Single-member LLC pay rent to keep liabilities separate?

[nhaislip]

I am a single-member LLC operating out of a bedroom in my home. I plan to write off a portion of the utilities for this bedroom used in my business. However I am concerned regarding legal issues as my profession can be somewhat litigious at times. To not co-mingle finances, should I instead pay myself rent from my LLC and not write off the utilities? Or is it better to write off the utilities as once I start paying myself rent, I would have to file another form regarding rent income and still pay the taxes on that anyways. Wanting to maximize my write-offs without co-mingling the accounts and assets.

[M-MTax]

Not really a tax question but you should consult with legal counsel in your state.

Some states, particularly Florida, offer little or no asset protection for single-member LLCs. In those states, again Florida in particular, you would be better off with something on the order of an S corporation.

Consult with a local attorney regarding your issue. Note that an S corporation is a better approach if you want to pay yourself rent as the corporation is considered to be an entirely separate entity from yourself.