Series LLCs have been called the next generation of pass-through entities, gaining in popularity and use as states continue to authorize them. The lack of state uniformity in the treatment and acceptance of series LLCs has lead more conservative attorneys, advisors, and clients to avoid them, believing that the uncertainties and potential risks associated with series LLCs outweigh their perceived benefits.

 Any business that chooses to operate as a corporation, no matter how small, must comply with ongoing state law based requirements. For this reason, many small businesses choose to operate as limited liability companies, which are generally subject to minimal statutory requirements. Some states, such as Wyoming, have close corporation statutes that relax many of the formalities normally applicable to corporations. The majority of states do not have close corporation statutes, although close corporations, in the generic sense, may be formed under their general corporation statutes.

Piercing the veil is an important concept for any business planning attorney to understand. Piercing the veil originated in the corporate context, but has been increasingly used by courts to hold members of limited liability company (LLCs) liable for the entity’s debts. What does it mean to pierce an entity’s veil, and what we can do to protect our clients from the risk of this occurring?