Definition

What Is An LLC?

An LLC, which stands for limited liability company, is a hybrid business structure combining the benefits of other business types. It’s easy to form like a sole proprietorship and partnership but provides the same level of personal asset protection given to corporations. 

In addition to this, LLCs provide flexibility in terms of tax options and management structure. They are also easier to maintain and operate compared to corporations, making them a popular choice for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This combination of benefits makes LLCs the most popular choice among SMBs.

Advantages

What Are The Advantages of A Drywall Contractor LLC?

Your debris removal business will gain specific advantages as an LLC. Here’s a quick look at them:

Disadvantages

What Are The Disadvantages of A Debris Removal LLC?

An LLC also has some downsides, most of which can be avoided with careful planning. Here’s a quick look and how to deal with them:

LLC Formation

How To Create A Debris Removal LLC

Finally, let’s move on to the steps you must take to form your own debris removal LLC in your state. Below are the steps you need to take.

1. Know the pros and cons of the business
2. Choose a name for your debris removal business
3. Hire a registered agent
4. Submit an Article of Organization
5. Secure an EIN
6. Create an Operating Agreement

Know the pros and cons of the business

Before forming your own debris removal LLC, you should know the pros and cons of the services you are going to offer. For example, the business is sure to have a steady stream of customers and can be expected to produce hefty amounts of profit, but it is also hard, risky labor, and can be quite costly to start thanks to the equipment and vehicle/s it requires. If you’re okay on all fronts mentioned, proceed to the next step.

Choose a name for your debris removal business

Choose a unique name for your business—one that’s not being used by other businesses in your state. It must communicate your services clearly to your target customers and should be easy to remember as well. For instance, lean on names along the lines of “Jim’s Debris Removal Services” to make them easy to understand. Verify with your local Secretary of State’s office if your preferred name is available, and reserve it when you can.

Hire a registered agent

A registered agent serves to represent your company when corresponding with your state. They are the point person receiving legal documents, such as lawsuits pertaining to your business. The only requirement is that they should reside in the state where your business is registered.

Submit an Article of Organization

The aforementioned Article of Organization is used to establish your debris removal LLC in your state. It contains details about your LLC’s membership, how it works, and also states your company’s purposes. You cannot skip this step, as your LLC cannot be registered unless you file this with your Secretary of State’s office.

Secure an EIN

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS uses to identify business entities. It is used when filing taxes, hiring workers, setting up a payroll system, and opening a bank account for your business. You also need it when you apply for loans for your company.

Create an Operating Agreement

An Operating Agreement provides instructions as to how the people involved in your new LLC should work. Think of it as a business guideline for everything involved, especially its owners. It details the relationships between your LLC’s members and their respective roles and responsibilities. It should give instructions on how your business deals with profits and losses. This document is optional in most states, but we say write one anyway to avoid future conflict.

LLC Taxes

How Are Debris Removal LLCs Taxed?

By default, your debris removal LLC will be taxed the same way the IRS taxes a sole proprietorship: once, at an individual level. Your LLC’s revenues will be passed on to you and the other members. You will pay taxes on your personal tax return. The company won’t pay a separate corporate tax. Every member will then have to pay Medicare and Social Services contributions individually. 

Lastly, if your state requires it, your LLC might also need to pay an annual renewal fee. The amount varies with the state, but the price ranges from $100 to $800. This is so that your LLC can retain its registration.

Costs

What Are The Costs Of Starting A Debris Removal LLC?

As mentioned, starting your debris removal can be quite costly. Here’s what you need to spend before getting that first client:

Filing costs

You need to pay a certain fee when filing your Article of Organization with your state office. The amount depends on the state, but it will be between $50 and $800. Check with your local Secretary of State for details.

Operating Agreement

Personally, creating your LLC’s operating agreement means it won’t cost you anything. But if you want to get professional advice to avoid any potential mistakes, you can pay lawyers for it. Expect to pay a maximum of $200 for legal assistance.

Registered Agent

You will also need to pay your registered agent for their services. The price could be anywhere between $100 and $300 depending on the organization they belong to. This is a necessary cost that will make doing business easier for you.

Operating expenses

This refers to the cost of utilities and supplies you need for the business’s daily operations. This includes the cost of personal protective equipment like gloves, boots, dust masks and heavy equipment like cranes, trucks, and dumpsters to haul debris. These can also include fuel and transportation costs, rental fees, and vehicle maintenance—and don’t forget hand tools like sledgehammers, crowbars, spades, rakes, reciprocating saws, and so on. Taking all these expenses into account ensures that you are prepared to effectively carry out your work.

Insurance

Lastly, you need to get your debris removal business insured for added protection against several different instances. Here’s a quick list of some of the ones you might want to consider:

• General liability insurance covers third-party accidents such as slips and falls, unintentional damage to property as a result of debris removal, and so on.
• Worker’s compensation insurance covers medical costs and lost wages for workers who were injured in the line of work. It also covers injury-related lawsuits filed against employees.
• Commercial auto insurance covers damages caused by vehicles used in the debris removal business. Damages covered include but are not limited to, property damage and bodily injuries caused by debris removal vehicles like dump trucks.
• Contractor’s tools and equipment insurance covers repair or replacement costs for tools and equipment, such as reciprocating saws and jackhammers, used in the business. This includes coverage for said tools and equipment that are damaged, lost, or stolen.
• Professional liability insurance covers legal costs when your debris removal LLC gets sued for negligence, mistakes, or oversight. It includes coverage for when your business is sued for not finishing projects on time.

Starting your own debris removal services LLC allows you to offer your specialized skills to more clients. It’s not that easy to form, but it rewards you with protection for your personal assets and other neat benefits. With an LLC, your debris removal business is sure to grow. Start your debris removal LLC with StartGlobal today.

Comparisons

Is LLC The Best Entity For Me?

Maybe, LLC isn’t the right entity for you. Maybe it is a C-Corp. Only way to find out is to directly compare them all.