Limited liability companies (LLCs), corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships are the four primary forms of business legal formations.

An outline of each business’s legal structure is provided below:

Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is the simplest type of business structure to form and operate. Sole proprietorships are unincorporated, meaning that there is no legal distinction between the business owner and the business itself. This means that the business owner is personally liable for all of the business’s debts and liabilities.

Partnership

A partnership is a legal relationship between two or more people who agree to carry on a business together. Partnerships can be general or limited. General partners are personally liable for all of the partnership’s debts and liabilities, while limited partners have limited liability for the partnership’s debts and liabilities.

Limited liability company (LLC)

LLCs are unincorporated entities, but they have their own legal liability status.

Which business legal structure is right for you?

The best business legal structure for you will depend on a number of factors, including the size and nature of your business, your personal liability concerns, and your tax planning objectives.

Here are some general guidelines for choosing a business legal structure:

1. If you are the only owner of your business and you have low liability concerns, you may want to consider a sole proprietorship.
2. You might want to think about founding and running a corporation if you are concerned about limited liability and are prepared to handle the extra complexity.

It is important to consult with an attorney or accountant to determine the best business legal structure for your specific needs.

Additional tips for choosing a business legal structure:

1. Consider your future growth plans: If you plan to grow your business in the future, you may want to choose a business legal structure that will support your growth plans.
2. Think about your tax planning objectives: Different business legal structures have different tax implications. You should consult with a tax advisor to determine the best business legal structure for your tax planning objectives.
3. Be aware of the compliance requirements: You should research the compliance requirements for each business legal structure before you make a decision.

Choosing the right business legal structure is an important decision that can have significant implications for your business. By carefully considering your needs and goals, you can choose the business legal structure that is right for you.