What is the primary purpose of an LLC?

The primary purpose of a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is to limit the personal liability of its owners (known as members) for the debts and obligations of the business. This means that if the LLC incurs debt or faces lawsuits, the personal assets of the members (such as personal bank accounts, homes, or cars) are generally protected from being used to satisfy those business liabilities. This protective feature is one of the key reasons individuals form LLCs instead of operating as sole proprietors or general partners, as those structures typically do not offer the same level of personal asset protection.

Additionally, an LLC combines the liability protection benefits of a corporation with the tax efficiencies and operational flexibility of a partnership. Members can enjoy pass-through taxation, meaning that the LLC itself usually does not pay income taxes, but profits and losses can be reported on members' personal tax returns, which can be beneficial from a tax perspective.

In contrast, options related to increasing tax rates or requiring a board of directors do not align with what an LLC is designed to do. LLCs do not have the same formalities or structures as corporations and are often favored for their simplicity and flexibility, which includes fewer restrictions on ownership transfer compared to corporations. Thus, the correct answer effectively encaps