An LLC is also commonly known as a "limited liability company." The chief feature of the LLC is the protection of the LLC members' personal assets from liability for the LLC. Thus, the LLC is widely utilized for this benefit. A non-profit LLC is one which has members, but the members do not receive a profit from the transactions and dealings of the LLC. In some states, it is not clear as to whether an LLC may operate for charitable purposes and thus, whether the LLC can exist as a non-profit. The issue of concern relates to whether the LLC may receive tax exemption for certain types of purposes, including charitable or educational purposes. The Internal Revenue Service will recognize tax exemption of the charitable non-profit based upon the LLC's indication that its charitable status is allowed by the state law where the non-profit is based. Where the LLC is permitted for non-profits, the LLC is frequently desired when there are joint ventures of two or more non-profits, because limited liability is an advantage of the structure.