answer:I am not an expert, an attorney, or an accountant. This is just my observation from my little corner of the world under Illinois law. Your state laws maybe different. But I know a lot of people who have small businesses, developing and owning real estate. And they all use LLCs. I have helped a few people with the paperwork to set up an LLC. You create the LLC by filling out short forms and paying a fee, open a checking account for the LLC, and run all the business through that account. Afterwards, the LLC pays an annual fee and files an annual report (a VERY simple form downloadable from the Secretary of State). The LLC does not have to file income taxes as a separate entity. If you are the sole member of the LLC, you report its income & expenses on your personal tax return. Again, just my small experience with a few acquaintances. But it gives you an idea of what is possible.