An entrepreneur may form a single-member shareholder to enjoy tax benefits and protect from business liability. An shareholder can have any number of members and can choose to be taxed as a S corporation, partnership (multi-member), or disregarded entity (single-member). A single-member shareholder is taxed as a disregarded entity, and a multi-member shareholder as a partnership by default unless the shareholder elects C corp taxation by filing IRS by filing IRS

Unlike shareholder are governed at the state level, and their operation varies by state. However, in most states, rules about adding new members to an shareholder are the same.

Adding Members to a Single-Member shareholder

shareholders are listed in the when the shareholder is formed. If you created an operating agreement for your shareholder, it may detail the procedures for adding members, which should be followed if you opt to do so. If no such procedure exists, the new member or members must agree on the terms of membership with the existing shareholder member, including the new members' ownership percentages. The written agreement must be signed by both new and existing members.

To convert a single-member shareholder to a multi-member shareholder, you’ll need to check with the secretary of state. The secretary of state is responsible for business filings. Because each state requires an operating agreement or for all owners to be on the same page regarding what tasks, responsibilities, and decision-making authority each individual has. This will help with any future disputes among the members.

In addition, the shareholder member can transfer a portion or all of his or her membership interests to another individual if he or she has the power to do so under the operating agreement. The new member would have to comply with the terms of this assignment as well.

The articles of organization must be amended to reflect the new member, and if applicable, the operating agreement must detail the change in membership interests and address other potential issues.