When you start up your business you’ll want to figure out your tax-related business identity. There are a few choices depending on where you live. In the USA you can choose to be a sole proprietor, partnership, a limited liability corporation (LLC) or a corporation. Each has different rules, regulations and tax consequences. It will depend on your individual business and what works best for you.
Some types of businesses are required to be in a certain category, but a large share of businesses can run as sole proprietors or LLCs easily.
Sole Proprietor
This type of business set-up means that there is just one owner who is totally responsible for everything. It’s the easiest way to start a business, and how most people get started as long as they’re not in a category that requires another entity.
One problem with this type of business is that if something goes wrong and a customer or other person is harmed in some way and brings a lawsuit, they can win your personal funds and even take your home. Taxes are easy in the USA with the schedule C on personal income taxes.
Partnership
If you are running a business with another person, then you may want to form a partnership. You don’t have to in order to run a business with someone else, but it can offer another level of protection for both parties in the event of a disagreement or even a lawsuit. Income taxes are simple and somewhat like the schedule C reporting, with an additional information return filed. This type of business can be difficult at times, but it’s just as easy to set up as a sole proprietorship.
Limited Liability Corporation
Many people like to form LLCs because they have the opportunity to file taxes as a partnership, corporation, or even as a sole proprietorship. The LLC is mostly just to protect individual business owners from personal liability if something goes wrong and a lawsuit happens, or if the business goes under.
Corporation
There are many types of corporations such as an S Corp and an INC. These are the most expensive types of entities to form, and have many requirements such as having a board, separate taxes for the business and owners, and other issues. You’ll definitely need to work with a CPA and perhaps a corporate lawyer to help you form a corporation and keep compliant with the laws.
The business entity that you choose will make a difference in how you file income taxes and run your business on a daily basis. You’ll need to speak to a financial expert such as a CPA to help you determine which entity is best for you.
