<html><head></head><body><div dir="auto" style="direction: ltr; margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; color: black; ">Timothy,<br>
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<div dir="auto" style="direction: ltr; margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; color: black; ">A sole prop is not a business entity, but rather a business style, if you will. Your client, therefore, is currently just self-employed.<br>
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<div dir="auto" style="direction: ltr; margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; color: black; ">To change business forms, you just form a new LLC. The client will get a new UBI, but can keep the existing EIN. He/she should be able to amend the existing WA business license with DOR. The same goes, I believe, for the L&I registration.<br>
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<div dir="auto" style="direction: ltr; margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; color: black; ">The. LLC needs to be set up properly, with an LLC operating agreement even as a single member LLC. You should run through the checklist of how to properly operate the LLC so as to maximize the asset protection, as it is far from perfect in a SMLLC.<br>
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<div dir="auto" style="direction: ltr; margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; color: black; ">Finally, an accountant should analyze whether it makes sense to do the S Corp election now and can also get the books set up correctly.<br>
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<div dir="auto" style="direction: ltr; margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; color: black; ">Bob Pampell<br>
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<div dir="auto" style="direction: ltr; margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; color: black; ">Sent from my One+ 6T Phone (Android)</div>
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<div class="gmail_quote">On Mon, Apr 6, 2020 at 2:18 PM -0700, "Timothy Lehr" <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:timothy@stileslaw.com" target="_blank">timothy@stileslaw.com</a>></span> wrote:<br>
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--><div class="WordSection1"><p class="MsoNormal">All, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Question for corporate/business attorneys out there. A small(ish) construction business (general contractor) with 2 employees and about $70k in assets (equipment, vehicles, etc.) currently operates as sole proprietorship. PC wants to change to LLC for liability and tax purposes. In WA, you cannot “convert” from SP to LLC, like you could for S Corp into LLC. It seems the best way to do this is to form LLC, begin switching all licenses, business assets, accounts from SP to LLC, then to dissolve SP at the end of the year and continue business as LLC. Is this the most efficient way to accomplish the end goal? It may very well be…<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">But are there other ways that attorneys are advising clients to change from SP to LLC while still conducting business? <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Thanks, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Timothy C. Lehr<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Attorney at Law<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Stiles Law Inc., P.S.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">p: 360.855.0131<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">e: <a href="mailto:timothy@stileslaw.com">timothy@stileslaw.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">w: <a href="http://www.stileslaw.com">www.stileslaw.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>NOTICE</b>: The information contained in this email is proprietary and/or confidential and may be privileged. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, you are hereby notified to : (i) delete the email and all copies; (ii) not disclose, distribute or use the email in any manner; (iii) notify the sender immediately. Thank you. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><div id="DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2">
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