Key Takeaways

  • LLC owners can choose from a wide range of titles, including “Member,” “Managing Member,” “Owner,” “Founder,” or corporate-style titles like “CEO.”
  • The best title depends on your LLC’s structure, your role, and the image you want to project to clients, investors, and partners.
  • You’re not legally required to use a specific title, but your choice must be truthful and avoid implying qualifications or licenses you don’t have.
  • Manager-managed and member-managed LLCs may use different titles to reflect operational responsibilities.
  • Fun or creative titles can work in casual industries but should still convey your position clearly in formal contexts.

An LLC owner title is the title or position given to the managing member of an LLC. Owner, founder, and partner are examples of these titles.

What Is an LLC?

An LLC is a type of business, like a corporation or partnership. It is subject to local and state laws regarding businesses.

Some states require that an LLC has at least two members, but many allow for only one member. Ownership restrictions are basically nonexistent in most states allowing individuals and even other types of businesses to act as owners. 

The three members of an LLC can be one individual, one corporation, and one other LLC. 

Flexibility Benefits

Regulations and requirements for LLCs are different depending on the state, but they are meant to help small business owners and entrepreneurs build their companies the way they want.

Company structures look different depending on how things operate and what the owner wants. States want to allow companies to form easily, so they offer flexibility with regulations.

The owner title you choose will reflect how you want people to see your company and its structure. Keep your title straightforward and appropriate for the type of business or services you plan to offer.

LLC Taxed as a Corporation

LLCs can decide to be classified as a C corporation or S corporation. Members acting as managers of an LLC with this classification can be paid by the company, but their wages will be taxed.

Manager-Managed LLC

There are passive and managing members of an LLC. Members who want to become a manager-managed LLC can either choose one of the members to act as manager or hire someone from the outside.

If one of the members wants to act as manager, there needs to remain at least one passive member. If an outsider is hired, all of the members can remain passive.

What Titles Do You Give an Owner or Partner in an LLC?

Titles available for owners and partners of an LLC are basically unlimited. The only rule is that your title cannot claim any licenses you don't actually have.

The title you choose will say something about your company, so be sure to send the right message with your choice.

Titles that hold legal significance in most states are as follows:

  • Members (any owners)
  • Managers (person who handles daily business duties)
  • Managing members (person who handles company operations)

Members of LLCs who are not involved in the function of the business should be called investors.

Managing members might want to choose a more recognizable title like the company president or chief executive officer (CEO).

If you want your title to reflect your specific role in the company, you could choose something like "creative director."

When certain types of companies want to be viewed differently, they might avoid titles like president and CEO and choose something like managing director or technical director instead. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your LLC Owner Title

When deciding what is my title if I own an LLC, think beyond personal preference. Your title should align with your business’s management structure, the expectations of your clients or industry, and any regulatory requirements in your state. Consider:

  • Business Structure: In a member-managed LLC, you might use “Member” or “Managing Member.” In a manager-managed LLC, owners often use “Member” while operational leaders hold titles like “Manager” or “CEO.”
  • Professional Perception: A formal title like “President” or “CEO” may inspire more credibility in industries like finance or law, whereas “Founder” or “Owner” can work well for startups or small businesses.
  • External Communications: Think about how your title appears on contracts, marketing materials, and email signatures.
  • Regulatory Accuracy: Avoid titles implying a license or certification you don’t hold—for example, don’t use “Engineer” or “Attorney” unless you are licensed as such.
  • Future Growth: Choose a title that can scale with your business to avoid confusion if your role changes.

Traditional Corporate Titles

Titles commonly found in companies include:

  • Owner
  • Founder
  • President
  • Chief executive officer (CEO)
  • Chief operating officer (COO)
  • Chief financial officer (CFO)
  • Secretary

The first two titles suggest that a company is smaller, while the others make a company seem bigger because they are used throughout the corporate world. Corporations are usually required by state to name four officers: 

  • CEO
  • President
  • CFO
  • Secretary

LLCs are also able to name these officers under state regulations. 

Partnership-Style Titles

LLCs with multiple members are classified as partnerships for federal tax purposes. The owner of an LLC must specify with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) if they want to be taxed as a corporation.

An LLC structured like a partnership instead of a corporation can choose titles that reflect this distinction like:

  • Partner
  • Principle
  • Managing partner

Legal and Compliance Considerations for LLC Titles

While you generally have flexibility in choosing an LLC owner title, there are important legal points to remember:

  • No False Representation: Your title must not mislead clients, investors, or the public about your qualifications or authority.
  • State-Specific Rules: Some states have restrictions on the use of certain corporate officer titles or professional terms.
  • Contracts and Legal Documents: Be consistent in how your title appears in formal agreements to avoid confusion about your authority.
  • Banking and Finance: Financial institutions often require clarity on your role before granting account access or loan authority.

Fun and Creative Titles

LLC owners and members have the freedom to get a little crazy with their titles. If you don't want to take the traditional route, think of a title that truly reflects the ideals and nature of your company. Instead of president you can choose a title, like "head honcho" or "chief goofball."

Usually your title should reflect your level or position in the company, so try to include some indication of that even in a fun title. Consider simply adding a little creativity to a traditional title, like "chief financial nerd" or "plucky partner."

Technically you can give yourself any title you want as long as you're not leading anyone to think you have certifications or expertise that you don't. You can put "chief ninja wrangler" on your business card, but it might not be great for business. 

When to Use Multiple Titles

Many LLC owners wear multiple hats, especially in small or early-stage companies. You might use one title internally and another externally:

  • Internal Use: Reflects your operational role, such as “Managing Member” or “Creative Director.”
  • External Use: Focuses on branding or client relations, such as “Founder” or “CEO.”
  • Dual Titles: In some cases, you may list both—for example, “Founder & Managing Member”—to convey both your ownership and leadership roles.

This approach can help you maintain legal clarity while tailoring your presentation to different audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Am I required to use “Member” as my LLC title? No. While “Member” is the legal term for an LLC owner, you can choose another title as long as it’s truthful and not misleading.
  2. Can I call myself CEO if I own an LLC? Yes, if your role involves executive-level decision-making and leadership, “CEO” is acceptable. Just ensure it aligns with your company’s structure.
  3. Should I use “Owner” or “Founder” in my title? Either can work—“Owner” emphasizes your legal stake, while “Founder” highlights your role in starting the business.
  4. Do I need to register my LLC title with the state? Generally, no. States require the business name and registered agent information but not your personal title, except in some licensing or professional fields.
  5. Can I have more than one title? Yes. You can use different titles for internal and external purposes, as long as they’re accurate and not misleading.

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