Types of Business Ownership
Aaron Brown
Sole Proprietorship
-owned and run by one natural person and in which there is no legal distinction between the owner and the business
Advantages- No corporate tax payments, has complete control and decision-making power over the business.
Disadvantages- any risk or damage to company is on the owner, rely on loans and personal assets to initially finance their business
Regulations- must file various tax forms, have to be actively participating
Sole proprietorships are the easiest and most inexpensive forms of business to establish
Examples- bookkeeping, home healthcare, financial advisor, tutoring
Partnership
-A partnership is an association of two or more persons to carry on a business for profit
Advantages- Partnerships are relatively easy to establish, Partnerships provide moral support and will allow for more creative brainstorming
Disadvantages- Business partners are jointly and individually liable for the actions of the other partners, A partnership usually has limitations that keep it from becoming a large business
Regulations- Partnerships must furnish copies of their Schedule K-1 (Form 1065) to all partners by the date Form 1065 is required to be filed, including extensions
Examples- Real estate, medical
Limited Liability Partnership
-one partner is not responsible or liable for another partner's misconduct or negligence
Advantages- all partners are protected by some form of liability protection, security laws do not generally come into play when the members change ownership
Disadvantages- individual partners are not obligated to consult with other participants in certain business agreements
Regulations- file an IRS Form 1065 once a year, require limited partnership agreements to be in writing
Legal costs of forming a limited partnership can be even higher than for a corporation because in some states they are governed by securities laws.
Examples- Professional Organizations, Taxes and Assets
Corporation
-is an independent legal entity owned by shareholders. This means that the corporation itself, not the shareholders that own it, is held legally liable for the actions and debts the business incurs.
Advantages- may deduct the cost of benefits it provides to employees and officers,may be able raise additional funds by selling shares in the corporation
Disadvantages- requires more time and money than forming other business structures, Governmental agencies monitor corporations, which may result in added paperwork
Regulations- To amend (change, add or delete) provisions contained in the Articles of Incorporation, it is necessary to prepare and file with the Secretary of State a Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation along with a filing fee
Examples- Google, Apple, Dr. Pepper