Can a 501(c)(3) organization own an LLC that owns real estate?

LLC

Simple answer: yes, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization can own an LLC that owns real estate.

What is a 501(c)(3) organization?

A 501(c)(3) organization is a not-for-profit, commonly described as a “charitable,” organization. 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code (“IRS”) when organized and operated for one of the following exempt purposes: charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition and preventing cruelty to children or animals. 501(c)(3)s may not be organized, operated, or generate earnings for the benefit of any one individual or shareholder.

What is an LLC?

An LLC, or a Limited Liability Corporation, is a legal entity that is separate and distinct from the people who create and own them. Owners of LLCs are known as “members” and may include an individual, partnership (general or limited), another LLC, or a corporation. An LLC may have one or multiple members. LLCs are governed by the LLC statute of the state in which it is organized – the state in which it filed its articles of organization.

An LLC is an attractive business structure for multiple reasons: 1) LLC members cannot usually be held personally responsible for the debts of the business, and are otherwise protected from personal liability for business decisions or actions of the LLC, 2) LLCs require less recordkeeping, registration paperwork, and start-up costs than other entity structures, 3) LLC members may distribute profits as they see fit.

Why would a 501(c)(3) own an LLC that owns real estate?

501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations may own property yet face potential liability issues. Therefore, it is common for 501(c)(3)s to form single-member LLCs to receive and hold real estate property. By doing so, the nonprofit is shielded from the risks associated with owning property. The nonprofit may report the real estate property owned by its LLC as an asset on its IRS returns. The LLC owned by the nonprofit is considered a “disregarded entity” and does not need to file for tax-exemption status. Rather, the actions of the LLC are attributable to the 501(c)(3) and the 501(c)(3) will report the LLC’s activities accordingly. However, the LLC formed by the 501(c)(3) should be structured to further the 501(c)(3)’s exempt purpose and must not perform activities contrary to such “charitable” purpose.

EPGD Business Law is located in beautiful Coral Gables. Call us at (786) 837-6787, or contact us through the website to schedule a consultation.

*Disclaimer: this blog post is not intended to be legal advice. We highly recommend speaking to an attorney if you have any legal concerns. Contacting us through our website does not establish an attorney-client relationship.*

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Eric Gros-Dubois

Founding partner Eric Gros-Dubois established EPGD Business Law in 2013. With over a decade of experience expanding the firm and leading it to its current success, Eric now primarily manages the corporate division of EPGD. Given Eric’s educational background, holding both a JD and MBA, combined with his own unique experience of starting a business from scratch and growing it to a multi-million dollar firm, he brings a specialized and invaluable perspective to those seeking legal assistance for themselves and their businesses. Having now instilled his same values in our team of skilled corporate associates, Eric leads a firm that is always ready, willing, and equipped to handle any and every legal matter that a business owner may have.

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*The following comments are not intended to be treated as legal advice. The answer to your question is limited to the basic facts presented. Additional details may heavily alter our assessment and change the answer provided. For a more thorough review of your question please contact our office for a consultation.
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