Operating Multiple Businesses Under One LLC
By HBS Tuesday, September 18, 2018
By now, it’s common knowledge that Delaware is the gold standard when it comes to forming an LLC, LP, or Corporation. The Delaware LLC is by far the most popular entity type for most entrepreneurs building a startup.
As a result, people often wonder if they can operate multiple LLCs under one umbrella LLC.
Structuring Multiple Businesses Under One "Umbrella" LLC
For example, let's pretend a business owner has a trucking business incorporated as an LLC but after some time, he/she may also want to offer real estate services.
These are two completely different types of businesses, so it raises the question of whether or not the owner can provide both services under one LLC. Part of the consideration is, naturally, wanting to avoid additional costs for maintaining another LLC.
The answer is yes--it is possible and permissible to operate multiple businesses under one LLC. Many entrepreneurs who opt to do this use what is called a "Fictitious Name Statement" or a "DBA" (also known as a "Doing Business As") to operate an additional business under a different name.
However, just because it’s permissible and possible to operate several different types of businesses under one company (LLC or corporation) doesn't mean you should, as there can be downsides.
For example, if a lawsuit is filed against any one of the businesses, the assets of the others could be at stake. The result is that you put yourself at a higher degree of liability risk. In other words, if one of the pieces (businesses) within the LLC were to be held liable, then so could the entire LLC.
Instead, many people opt to file a new LLC for each of their start-up ventures. This isolates the risk by separating each business's debts and liabilities. There are, of course, additional maintenance fees, but these can be well worth it in order to protect your businesses.
If you would like more information or have any questions about forming your own companies, please contact us by phone (800-345-2677), Skype (DelawareInc), email or live chat. One of our knowledgeable business startup specialists will be happy to assist you.
*Disclaimer*: Harvard Business Services, Inc. is neither a law firm nor an accounting firm and, even in cases where the author is an attorney, or a tax professional, nothing in this article constitutes legal or tax advice. This article provides general commentary on, and analysis of, the subject addressed. We strongly advise that you consult an attorney or tax professional to receive legal or tax guidance tailored to your specific circumstances. Any action taken or not taken based on this article is at your own risk. If an article cites or provides a link to third-party sources or websites, Harvard Business Services, Inc. is not responsible for and makes no representations regarding such source’s content or accuracy. Opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Harvard Business Services, Inc.
There are 14 comments left for Can I Operate Multiple Businesses Under One LLC?
Naimah Makor said: Friday, October 20, 2017I just applied for an EIN # to sell handmade crafts, but I also want to see products on Amazon. Do l need another EIN #?
HBS Staff replied: Friday, October 27, 2017Traditionally, the IRS will only issue one EIN per company. Generally, clients consult with a tax professional in order to determine if anything additional is needed to become an Amazon vendor, just to be on the safe side.
Andeywala said: Monday, July 24, 2017
Thanks for sharing up–to-date on this subject! I find it is very informative and very well written one! Keep up on this quality!
HBS Staff replied: Monday, July 24, 2017Thank you and we're glad you are enjoying our blog.
Milana Beschastna said: Saturday, January 28, 2017Hi we are want to open the company and looking for the best option. The types of business are yoga teaching, selling on amazon, and web design and programming. How better to combine all that? Thanks a lot
HBS Staff replied: Monday, January 30, 2017The types of companies you open and manage are entirely up to you. Best of luck.
Dinah said: Tuesday, December 27, 2016We have a commercial real estate LLC for more than 5 years. Do we need a separate LLC if we are selling products online like Amazon and eBay? Or can we put this as an umbrella? But still need a separate LLC name? We need to know quickly.
HBS Staff replied: Thursday, December 29, 2016The sky is the limit with how you choose to operate your LLC. However, typically, if you have two businesses that are doing two completely separate things then often clients file separate companies so not all their eggs are in one basket, so to speak (liability, legal issues, etc.).