Blog

Jake Lawson here. Let me save you some time and confusion right upfront: LLC membership certificates are NOT required. Not by the IRS, not by your state, not by your bank. But since I get asked about them constantly, and there’s a lot of misleading information out there, let’s clear this up once and for … Read more

By Jake Lawson, LLC Formation Strategist Let me start with the brutal truth: most lawyers will charge you $1,000-$3,000 to do what you can accomplish yourself for under $200, or what a quality formation service will handle for under $300. After 15+ years in business formation and working alongside hundreds of attorneys, I’ve seen this … Read more

Jake Lawson here. Let me start with some straight talk: starting a sole proprietorship in Indiana is dead simple—almost too simple. No paperwork, no filing fees, no state approval needed. Just start doing business and boom, you’re a sole proprietor. But before you get excited about saving money, let me walk you through why this … Read more

Jake Lawson here. After helping over 1,200 entrepreneurs navigate U.S. business formation, I’ve seen too many folks choose general partnerships thinking they’re taking the “easy route.” Spoiler alert: they’re usually not. But if you’re dead set on this path, or just want to understand your options, I’ll give you the unvarnished truth about Tennessee general … Read more

By Jake Lawson, LLC Formation Strategist Here’s what I tell every entrepreneur considering a general partnership in Indiana: it’s like buying insurance after the accident happens—by the time you realize you need protection, it’s too late. After helping 1,200+ business owners navigate formation decisions, I’ve seen too many partnerships go sideways. Indiana’s laws make partnerships … Read more

By Jake Lawson, LLC Formation Strategist Colorado entrepreneurs love their outdoor adventures, but when it comes to business formation, you shouldn’t climb without safety gear. Yet that’s exactly what you’re doing with a general partnership—ascending the entrepreneurial mountain with zero liability protection. After helping 1,200+ business owners navigate formation decisions, I’ve learned that Colorado’s business-friendly … Read more

By Jake Lawson, LLC Formation Strategist Tennessee’s lack of state income tax makes it tempting to think sole proprietorship are a great deal here. After helping over 200 Tennessee entrepreneurs navigate business formation, I can tell you that tax savings alone don’t justify the risks of operating without liability protection. But I’m not here to … Read more

By Jake Lawson, LLC Formation Strategist Let me start with some tough love: In 15+ years of helping entrepreneurs start businesses, I’ve seen exactly three scenarios where a sole proprietorship in Colorado made sense long-term. Three. That doesn’t mean sole proprietorships are useless—they can be a reasonable starting point for certain situations. But if you’re … Read more

By Jake Lawson, LLC Formation Strategist Let me be upfront: I’ve helped over 1,200 entrepreneurs start businesses, and I rarely recommend sole proprietorship’s. But I understand that sometimes budget constraints or business simplicity make them the right choice—at least temporarily. If you’re considering a Vermont sole proprietorship, this guide will walk you through everything you … Read more

Jake Lawson here. Let me start with what the formation companies don’t want you to know: Oregon absolutely allows you to be your own registered agent. I’ve guided hundreds of Portland entrepreneurs through this exact decision, and the answer isn’t always what you’d expect. Let me break down everything you need to know—including Oregon’s quirky … Read more