One of the key benefits of an LLC versus the sole proprietorship is that a member's liability is limited to the amount of their investment in the LLC. Therefore, a member is not personally liable for the debts of the LLC. A sole proprietor would be liable for the debts incurred by the business.
A sole proprietorship is useful for small scale, low-profit, and low-risk businesses. A sole proprietorship doesn't protect your personal assets. An LLC is the best choice for most small business owners because LLCs can protect your personal assets.
The benefit of a partnership over a sole proprietorship is that you'll share the responsibilities, resources, and losses. On the other hand, you also split your profits, and you might face disagreements over how to run the business. One way to mitigate conflict is to create a partnership agreement.
Pros and Cons of Limited Liability Corporations (LLC)The ProsThe ConsYou have the flexibility of being taxed as a sole proprietor, partnership, S corporation or C corporation.As an LLC member, you cannot pay yourself wages.5 more rows
Disadvantages of a sole proprietorshipNo liability protection. ... Financing and business credit is harder to procure. ... Selling is a challenge. ... Unlimited liability. ... Raising capital can be challenging. ... Lack of financial control and difficulty tracking expenses.
Filing a company as a sole proprietorship is much easier and less expensive than filing as an LLC. With the latter, you're paying more upfront cash, filling our more paperwork, and takes up way more time than with a sole proprietorship.
5 advantages of sole proprietorshipLess paperwork to get started.Easier processes and fewer requirements for business taxes.Fewer registration fees.More straightforward banking.Simplified business ownership.
Disadvantages: unlimited liability, limited life, difficulty in transferring ownership, hard to raise capital funds.
Advantages of a sole proprietorship There are fewer regulations about having a board of directors (since it will just be you) and recorded meetings. Another obvious bonus is that you have no one to answer to but yourself; you'll also have the ability to set your work schedule and routine.
As a sole proprietor you must report all business income or losses on your personal income tax return; the business itself is not taxed separately. (The IRS calls this "pass-through" taxation, because business profits pass through the business to be taxed on your personal tax return.)
A sole proprietor without employees and who doesn't file any excise or pension plan tax returns doesn't need an EIN (but can get one). In this instance, the sole proprietor uses his or her social security number (instead of an EIN) as the taxpayer identification number.
Disadvantages of creating an LLC Cost: An LLC usually costs more to form and maintain than a sole proprietorship or general partnership. States charge an initial formation fee. Many states also impose ongoing fees, such as annual report and/or franchise tax fees. Check with your Secretary of State's office.