When starting a business, one of the most important steps is to separate your assets from your company’s. You must maintain this separation to protect yourself legally and financially. Properly separating personal assets from business ones can be complex, but doing so ensures that your finances remain safe and secure. Here are four tips on keeping these two sets of assets distinct and separate.
1. Form an Entity
One of the first steps for any new business should be forming an entity, whether a C Corporation, LLC, or S Corporation. This will create a separate legal structure for you as the business owner. This entity will be responsible for all the business’s assets, including its profits and losses. Furthermore, it protects from personal liability in case anything goes wrong.
When deciding which entity type to choose, it is essential to consider factors such as the size of the business, its growth potential, and whether there are multiple owners. Additionally, taxation and other legal requirements may influence the decision. A C Corporation provides protection from personal liability and allows unlimited shareholders but is subject to double taxation. An LLC is ideal for businesses with fewer owners and provides limited liability, while an S Corporation offers pass-through taxation and can have up to 100 shareholders.
It is important to note that before forming an entity, you may need to obtain a business license or register your business in the state where it operates. The process of registering your business depends on the type of entity you choose. For example, suppose you are forming an LLC. In that case, you need to file Articles of Organization with the state where your business will be located. You may also need to obtain a federal employer identification number (FEIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
2. Maintain Personal and Business Credit Files Separately
Another important aspect of keeping your personal and business assets separate is maintaining two different credit files. The company should not access your credit file, which can be considered fraud. To access funding from lenders or investors, you need to maintain a good credit score, both personally and on behalf of the business.
To ensure that your personal and business credit files are kept separate, it is essential to open a bank account in the company’s name. This will help you manage all transactions related to the company separately from your finances. You must also obtain the business’s federal tax identification number (Employer Identification Number). It is not only necessary for business activity but also required by lenders and credit bureaus.
When applying for a loan or other form of financing with a lender, you must ensure that the application is made in the business’s name. You can use your credit score to apply for the loan on behalf of the company, but you should not use it to secure the loan. The lender will assess the business’s creditworthiness based on its financials and other documents.
3. Use Separate Assets
When buying equipment or supplies for your business, try to use only those belonging solely to the company. You may have tools or items that could be used in your professional and personal life, but avoid using them interchangeably if possible. This will save you time regarding tax season, as everything will already be easily distinguishable.
Additionally, tracking all expenses and purchases related to the business is essential. This includes any items or services you may have purchased for the business and any transportation or travel expenses. A record of these will ensure you can adequately deduct them from your taxes. You should also keep records of any loan or investment money infused into the business. This will help you track your financial progress and stay on top of all expenses.
When filing taxes, it is essential to familiarize yourself with relevant tax laws and procedures to maximize deductions. There may be a variety of credits or deductions available to you, depending on the type of business that you are running. Remember that all businesses have different requirements when filing taxes, so research this information before filing your return.
4. Hire a Professional
When separating your business assets from personal assets in a divorce, working with an experienced professional lawyer is essential. A qualified attorney can help you divide assets during divorce proceedings. They can provide important insight into the complexities of business valuation and asset division during a marital dissolution, allowing for an equitable distribution of assets.
Working with a professional is essential when separating business assets from personal assets because they can provide an accurate valuation of the business. This can help determine how to split assets into separate categories during a divorce settlement. A lawyer will also be able to provide the necessary guidance for the most effective way to divide assets fairly and equitably.
In Summary
When running a business, you must keep your assets separate from the company’s. To safeguard yourself from a legal and financial standpoint, adhere to these four tips for separating your two sets of assets. Adhering to these tips will guarantee that your financial stability stays safeguarded and secure.
