The Limited Liability Company

"A popular form of business, especially with small businesses, is the hybrid form of business, the limited liability company (LLC) or a limited liability partnership (LLP), which combine the best features of a partnership and a corporation. In 1988, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ruled that the LLC may be treated as a partnership for tax purposes, while retaining its limited liability for its owners. Since this ruling, every state has passed legislation permitting limited liability companies. A limited partnership consists of general partner and limited partner. Limited partners invest in the business, but do not participate in its management. A limited partner’s share in the profits and losses of the business is limited by the partnership agreement. In addition, a limited partner is not liable for the debts incurred by the business beyond his or her initial investment. "