What is an LLC and why does it matter? Can’t I just do business as myself?

You can run your business as “just you” (that’s called a sole proprietorship), but it means zero legal separation between your personal life and your business. An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, puts a layer of protection between the two — and also makes it easier to open business bank accounts, get paid, and look legit to clients. Legally, an LLC is like Clark Kent putting on the glasses — suddenly it’s a whole different person in the eyes of the law. But to the IRS? They’re like, ‘nice try, Supes, we know it’s still you.’”