Choosing a Legal Structure
Choosing a legal structure (also called a business ownership structure or business form) is one of the first things an entrepreneur does when starting a business. Choices include LLCs, partnerships, sole proprietorships, corporations, non-profits and co-operatives. This decision hinges on liability issues, tax obligations, investment needs and other factors; but the key is to find the best fit for your organization. The following resources will help you decide which legal structure is best for your business by examining the pros and cons of each, relevant investor issues and more.
- Business Formation QuickStart
Tutorials on how to start a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, LLC or a non-profit.
- Incorporation & Legal Structures Resources
Tax information, sample business structure agreements, state guides and do-it-yourself packages.
- Incorporation & Legal Structures - Get Help
How a business lawyer can help you choose the right legal structure for your small business.
- Sole Proprietorships
FAQs, tax information and advice for how to set up a sole proprietorship.
- Partnerships
FAQs, tax primer, set-up guides, owner buyout agreements and other information about partnerships.
- Corporations
FAQs and comparisons, tax basics and how-to guides for how to set up a corporation.
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
FAQs, checklists and information about how to set up an LLC.
- Non-Profit and Tax-Exempt Organizations
Pros and cons of running a non-profit, eligibility and set-up information.
- Amount and Timing of Investments
- Benefits and Drawbacks of Different Types of Business Entities
- Business Form and Management of the Business: Pros and Cons
- Business Form and Taxation: Pros and Cons
- Business Forms and Federal Tax Law
- Business Structures: Which One is Best for Your Business
- Do's and Don'ts: Choosing a Business Form
- Drafting and Filing Documents
- Five Investor Issues to Consider When Choosing a Business
- Picking a Business Form: Ten Things to Consider
- Types of Business Structures
- What to Expect: Business Liability