Anyone here have a PLLC? (Texas folks especially) CONFUSED!!

[joeyharrington2002]

Ok, so I went online to do an application for an LLC for my hubby (licensed MT) and me (not licensed yet- waiting to take the test) so we can work *together*. On the application, I was told to choose whether I wanted to form a "general LLC" or a "professional LLC". It seems that anyone wanting to form an LLC to provide services which require the individual to hold a license, must form a PLLC, not a general LLC. AND, I couldn't be on the PLLC until I have my own MT license (we'd have to "amend" the PPLC to add me).

She gave the further information that different license holders cannot be part of the same PLLC; ie, you can't form a PLLC to do both massage and chirporactic. You'd have to form TWO PLLCs, one for the massage business and one for the chiropractic business. Which means two separate businesses, two sets of records to keep, etc.. Not to mention paying the additional fee for setting up the second PLLC. Apparently we can't operate under a "general LLC" if we are licensed professionals.

I called my school director, who said she's had her LLC for 5 years, it was set up by her lawyer, and she's never even heard of a PLLC. When I called the State massage board in Austin, the lady there didn't think that it applied to MT's either. But the lady from the secretary of state's office said that if we have to have a state license, we have to set up a PLLC.

I am planning to pursue certification as an herbalist after I have my MT license in-hand (this will admittedly take 2-4 years), and my goal is to combine them into what may turn out to be a "prenatal/womancare" service. How the heck is one supposed to accomplish a goal like this if she has to keep it all separate? I am SO confused! This really sucks!

ETA that I am waiting to hear back from the person who "set up the massage licensing program" in Austin, and I didn't even have the heart to leave a callback number for the attorney at the SOS's office. I'm getting very discouraged.

 

[SUGAR CANE]

I found this: http://www.incorporate.com/professional_corporation.html while hunting around on the SCORE site. It isn't TX specific, but it would be a good place to start to get questions answered about any state.

If other massage businesses in TX are set up as LLC's, you may be speaking to someone who is confusing the fact that those with professional licensing are ALLOWED to use this form of corporation with the idea that you're required to use it.

 

[sky.lilah]

I'd highly suggest forking out the $1200 or so it costs to get a good atty. to work up the corporation for you. You'll be better off for it in the long run, especially since you are having these questions.

PM me if you want to talk further.

 

[Pompal 09.]

You will also find a wealth of legal information at Legal Zoom, http://www.legalzoom.com/ I'm one for gathering ALL information possible before spending money.

 

[?h??? ???? h???]

I did ask the CPA yesterday when we met with him. He does work for several MT's in this area, and he said that some of them "do" and some of them "don't", but that he would recommend it since it gives more specific protection. I would have to wait to "join" it until I have my license, but we can set it up for just DH for now so we can get rolling with the new things we have planned for this year. I will look into it further, but the way he explained it, it wouldn't cost any more, and he also showed us how we can work future things together with the PLLC so's to keep it all "kosher", but manageable for us to keep track of. I like this guy!