I'm looking at getting started as a realtor.
I was wondering if it's worth forming a LLC. Any benefits or do you recommend a different structure?
Also, I tried to find anything on tax planning, but didn't get any hits on this website. Any recommendations on reading about tax writeoffs and pitfalls?

Thanks in advance.

When you are first starting out, I wouldn't think you need to start up this type of business right away. Wait until you get your business established before you make these decisions. For now, just use Quickbooks to keep track of your sole proprietorship.

I have seen agents in my office do this. They have 2 licenses in the office, one for them and one for the llc. All commissions are paid to the llc. They get nothing from the broker. The llc cuts them a check later on. The theory is agent avoids some taxes by doing this since the agent is an employee of the llc, not an independent contractor. I am not a tax expert and not trying to give you any advice. I really do not have any first hand knowledge of this. This is just my experience from the water cooler chat I have taken part in. Please take the time to get answers from someone who is qualified to give you accurate advice.

Good luck on the new career.

As a new agent, you should be so lucky as to have tax problems. Talk to a CPA or tax professional before making a decision. In CA, an LLC cannot hold a license.

Remember that each state has its own rules and regulations as BK pointed out. For now just go with a sole proprietorship and file taxes under personal income. You don't need to worry about liability in the same way that a real estate holdings company would. In the future, you should talk to a lawyer and find out the upsides and downsides.

My only advice would be to always be honest and never cheat the system because it will come back to get you... Real Estate agents are looked at very close.

Like the others above, I am not a CPA, but sheltering your income from self-employment income tax via a corporation (in my understanding) only shelters the money the corporation does not pay you. Eventually, if you want the money out of the "corporation" you will have to pay these income taxes. Again, this is just the way that I understand it. Good luck!