Types of Business Ownership.
By Jake Groseclose
Sole Proprietorship
This is a business that is owned and run by one person and there is no legal distinction between the owner and the business. Some advantages to this type of business are that the owner has complete control and decision making power over the business. They have no corporate tax payments. There are few formal business requirements. The disadvantages are that the sole proprietor can be held personally liable for the debts and obligations of the business. All responsibilities and decision making falls on the shoulders of the sole proprietor. Some facts are sole proprietorship must file various taxes due.A sole proprietor does not file taxes under an employer ID number, but rather under his/her SSn.
Examples: Landscaper and freelance writer.
Partnership
This business ownership is where two or more people carry on a business with a goal of earning a profit. The advantages are that they are usually less expensive to form and require less paperwork and formalities than corporations. The disadvantages are that the general partners are held personally liable for debts incurred by the actions of another partner. A partnership must file an annual information return to report the income, deduction, gains, and losses. They must register with the IRS, state and local revenue agencies and obtain a tax ID number or permit. Some facts are that the general partnership is the simplest and least expensive co-owned business structure to create and maintain.
Examples: Microsoft and McDonalds.
Limited Liability Partnership
This is a partnership in which some or all partners have a limited liability. Such as if one partner messes up, the other is not held responsible. The advantages are that you can/t be held personally liable for acts that happen to the company. Partners have the authority to decide how they will contribute to the business operations. The disadvantages are that LLC is not considered a legal business structure in every state. Individual partners are not obligated to consult with other participates in business agreements. LLCs are not goverened under state statue to file requirements and fees. Some facts are there is still one person in the group who can be held personally liable for the business debts. LLC traditionally has a limited life, such as it doesn't usually last longer than 40 years.
Examples: Lawyers, accountants, architects.
Corporation
This is an independent legal entity owned by shareholdes. Some advantages are that shareholders are not nliable for any debts incurred and judgements handed down against the corporation. Shareholders only risk their equity. Some disadvantages are that it costs more money to for, than any other business structure. Governmental agencies monitor corporations which may result in more paperwork. They have an employee conduct policy that establishes the duties and responsibilities each employee must adhere to as a condition of employment. SOme facts are that a corporation traces back to the roman law and found its way to the American colonies through the British. The corporation today remains the most common form of business.
Examples: Apple, Asus, Ikea.