You can get a TaxID (TIN) from the state online in about 10 minutes. It costs $109 if memory serves, or something in this range. I evaluated several options including LLC, but settled on S-corp structure. Both offer a "corporate shield" against any claims; both have additional costs and paperwork such as incorporation, annual filings, etc. The deciding advantage from my perspective was saving social security taxes by paying out a portion of income as profit instead of salary to myself. Probably this depends to a certain extent on your anticipated revenues and expenses. It would be worth a few hours with a spreadsheet, figuring it several ways to find out which is best. - Jeremy ----- Original Message ----- From: "Charlie Heath" <chasheath at comcast.net> To: <Hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net> Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 11:28 AM Subject: [Hidden-tech] LLC questions > ** The author of this post was a Good Dobee. > ** You too can help the group > ** Fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area. > ** If you did, we all thank you. > > > I may need to incorporate, would appreciate insights. > > What's the lead time for forming an LLC or S Corp. If I incorporate, it > will be in anticipation of a contract job; I've been using DBA but the > contract is big enough that I'd like to incorporate. But I won't be > offered > a contract until days before I'm expected to sign. Can I initiate a > contract using the incorporated name prior to receiving confirming > paperwork > from the state? > > I've been a partner in a subchapter S corp before but that was prior to > LLC. > It sounds like LLC is simpler, but in Mass, S corp fees are lower. I > guess > this has been hashed out here before, but is there any reason for a fairly > simple sole proprietor to look closely at the details rather than just > going > LLC? > > Thanks much. > > Charlie Heath > Blue Herring Consulting > http://blueherring.net > > _______________________________________________ > Hidden-discuss mailing list - home page: http://www.hidden-tech.net > Hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net > > You are receiving this because you are on the Hidden-Tech Discussion list. > If you would like to change your list preferences, Go to the Members > page on the Hidden Tech Web site. > http://www.hidden-tech.net/members > >