When Starting a New Small or Home Business Points to Consider for a Sole Proprietorship Business Structure

Starting a new business venture as a sole proprietor is one of the most common and easiest way to begin. While deciding between this and a corporate liability company you have to consider some disadvantages and advantages in terms of taxation. There are some rumors and misconceptions among individuals that if you are employing some people, then it is important that you form a corporation. Hiring of employees in a small business can be more difficult as a sole proprietor but it is still common. Your primary conce
s will be in regards to the taxes, accounting, government regulations, how capital is raised, business decisions and liability. Also that you will not be considered as a separate company if you happen to be the sole proprietor of the organization or venture.

As a common example, you as the sole proprietor of you business need to pay taxes only once. Of course, you will also be responsible for paying all the taxes incurred by the company because you will be treated as a company. A lot of people don't know, but you can also pay your taxes through your own personal assets. This might unsettle some people, but in fact it's one of the salient features. A disadvantage of a sole proprietorship is that you can be subject to both the Federal Tax Rate and a "self-employment tax".

There is another subtle point of difference between being a corporation and being a sole proprietor. If you have formed a corporation, then the taxes payable will not affect your personal assets. Also, your corporation will shield you from the tax dangers if you get into them. So people often choose a corporation if they have some very risky or profitable businesses that they are about to start. "Unlimited Liability" s a primary reason some stay away from a sole proprietor structured small business as personal assets are at risk.

One advantage with the sole proprietorship is that the accounts and the financial matters are very easy on you, and they are not that complicated. You also don't need a corporate filing at the time of the tax by the IRS. Tax forms are simpler as is accounting. The business set up costs will also not be that much, because you don't need things like Articles of Incorporation or registration papers of a similar kind. Government regulations are significantly less with a sole proprietor business structure.
A couple other points that may be considered when growing your small business. At first a sole proprietorship may make more sense for you but as you grow, possibly expand and need to raise capital or secure bank financing, then it can be a disadvantage and at that time a corporate or even limited partnership can be reviewed.

It is always a good idea to seek the help of your advisor, but in the most general case, if your business does not require large hands, you are better off with sole proprietorship. Sole proprietors can gain insight and valuable information on changes on going by joining a local business association in your area or even online.