Do you need an LLC?

it depends — here’s how it depends

Half of creator Twitter says you need an LLC yesterday; the other half says it’s a waste of money. Both are wrong for different people. Here’s what an LLC actually does, what it doesn’t, and when it earns its filing fee.

What an LLC actually does

A Limited Liability Company creates a legal wall between you-the-person and you-the-business. If the business is sued or owes money, your personal assets — home, car, savings — are generally protected.

It also buys a layer of privacy: contracts, invoices, and a bank account can carry the business name instead of your legal name. In privacy-friendly states like Wyoming and New Mexico, the public filing doesn’t list the owner’s name at all.

What it does NOT do

✓It doesn’t lower your taxes by default — a single-member LLC is taxed exactly like a sole proprietor. Same 1099 math, same self-employment tax.

✓It doesn’t unlock deductions — sole proprietors can already deduct every legitimate business expense.

✓It doesn’t make you anonymous everywhere — platforms still verify your legal identity, and the IRS always knows.

✓It doesn’t protect you if you ignore it — mix personal and business money and a court can disregard the LLC entirely.

When it’s worth it

The honest threshold: when there’s something to protect. Consistent meaningful income, personal assets, brand deals with contracts, or a desire to put a business name — not your legal name — on paperwork and bank accounts. If you’re earning a few hundred dollars a month and renting, the filing fee buys you very little yet.

One genuinely useful tax note: once profit is solidly high, an S-corp election on top of your LLC can trim self-employment tax. That’s accountant territory — ask one when you get there.

Setting one up (if you do)

1.File with your state — fees range from about $50 to a few hundred dollars, annual reports extra.

2.Get an EIN from the IRS. It’s free at irs.gov — never pay a third-party service for it.

3.Open a business bank account under the LLC’s name.

4.Keep business money and personal money strictly separate — that separation IS the liability protection.

This guide is general education, not legal or tax advice — confirm specifics with a professional before acting.

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prof's note

An LLC you don’t maintain properly protects exactly nothing.