Thursday 20 September 2012

Types of Business Organizations part 1


When organizing a new business, one of the most important decisions to be made is choosing the structure of a business.

Forms of Business Ownership
This decision will have long-term implications, so consult with an accountant and attorney to help you select the form of ownership that is right for you. Your choice will be based on:

1. Your vision regarding the size and nature of your business.
2. The level of control you wish to have.
3. The level of "structure" you are willing to deal with.
4. The business's vulnerability to lawsuits.
5. Tax implications of the different ownership structures.
6. Expected profit (or loss) of the business.
7. Whether or not you need to re-invest earnings into the business.
8. Your need for access to cash out of the business for yourself.
9. The risks of your personal assets from business liabilities.
10. Are their partners and/or investors that will be part of the business.

Sole Proprietorships

The vast majority of small business starts out as sole proprietorships … very dangerous. These firms are owned by one person, usually the individual who has day-to-day responsibility for running the business. Sole proprietors own all the assets of the business and the profits generated by it. They also assume “complete personal” responsibility for all of its liabilities or debts. In the eyes of the law, you are one in the same with the business.

Advantages of a Sole Proprietorship
1. Easiest and least expensive form of ownership to organize.
2. Sole proprietors are in complete control, within the law, to make all decisions.
3. Sole proprietors receive all income generated by the business to keep or reinvest.
4. Profits from the business flow-through directly to the owner's personal tax return.
5. The business is easy to dissolve, if desired.

Disadvantages of a Sole Proprietorship
1. Unlimited liability and are legally responsible for all debts against the business.
2. Their business and personal assets are 100% at risk.
3. Have almost be ability to raise investment funds.
4. Are limited to using funds from personal savings or consumer loans.
5. Have a hard time attracting high-caliber employees, or those that are motivated by
the opportunity to own a part of the business.
6. Employee benefits such as owner's medical insurance premiums are not directly
deductible from business income (partially deductible as an adjustment to income).






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