Overview Of Different Entity Types
When starting a business, one of the first steps is to decide what type of legal entity it will operate as and, as a result, what type of personal liability the owners will have. Entity types include “corporation,” “Limited Liability Company (LLC),” “partnership,” “sole proprietorship,” and a variety of other suffixes appended to one of the aforementioned entities.
Choosing the right entity type has far-reaching implications, so it’s critical to determine the best entity type that works for you in terms of legal and tax considerations, investor and future growth requirements, and bureaucratic and financial implications.
How to Choose the Right Entity Type for Your Business
When deciding which entity type is the best fit for your business, there are several factors to take into consideration, including the number of owners, the perceived risks the business faces, the need for flexibility, and the long-term goals of the business.
The first step should be to research the different types of entities and consider the pros and cons of each one. Corporations, for example, offer additional credibility to existing and potential investors, while LLC’s provide a desirable combination of asset and liability protection and tax flexibility. Ultimately, the entity type should be chosen that best serves the needs and interests of the business.
Tax and Legal Implications of Different Entity Types
The tax and legal implications differ significantly between entity types, so it’s important to understand the impact of each one. For example, the S-corporation offers a desirable combination of tax savings and legal shield, while the sole proprietorship is a simple business structure often pursued by small business owners who are the only employees of the company.
Business owners should consider the implications of each entity type, such as liability protection, tax benefits, reporting requirements, filing fees, and more. This will provide a thorough understanding of the implications of operating within each entity type and can help inform the choice.
