Compare and Contrast Chart of Business Structures
| Business Structure | Advantages | Disadvantages | Legal Implications | |-------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Sole Proprietorship | 1. Simple to establish and operate. | 1. Unlimited personal liability. | Owner is personally liable for debts and obligations of the business. | | | 2. Full control over business decisions. | 2. Limited access to capital. | Business income is taxed as personal income. | | | 3. Minimal regulatory burden. | 3. Business continuity issues (ceases without owner). | | | Partnership | 1. Easy to establish and operate. | 1. Unlimited personal liability for general partners. | Partners are personally liable for business debts and obligations. | | | 2. Combined skills and resources of partners. | 2. Potential for conflicts between partners. | Partnership income is taxed as personal income of partners. | | | 3. Shared decision-making and responsibilities. | 3. Limited lifespan - dissolves if a partner exits. | | | S Corporation | 1. Limited liability for shareholders. | 1. Stricter regulations and formalities. | Shareholders are generally not personally liable for business debts. | | | 2. Pass-through taxation avoids double taxation. | 2. Limited to 100 shareholders and fewer types of stock. | Must adhere to specific IRS requirements for S corps. | | | 3. Greater credibility with customers and creditors. | 3. Formation and ongoing administrative costs. | | | Corporation | 1. Limited liability for shareholders. | 1. More expensive to establish and maintain. | Owners are typically not personally liable for corporate debts. | | | 2. Unlimited growth potential through stock sales. | 2. Double taxation on profits (corporate and personal levels). | Must comply with numerous regulations and governance requirements. | | | 3. Perpetual existence - continues beyond owners' lifetimes. | 3. More complex structure and regulations. | | | Limited Liability Company (LLC) | 1. Limited liability for members. | 1. More complex than sole proprietorship and partnership. | Members are usually not personally liable for business debts. | | | 2. Pass-through taxation (like S Corp). | 2. Varying regulations by state can create confusion. | Must comply with state-specific regulations. | | | 3. Flexible management structure. | 3. Limited lifespan in some states if a member leaves. | |
Venn Diagram
Similarities (Center Section)
- Limited liability for owners/shareholders.
- Pass-through taxation option for some structures.
- Legal existence and ability to enter contracts.
Sole Proprietorship (Outer Ring)
- Simple to establish and operate.
- Unlimited personal liability.
- Business ceases if owner exits.
Partnership (Outer Ring)
- Shared decision-making and resources.
- Unlimited liability for general partners.
- Limited lifespan on partner exit.
S Corporation (Outer Ring)
- Limited to 100 shareholders and specific regulations.
- Stricter requirements than partnerships.
- Greater credibility with formal structure.
Corporation (Outer Ring)
- Unlimited growth through stock sales.
- Double taxation on profits.
- Most complex legal structure with strict regulations.
Limited Liability Company (LLC) (Outer Ring)
- Flexible management structure.
- Varying state regulations.
- Can have a limited lifespan under specific conditions.
Feel free to ask if you need any adjustments or further details!
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