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What is the Most Common Form of Business Ownership?

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Jason Wilson
What is the Most Common Form of Business Ownership?

Business Formation: Understanding the Most Common Forms of Business Ownership



Starting a business requires an entrepreneur to decide on the type of legal structure they will use to run their business. The type of business formation they choose will determine various aspects related to their business such as the amount of taxes paid, daily operations, liability, and personal assets. The business formation process is an essential juncture in creating a successful venture. It must be handled with care and regard for the legal and financial implications. This article will elaborate on the most common forms of business ownership, with a keen interest in small business ownership.


The Most Common Forms of Business Ownership



There are four primary types of business ownership; sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and limited liability company (LLC). Let's delve into each one of them.


Sole Proprietorship



Sole proprietorship is the simplest and most common form of business ownership. A sole proprietorship is a business that is owned and run by an individual who is responsible for all of the operations and profits. Sole proprietors have total control over the business and make all decisions and take all responsibility. This form of business is ideal for those who want to start small and do not require any formal paperwork to start. However, it is worth noting that the owner is held responsible for all the business’s liabilities and debts.


Partnership



Partnerships are formed when two or more individuals decide to start a business together. The profits and losses of a partnership are shared among the partners, depending on the partnership agreement. Like sole proprietorship, a partnership form of business is relatively easy to form, and it does not require a lot of formal paperwork. However, we recommend that a partnership agreement is drawn up to outline the roles and responsibilities of each partner because without one, conflicts are bound to arise.


Corporation



Corporations are more complex than sole proprietorship and partnership businesses. It is considered as a separate legal entity from its owners (shareholders), and the corporation issues stocks to the shareholders as proof of ownership. Corporations handle liability differently than sole proprietorship and partnership businesses, and that means the shareholders are shielded from personal liability for the corporation's debts. However, corporations are slightly cumbersome to setup, and ongoing compliance requirements are more complex than the other forms of business ownership.


Limited Liability Company (LLC)



An LLC is a hybrid of a corporation and a partnership or sole proprietorship business structure. It combines the benefits of both approaches for small businesses. Members of an LLC are not personally liable for the debts of the business. LLC is more versatile than other forms of business ownership, and significant tax benefits come with the LLC form of business.


The Most Common Form of Small Business Ownership



The most common form of business ownership for small businesses is a sole proprietorship. According to reports, over 70% of American businesses are single-owner small businesses. Small business owners prefer sole proprietorship because this form of business is easy and inexpensive to start, and they have complete control of the business’s operation. It also gives them flexibility in their workflow.


Conclusion



In conclusion, when starting a business, an entrepreneur should decide the legal structure of their business carefully because it has many implications down the line. The most common forms of business ownership are sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and limited liability company. Although owning a small business has its benefits and drawbacks, one should understand the different types of business ownership and select the right one that suits their business needs. Seeking advice from a business attorney or a tax professional is recommended as it will help in understanding the legalities and tax implications of the different forms of business ownership. More info you can find on our website.

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