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Boost Your Business with a Single-Member LLC Bank Account

By Lindsey Rudy

Published on 16 Oct 2023 Updated on 15 Mar 2024 5 min read Updated on 15 Mar 2024

Being the sole owner of a single-member LLC means that all assets belong to you. Given this ownership, you might be wondering whether opening a separate business bank account is necessary. Although not legally required, it is highly recommended for several reasons. Not only can a separate business bank account help your business in terms of liability protection, but it also adds financial transparency and professionalism. 

Let’s review the considerations for opening a separate LLC bank account and discover doola Banking, a hassle-free and user-friendly way to get started.

Do You Need to Open a Bank Account if You’re Running a Single-Member LLC?

A single-member LLC (limited liability company) is a business entity – considered a disregarded entity for tax purposes – with one owner. This arrangement means the owner includes the business’s income and expenses in their personal tax return, but the business remains a separate legal entity.

Although not mandated by federal law, opening a separate bank account for your single-member LLC offers clear boundaries between your personal and business finances. Doing so helps with organization, record-keeping, and tax compliance. If you don’t open a separate account, you might lose liability protection.

5 Reasons Why Single Member LLCs Should Open a Separate Bank Account

As a single-member LLC, maintaining a clear distinction between your business and personal finances is key. One way to do this is by setting up a separate business bank account for your LLC. Here are compelling reasons to open a separate bank account.

1. Liability Protection

Opening a different bank account for your single-member LLC maintains a clear separation between personal and business finances. This differentiation prevents mixing personal and business money in the same account or using one account for both purposes. Failure to separate funds can lead to legal issues and potential loss of liability protection. 

For example, using a personal account to pay for business expenses or deposit business income can make it difficult to prove that the single-member LLC is a distinct entity. A lawsuit or creditor claim may warrant the court to pierce the corporate veil, putting your personal assets at risk. 

By keeping a separate bank account for the single-member LLC, individuals can demonstrate respect for corporate formalities and maintain a clear separation between personal and business affairs.

2. Financial Transparency

Maintaining a dedicated bank account streamlines bookkeeping and enhances your ability to oversee business revenue, expenses, and liquidity. With this setup, you’ll be able to closely monitor your financial performance, pinpoint areas requiring attention, and generate accurate financial statements and reports that reflect your business’s status.

3. Tax Reporting

Tax reporting is the process of filing and paying taxes to the government. It can be complicated and time-consuming, especially for small businesses that may not have the resources or expertise to handle it properly.

Having a separate bank account for your business transactions can simplify tax reporting. You can readily identify and track your business income and expenses, which are essential for calculating your taxable income and deductions. Having a separate bank account also prevents mixing your personal and business finances, which can cause confusion and errors in your tax reporting. Additionally, it helps prevent audits or complications from the tax authorities, as you can provide clear and accurate records of your business activities.

4. Professionalism

A dedicated bank account allows you to keep personal and business transactions separate, with no confusion when it comes to checks, invoices, receipts, and other important documents. This approach not only adds to your business’s credibility with clients, vendors, and business partners but also helps maintain a professional image, indicating a serious, well-organized business entity. 

5. Scalability and Growth

Separating your business finances into a dedicated bank account can improve financial management and reporting accuracy. Sound financial management increases your chances of securing funding, obtaining credit, or attracting potential investors in the future. 

By showcasing a solid financial history and performance, potential lenders or investors are more likely to be interested in working with you. You may also gain access to various financial products and services tailored to your business. These benefits will ultimately rub off on the business, enabling scaling and growth.

Open Your Single-Member LLC Bank Account with doola Banking

If you see the value in a distinct bank account for your single-member LLC, you may be curious about the process. In many cases to open a business banking account, you have to visit a bank branch, complete an application form, submit various documents, wait for approval, and pay fees. However, there is a simpler and quicker option: doola Banking.

What Is doola Banking?

doola Banking is an online business banking service provided by doola, a one-stop shop for founders around the world. Your deposits are FDIC insured up to $250,000 because doola Banking is powered by Piermont Bank. You can open a bank account for your single-member LLC remotely in minutes – no credit history or Social Security number is required. 

doola Banking democratizes access to the U.S. financial ecosystem without the typically time-consuming and expensive headaches. Experience simplicity and convenience with doola Banking along with zero signup, membership, or transaction fees. Other banking services that doola offers include:

• Business Checking Account
• Virtual Debit Cards
• ACH Payments
• Crypto On-Ramps and Off-Ramps (Coming soon!)

What Are the Requirements to Apply for doola Banking?

The applicant(s) must be an owner or authorized officer, and beneficial owners must be at least 18 years old to apply for the service. The requirements for the application include providing:

• Legal Entity Name
• EIN (Employee Identification Number)
• U.S. Physical Business Address (excluding Registered Agent Address). 

Also, you’ll need to list information for natural persons – individuals as opposed to legal entities – who are Beneficial Owners or Officers of the legal entity. A Beneficial Owner is a member with 25% or more of the company’s ownership, while an Officer is an individual authorized to access the bank account. 

For non-US owners, along with the above information, the following documentation is required: 

• Articles of Incorporation
• Passport Photo
• Proof of Address for owner’s physical location (such as bank statement, utility bill, lease agreement, etc.).

How to Apply for doola Banking?

To apply for doola Banking, prepare the required documentation listed above and follow this detailed guide. You’ll start by visiting app.doola.com to sign up for banking, choosing the company type, and entering company details like the EIN and contact information. 

Next, you’ll enter your personal details and identifying information, along with your business and personal address. You will identify all owners and include their ownership percentage and individual information. After agreeing to the terms and conditions, you can submit your application online.

Choose doola Banking for Hassle-free Opening of Single-Member LLC Bank Account

Creating a dedicated bank account for your single-member LLC can yield benefits like safeguarding your personal assets, streamlining your financial management, simplifying tax reporting, heightening your professionalism, and paving the way for expansion. 

With doola Banking, you can establish a single-member LLC bank account in minutes without incurring any charges or complications. doola Banking has everything you need to manage your business finances efficiently and easily. 

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