Should You Set Up an LLC as a Pro Golfer? | Aaron Goldberg & Erik Averill | PGA Players' Series #3

One of the first pieces of advice many pro athletes hear, regardless of the sport, is that they should set up an LLC or corporation although the reasons given for doing this can range anywhere on the spectrum of the plausible to absurd. Our job here at the PGA Players’ Podcast is to demystify the amateur advice and instead provide the professional advice you deserve.

There are certainly advantages to making this move for the right athlete. Specifically, having an LLC set up can help protect you from unforeseen liabilities and can also help you avoid or reduce some of your taxes.

Join Aaron Goldberg, CFP®, and business partner and AWM Capital co-founder Erik Averill, CFP®, CPWA®, CKA® as they discuss this topic and more including:

• The two main advantages to setting up an LLC (1:05)
• How the PGA is different than other sports like MLB or NFL (2:03)
• The importance of protecting against liabilities (3:03)
• Piercing the corporate veil (5:01)
• 1099 vs W2 income (6:47)
• “From the tax point of view, this is where golfers are so unique compared to other athletes.”
• When it can be beneficial to not be taxed as an S corp (9:03)
• Ongoing tax planning: It’s all about your financial structure (9:28)
• Name, Image, Likeness: The important steps for college golfers, agents, and family members (10:15)
• Advanced planning (11:18)
• Keeping income in the household, lowering tax liability (12:53)
• 401k or Roth 401k: Why you need a personalized, customized solution (13:31)