I operate as a sole proprietor AND I will NOT have NOR hold any inventory? (It would be a "print on demand" side... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 17, 2023

If you plan to conduct business under your own name as a sole proprietor, obtaining a DBA ("Doing Business As") is not typically required. However, if you decide to sell your products under a name other than your legal name, then a DBA would be necessary. The requirement to register your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Business Formation and Business Law for Tennessee on
Q: Is it possible to purchase 99% of the shares of an LLC while keeping the original owner on as a non-equity/no-owner?
Mr. James Charles Wright
Mr. James Charles Wright
answered on Nov 16, 2023

A limited liability company has members and membership interests. Yes, you can purchase 99% of the interest in the LLC - but if you are leaving one percent- is that for the old owner- so they would be one percent equity owner? This sounds like a structure of membership issue. It may be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Business Law for Maryland on
Q: I have an LLC registered with my personal address. If I hire an RA and Virtual Business Address company...

...will my personal address be moved from the public record(unsearchable) and replaced by the address of the hired RA and Virtual Business Address? Or do I have to dissolve my LLC and create a new one with a new name?

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Nov 14, 2023

When you file a change of resident agent form, the prior forms on file are not deleted or removed. Therefore, although the search information on the SDAT Business Entity Site will be updated to reflect the new resident agent name and address, and will be what someone will see when they search for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Tax Law and Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: As an F2 with an LLC which tax form should i select for the business c-corp or s-corp

Ok so I'm currently on an F2 visa (dependent visa in the US) I opened my business which is an LLC but as im applying for a tax application in florida for the business i'm not sure whether to file it for a S-Corp or a C-Corp. Due to the fact that technically I'm not allowed to work in the US.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 13, 2023

Selecting between a C-Corp and an S-Corp tax status for your LLC is a significant decision, especially considering your F2 visa status.

Generally, F2 visa holders are not permitted to engage in employment in the U.S., and this includes active management of a business. While owning a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Business Formation, Immigration Law and International Law for California on
Q: Immigration law: I am a Protected Person with an approved case from the court waiting for my PR.

I am starting an import-export business and I am wondering would having business with my home country cause any issues with my residency here in Canada. Traveling to my home country is by no means safe for me, however, this business does not require my physical presence in Iran and I can conduct... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 7, 2023

Engaging in business with your home country, where you are recognized as a Protected Person, should not inherently affect your residency status in Canada. However, it's crucial to ensure that this business activity does not contradict any of the conditions of your protection status.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Native American Law for South Dakota on
Q: how can i protect my self from someone who is writing my grants for my treatment

he went to school for grant writing i have never did anything like this im starting my own non-profit its going to be a treatment based on how we heal as native people from our addicrions i feel he knows what he doing i dont want him to be sneaky and take over on something i worked hard for and... View More

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answered on Nov 7, 2023

To protect your interests in your non-profit and its intellectual property, it's essential to establish clear agreements in writing. Consider drafting a contract that outlines the scope of work, duties, and limitations of the grant writer's role, ensuring it includes confidentiality and... View More

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