When Lawyers and Accountants Incorporate in Delaware
At Harvard Business Services, Inc., we’ve formed and filed Delaware LLCs and corporations since 1981, but we’re always interested to learn how other experts approach our industry. Many business owners, for example, choose to consult an attorney or accountant before incorporating a company.
New business owners often incorporate in Delaware because of the corporate law structure, no state income tax for corporations that operate outside of the state, and the higher level of coporate privacy.
Curious to know what these experts typically advise, we asked several accountants and attorneys the question, "When would you recommend that your client use a Delaware corporation or LLC instead of their home state?"
Here are some of the answers we received:
“Delaware LLCs offer legal advantages that other states don't. If the entity is multinational, we do recommend Delaware as the state of formation over others (like CA or NY which are popular but impose minimum taxes even if there's no activity or even losses).”
— Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, P.A., http://www.belfint.com/
“We tend to recommend a Delaware incorporation when minority interest can cause management issues for owner managers as Delaware has some of the best law on takeovers.”
— David Banerjee, CPA, http://www.davebanerjee.com/
“We generally recommend Delaware if the person has an online company or a company with no brick and mortar office/store in their home state. Having what the IRS refers to as ‘permanent establishment’ in a state will likely make you taxable in that state, so setting up a Delaware company has a minimal effect on the taxes. However, if the company is online, Delaware being a no tax jurisdiction can essentially prevent personal income tax owed. We also recommend Nevada and Wyoming for this strategy, however Delaware has the most case law which would be of help in outlining precedent if there was eventual litigation.”
— Vincenzo Villamena, CPA, Online Taxman, www.onlinetaxman.com
“…If [a] client anticipates a need for a speedy judicial process. Delaware courts are corporate-friendly and have a well-developed body of corporate case law.”
—Chris Wojcicki, attorney and CPA, www.wojco.com/
“Incorporating in Delaware makes sense if the client will be seeking venture capital from larger [venture capital] firms who require DE organization, or, perhaps too, if the client has extreme dramatic growth trajectory that is known in advance of entity formation (not mere projections).”
—Barry Wormser, attorney, www.wormserlegal.com
“Lawyers typically choose Delaware entities for a number of reasons. The first reason is that Delaware has a rich and well developed body of law with respect to business entities. Accordingly, if, during the life of the entity, an issue pops-up, it is more likely that you will find guidance in Delaware on how to handle the issue. Second, it provides a great compromise for people from different jurisdictions forming a company together. It is perceived as a "neutral" jurisdiction in many circumstances. Finally, if the company's plan is to go public within 5 years or so, it is my understanding that most venture capital and other investors prefer to work with a Delaware corporation as a vehicle for investment or public offering.” —Kurt E. Anderson, Esq., http://www.ghclaw.com
This information is not to be construed as legal or accounting advice. If you have more questions and how they apply to your business, please feel free to reach out to any of the listed experts for more information.
To learn more about Why Companies Incorporate in Delaware, you can read our write-up surrounding the subject on our website.
If you’re ready to form and file your Delaware corporation or LLC, please visit our easy-to-use online order form, or contact us by phone (800-345-2677), email, or live chat.
*Disclaimer*: Harvard Business Services, Inc. is neither a law firm nor an accounting firm and, even in cases where the author is an attorney, or a tax professional, nothing in this article constitutes legal or tax advice. This article provides general commentary on, and analysis of, the subject addressed. We strongly advise that you consult an attorney or tax professional to receive legal or tax guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. Any action taken or not taken based on this article is at your own risk. If an article cites or provides a link to third-party sources or websites, Harvard Business Services, Inc. is not responsible for and makes no representations regarding such source’s content or accuracy. Opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Harvard Business Services, Inc.
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There are 2 comments left for When Lawyers and Accountants Incorporate in Delaware
Jake William said: Tuesday, October 19, 2021Good day, I am currently in need of an attorney to handle a purchase agreement. let me know if you can be of great assistance Best Regards,
HBS Staff replied: Tuesday, October 19, 2021Hello Jake, thank you for reading our blog. Unfortunately, we cannot be of assistance in your search for a lawyer. We help lawyers incorporate their practices, we do not help them find clients. You are welcome to do a Google search to find a lawyer that will meet your needs. Good luck with your purchase!
Anthony Gaglio said: Tuesday, April 7, 2020I am in need of an experience lawyer who will help me handle business transaction matters to Closing. Please confirm if your firm handle sale/purchase agreement? Anthony Gaglio
HBS Staff replied: Tuesday, April 7, 2020Unfortunatley, we cannot and do not provide any legal services to our clients. We recommend you search for qualified attorneys in your local area. You can also try contacting your local Chamber of Commerce.