LLC & Return of Capital

Question : Do I have to pay taxes on my initial investment in an LLC if I want to now start receiving some of the money? Basically I paid in with taxed dollars so do I have to pay taxes again if I remove the intial investment? Brent, Missouri.

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Response: The taxation of a multi-member LLC is very similar to that of a partnership. Members are taxed on their distributive share of LLC income each year regardless of actually distributions of cash or property from the LLC to the member. A member may withdraw cash from the LLC tax free up to the extent of his or her basis in the LLC. Distributions in excess of basis are generally taxable as capital gain. Link. Basis calculations are best left to the accountants, especially in the case of LLCs. Please check with your account for a determination of the tax effect of your anticipated distributions from the LLC.

How to Withdraw From A New York LLC

Question: We have father and son LLC. The son started an independent practice and no longer wants to continue with LLC as member.
What is the procedure for withdrawal from membership of the LLC? DOLAT, NEW YORK

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Response: New York Consolidated Laws, LLC § 606 covers withdrawal of LLC members. It states, in pertinent part:

§ 606. Withdrawal of a member. (a) A member may withdraw as a member of a limited liability company only at the time or upon the happening of events specified in the operating agreement and in accordance with the operating agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under applicable law, unless an operating agreement provides otherwise, a member may not withdraw from a limited liability company prior to the dissolution and winding up of the limited liability company.

Under this provision of New York law, an LLC member cannot withdraw unless the LLC operating agreement provides the authority to do so. What is the procedure for withdrawal? The statute merely refers to the operating agreement for the procedure meaning the withdrawing member follows whatever procedures, such as written notice to all other members, found in the operating agreement.

If you don't have an operating agreement for your LLC, you'll need one that both authorizes withdrawal of a member and contains procedures for withdrawal. The MedLawPlus.com® operating agreement template contains these features.