The limited liability company (LLC) was created in Wyoming in 1977, and it has become a popular business model throughout the United States and its territories. Many consider it one of the best business models created since the joint stock company.

While the LLC shares some characteristics with corporations, since 1988, the IRS has taxed LLCs like partnerships allowing members to use them as a pass-through for tax purposes. This means that LLCs and their members are not subject to double taxation, as corporations are.

In some states, members of this model of business can now  series of LLCs that are owned by a master LLC designed to shield and protect most of their capital contributions inside the master LLC; In contrast, a small percentage of the members' total investment is exposed to creditors. This type of asset protection is not available to corporations.

Although both LLCs and corporations are artificial legal entities with similar characteristics, the LLC business model provides tax advantages to its members that corporations  not. LLC members can write off portions of losses and expenses as tax pass-through, while corporation owners cannot.

1. 1. How has the popularity of the LLC business model affected the accounting industry, and what specific challenges  accountants face when working with LLCs compared to other business models?
2. 2. What ethical considerations should accountants consider when working with LLCs, particularly regarding asset protection and tax avoidance strategies? How can accountants ensure sound advice to their clients while upholding ethical standards?