Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a business entity:
- Liability: Sole proprietorships and general partnerships provide no liability protection for owners. Limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporations protect owners from business debts and lawsuits.
- Taxation: Sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs are taxed as sole proprietorships. Partnerships and multi-member LLCs are taxed as partnerships. Corporations are taxed separately from owners.
- Formation: Sole proprietorships require no formal creation. Partnerships, LLCs, and corporations require filing paperwork with the state. Corporations typically have the most complex formation process.
- Governance: Sole proprietor