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A law firm cannot be a limited liability company. Based on the Corporations Code section 17375, the State Bar of California does not certify LLCs for the purpose of practicing law. The only entity of choice for law firms that intend to practice and provide professional services in California is a corporation.

A California professional law corporation is controlled generally by all of the provisions of the California Corporations Code and specifically by the provisions of B'B' 13400-13410 of that Code. ... A professional law corporation is formed by the filing of Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State.

Everything You Need to Know to Form a Professional Corporation in California. ... California requires certain professionals, such as lawyers, dentists, optometrists, doctors, certified public accountants, psychologists, and psychiatrists, to create a professional corporation rather than the traditional corporation.

A professional corporation, or PC, is one variation of a corporation. Licensed professionals who want to incorporate their practice can form a PC; however, the shareholders, directors, and officers must belong to the same profession.

Should Your California Professional Corporation Elect To Be Taxed As An S Corporation? In California, certain professions that require a state license are prohibited from forming a limited liability company or a traditional corporation and instead must incorporate as a professional corporation.

When you form a California corporation, you issue shares of stock to your owners, who are known as shareholders. It is these shares of stock that designate ownership in a corporation. In general, a shareholder exchanges assets, such as money or property, in return for stock.

2. Recruit and/or appoint a director or directors for the corporation. Under California law, a corporation must have at least three directors, unless there are less than three shareholders. In that case, the number of directors may be equal to or greater than the number of shareholders.

Professional corporations or professional service corporation (abbreviated as PC or PSC) are those corporate entities for which many corporation statutes make special provision, regulating the use of the corporate form by licensed professionals such as attorneys, architects, engineers, public accountants and physicians ...

A professional corporation is a business entity composed of specific types of professionals, set up according to state law. A personal services corporation is a taxing entity set up under the regulations of the IRS. But there is much more to the differences between these two types of businesses.

Some states do not allow certain professions to operate as an LLC, so be sure to check the laws of your state. A corporation is treated as a unique entity with limited liability and perpetual existence that is owned by shareholders. Of note with regard to corporations: You must file paperwork with the state.

The main advantages of organizing as a professional corporation, as outlined above, include tax benefits and transferability of ownership. However, the flat corporate tax rate prevents shareholder/employees from retaining earnings in the professional corporation, which may limit opportunities for expansion and growth.

Most professional corporations are classified as "personal service corporations" by the IRS, which means that their corporate income is taxed at a flat 35%. ... Professional corporations provide a limit on the owners' personal liability for business debts and claims.

File Articles of Incorporation. Notify Your Profession's State Agency That Manages Your Profession. Hold a Board of Director's Meeting and Appoint Directors. Get Professional Corporation Bylaws Drafted By An Attorney. Apply for EIN. File Statement of Information.

In California, professional corporations are governed by the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act (Ca. Corp. Code Sections 13400-13410). ... A professional service is defined as any service that requires a license issued by a California state regulatory licensing board, state court, or similar agency.

Choose a Corporate Name. ... Prepare and File Articles of Incorporation. ... Appoint a Registered Agent. ... Set Up a Corporate Records Book. ... Prepare Corporate Bylaws. ... Appoint Initial Corporate Directors. ... Hold Your First Board of Directors Meeting. ... Issue Stock.