How to Involve a Parent in Your LLC (For Teens Under 18)
If you're under 18, your LLC will likely need adult involvement. Here's how to legally include a parent or guardian—and still run the show.
Why You Need an Adult Involved
States and platforms usually won't let minors:
- File legal documents
- Sign binding contracts
- Open business bank accounts
- Register for tools like Stripe or PayPal
So, your parent or guardian will need to step in—for now.
Your Options: Member or Manager?
There are two clean ways to involve a parent:
1. Make them a member (owner)
- Their name is on the LLC as the official owner
- You run the business, but they legally "own" it
- Later, they transfer ownership to you once you're 18
2. Make them a manager (operator)
- You're listed as the member (if allowed), but they handle legal/financial ops
- Lets you retain more ownership—if your state allows it
How to Keep Control (Even if They're Listed)
Here's what smart teen founders do:
- Write a private agreement stating that you run day-to-day decisions
- Use your email and phone for all business logins and operations
- Set up business tools with you as the user, even if their name is on file
You're not giving up control—you're working around a legal gap.
What Happens When You Turn 18?
Once you're legally an adult, your parent can:
File an amendment
Remove their name and add yours
Transfer the EIN and bank accounts
To you
Update all platform profiles
Shopify, Stripe, etc. with your info
It's a simple paperwork process. But planning it early keeps everything smooth.
Should You Involve Anyone Else?
If your parent isn't an option, you can legally involve:
Just make sure:
- They're reliable
- You both understand the risks
- You trust them with sensitive info like taxes and money
Real Talk: Trust First, Paperwork Second
This is still your business. But you're asking someone to help you make it legal.
So be clear. Be upfront. And write it down.
Even a one-page agreement saying "you own the idea, they're helping legally" can avoid a mess later.