Business and Corporate Formation

Forming a new business is exciting, and we have assisted hundreds of entrepreneurs in selecting the best structure for their new venture.

The business entity you select will ultimately influence your operations, liability exposure, and taxation. Our attorneys have extensive experience in business and corporate formation, as well as a deep understanding of business law. We can help form an entity structure that aligns with your vision and needs.

Our attorneys will prepare and file all documents required to become a registered business entity. We can also create the foundational documents needed as part of the incorporation, including corporate minutes, registered agency, and more.

Types of Business Structures

Our attorneys will work with you to understand your options and determine the best entity for your business.

The four basic entity structures include:

General Partnerships
Corporations, including S Corporations and C Corporations
Limited Liability Companies (LLC)
Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP)

Aim

Our aim is to establish the business or corporate formation that not only meets your needs today but also has the flexibility to adjust as your company grows. We take the time to understand your vision for the business, its leadership structure, and operational needs.

Additional Business and Corporation Services

Thrift McLemore provides an array of services to support a business’s ongoing success after its formation:

Ownership agreements
Non-compete documents
Compliant operational documents
Compliant employee documents
Maintaining good corporate standing
Achieving qualifications to conduct business in the State of Georgia
Shareholder relations
Licensing
Tax planning, including local and federal tax law
International Trade, including customs laws, compliance, import/export controls, and related regulatory requirements
Employment, including benefit planning, compensation, and labor unions
Human resource management
Franchising
Securities regulation
Dispute resolution
Antitrust
Creditor relations
Information technology licensing and management
Intellectual property protection
Real estate, including environmental regulations and zoning
Finance, including secured loan facilities as well as off-balance sheet financing
Business succession planning
Exit strategies

Blog Posts about Business and Corporate Formation

Should You Own Your Rental Property in an LLC?
By Mark Buckland |
Nov 27, 2023
Forming an LLC for real estate investments offers asset protection, tax flexibility, simplified management, and privacy along with shielding personal assets from legal issues and allowing for better financial recordkeeping. Moreover, a well-drafted LLC operating agreement provides continuation of management in case of incapacity or death and provides your business with credibility.
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A Guide to Business Succession in Georgia
By Craig Thrift |
Apr 27, 2023
Business succession planning ensures a smooth transition for your business upon your death, disability, or retirement and may involve tools such as buy-sell agreements or stock purchase contracts. Key considerations in a business succession plan include tax implications, liability protection, and local regulations in Georgia. Should You Own Your Rental Property in an LLC?
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What you need to know about LLCs in Georgia
By Craig Thrift |
Jun 2, 2022
A Georgia LLC combines the benefits of partnerships and corporations while also offering limited liability, operational flexibility, and pass-through taxation. An LLC is relatively easy to form, requiring Articles of Organization to be filed with the Secretary of State followed by annual registration.
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Benefits for Veteran-Owned Georgia Businesses
By Craig Thrift |
Nov 11, 2020
Georgia supports veteran entrepreneurs through tax exemptions, education, funding, and contracting opportunities. Eligible veterans can receive a 10-year local tax exemption, guidance from programs like the SBA, VBOC, and VECTR, and access to funding resources and priority for government contracts.
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What You Need to Know About Limited Partnerships in Georgia
By Craig Thrift |
Oct 23, 2020
A limited partnership in Georgia consists of general partners, who manage the business, and limited partners, who invest but do not participate in day-today operations. Advantages of a limited partnership include pass-through taxation, liability protection for limited partners, and flexibility for the general partner to form an LLC for liability protection while disadvantages can include cash flow and transferability issues and annual reporting.
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What You Need to Know About Georgia General Partnerships
By Craig Thrift |
Oct 22, 2020
In Georgia, a general partnership automatically forms when two or more people co-own a business for profit, offering simplicity, pass-through taxation, and flexibility. Risks of operating as general partners include unlimited personal liability and potential complications in transferring ownership. A partnership agreement can help clarify roles and responsibilities if you choose to form a general partnership.
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