Who is responsible for the debt of an LLC?
Jackson Reed
Updated on January 13, 2026
If the corporation or LLC cannot pay its debts, creditors can normally only go after the assets owned by the company and not the personal assets of the owners. However, the business owner can also be held responsible for corporate or LLC debts in certain situations.
Who is responsible for a company’s debt?
Generally, shareholders are not personally liable for the debts of the corporation. Creditors can only collect on their debts by going after the assets of the corporation. Shareholders will usually only be on the hook if they cosigned or personally guaranteed the corporation’s debts.
Are LLC owners liable for debt?
If you are an owner of a corporation or LLC, you are a separate entity from the business, and the business isn’t responsible for your personal debts. But while creditors generally can’t take your business assets to pay your personal debts, they can take funds your business owes you.
What are you liable for in an LLC?
Limited liability companies are corporate structures in the United States where owners are not personally liable for the company’s debts or liabilities. LLCs do not pay taxes—their profits and losses are passed through to members, who claim them on their tax returns.
What happens if you close a Ltd company with debt?
What Happens if you try to Strike Off a Limited Company With Debts? Creditors apply for the company to be reinstated – Creditors who want to take action against the company to recover the money they’re owed can apply for the company to be reinstated to the Companies House Register.
Who is responsible for the debts of a limited company?
The most important thing to remember is that the directors of a limited company are not normally liable for debts held by the business. This is different to running your own business as a sole trader – in this case, your company debts are your debts alone and you will be personally liable for them in the event of insolvency.
Who is responsible for business debt in the event of insolvency?
Directors of a limited company who act appropriately and in accordance with the law should not face personal liability for company debts in the event of insolvency.
Can a director be held liable for a company’s debts?
If a director is held liable for their company’s debts, they will be in a similar position to a sole trader — and if the debts can’t be met, personal assets may have to be sold or refinanced. If this isn’t possible, there is a risk creditors could push for personal bankruptcy.
When are you personally liable for LLC or corporate debt?
Overview of Corporate Limited Liability. When you form a corporation or an LLC it becomes a separate legal entity apart from its owners. This means that the business itself can own assets, enter into contracts, and is liable for its own debts.