How can this guy still be arguing that the LLC status makes it legal, when you have to be 18 to legally create an LLC in the state of Washington? This has been clearly cited several times. It's not anything new that someone can apply for an LLC, LPC, S Corp or C Corp status in the United States without the secretary or state verifying the information. Try calling them and asking "It says I have to use the real physical street address of the corporate office, and that I can't use a PO Box, can I use a MailBox Etc. address that looks like a real street?" You know what their response will literally be most of the time? "If we don't know, it doesn't matter". They only care if they have complaints and a reason to suspend or revoke the LLC or Corporate status. They don't ask for or verify age, but for it to be VALID, you must be. Simply because they didn't verify the information needed for it to be a legal entity, doesn't make it one. Try signing any contract that you can't enter into without being at least 18 year of age to make it actually legally binding that doesn't specifically ask for the age to be filled in and see where they might sometimes get you, if you aren't 18+. Some are probably more forgiving than others and some will not be an issue unless it comes up.
As others have said, it will probably never be an issue, provided he runs a business well enough, but it still isn't legal, and thus the business (DBA, LLC or Corporate accounts for merchant services, paypal, or the bank account) also isn't valid, since the LLC is formed illegally. This also defines the act of providing the service and operating as the LLC itself as illegal and the act of hiring and paying employees and entering into contracts. Sure, if the LLC entity itself were legitimate and legal, then yes, it would act as its own entity, but since it can't, everything done is void and non binding. This fact and the fact that this kid wants to view it as a non issue is fine with me, but legally speaking, the facts show it's not legitimate and only goes to prove what some of the people say about the maturity needed to run a real, legitimate business (at least legally speaking). I find this troubling, since what really differentiates the choice to ignore the legal aspects of the business claimed to be ran, compared to the other poor choices that other younger people make that people made examples of).
Of course there's no reason why a teenager can't do just as well as many adults in running a business, which just goes to show how poorly and unqualified many adults are. Reckless methods and lack of common sense know no age. So, while this kid would otherwise have the respect and nod that he might otherwise deserve, the fact that he is viewing this invalid LLC status as a non issue is a problem in and of itself. He said he didn't use his parents with this and did this all on his own, so any alternative assumptions to make this a legal or correct argument regarding the LLC status is incorrect and uninformed. While every other aspect and intention may be above par for all we know, this one aspect is a significant one and the attitude shown by the "owner" of this LLC is what really best illustrates the problem. Had he used his parents to create the LLC and start the business, then no one could have a reason to take issue with it.
Also, I don't mean to be mean about it, but there are clearly more issues here than simply age and this issue which show lack of experience/wisdom, but I recall them entering into service contracts with the likes of VaguHost, and that didn't work out well (for a good reason). This could be argued about what it means, but to me it shows inexperience or simply being reckless in that regard as well (for they didn't even have a site nor could they act professionally (Vagu, that is), and had information offered that they were a scam the entire time, but it was all about price for CS. I'm not suggesting CS was just being cheap and definitely not to suggest they are a fraud like VaguHost was, but this just goes to show a very recent event that proves that maturity and experience do play a role in this industry. I'm unsure what qualifies as doing well to some people, but it's more than just numbers and age will always play a role. You get two people; One a smart, experienced 30 year old and one is a smart, experienced 15 year old, which is almost automatically a better choice? Now, look at them both in 5 or 10 more years, the choice is much more difficult outright.
Only with age do you gain wisdom (you don't get smarter, you only gain experience, skills, wisdom, and so on), and do to this, there's no possible way to rationally argue the age factor being important in business with someone that thus far lacks that wisdom. The fact that you add onto the arrogance to dismiss the legal issues involved with this by simply claiming an LLC is a separate entity (which it is), is not enough when you're not legally old enough to form it. Either a legal adult is involved, or there's some type of emancipation aspect, and I believe it would behoove the CS "owner" to clarify, or otherwise simply admit that there might have been a mistake in understanding the laws (no one would fault him there) and simply take the proper steps to go about obtaining a legal and valid LLC or Corp status. Then, who could argue? From there, you learn from experience and gain that wisdom.
Arguing semantics and going in circles is not the best route to take in my opinion. For anyone confused about this reply of mine or that doesn't agree, I can only suggest you re-read the thread, follow the links posted and the information cited for the State of Washington and do even a small amount of research. As others have suggested, if you're unsure and this is relevant to you, feel free and, in fact, encouraged, to seek the assistance of a qualified business attorney in your state. Point being, I would just suggest remedying the issue, instead of being stubborn and just thinking because you [think] you understand the legalities, that these assumptions will protect you or provide you any credibility. Why do that to yourself or your business? Do the right thing if you want to impress positive feedback upon the viewers of this thread. This should be something any ethical business owner will want to do, it would only be a good idea and a good thing, and from there everyone can only wish you the best. The last thing you want, is a legal issue, only to find out the hard way that your LLC protection doesn't exist because it was never legally formed by a legal aged person. If you would rather take that risk due to arrogance, then you've only supported the claims that people make about minors running illegitimate businesses.