Choosing A Business Entity : Case Study

Betty Wilson’s venture of opening a Christian Coffee House in Belmont, NC, presents her with abundant opportunities in selecting a business form. She is considering the following types of entities: 1) franchise, 2) sole proprietorship, 3) partnership of some sort, 4) corporation of some sort, 5) LLC, or 6) even as a joint venture. We will briefly explore each business option and give Betty concise recommendations as to what business form to pursue as well as what business partners to engage.

Limited liability means it does not exceed the amount invested in a partnership or limited liability company. The limited liability feature is one of the biggest advantages of investing in publicly listed companies. While a shareholder can participate wholly in the growth of a company, his or her liability is restricted to the

• PROFIT RETENTION – Limited partners usually receive a specified amount of profit that is predetermined in an agreement or based on the contribution of the partner. • LOCATION – Limited partners have no say in expansion or relocation of the company in which they are partners with. • CONVENIENCE/BURDEN – One convenience of having limited

Many believe that liability is a biggest issue in a general partnership than in a sole proprietorship. The owners of the company are still fully liable for any debts the company may accrue as well as the liability for any lawsuits that may be brought against the company. However, the bigger issue in a partnership is that now each partner can be liable for the other partner’s actions. If one partner is sued for malpractice, the other partner may suffer because of it.

Forming a business entity requires a great deal of knowledge before any decision is made. There are advantages and disadvantages to each entity and without proper understanding of what they are, individuals could make costly errors and forfeit crucial perks that would be in the businesses best interest. In the situation in New State, Alex, Bill, Carl, and Devon have inherited their father’s operating organic farm and seek advice, in regards to which form of business organization would best fit their particular criteria. They have emphasized their immediate concerns, wants and needs from a business standpoint, but also stress their strong faith to uphold and operate in accordance with the Christian worldview. Their criteria is as follows, (1) create an entity which averts formalities or complexities, (2) develop a structure allowing cousin Xavier to handle the day-to-day, (3) minimize taxes on the entity, (4) avoid any personal liability, (4) keep business in the family only, (5) remain in accordance with the Christian worldview, (which will be the final topic in this discussion). After reviewing all criteria, it will be advised that forming a limited liability company (LLC) and electing for an S corporation status would be of best interest for the family. Discussed below, is the strengths and weaknesses of each form of business organization as it applies to their unique situation, to help better understand why an LLC/S corporation, is the best form of

Convenience/Burden- Like a general partnership a limited partnership is easily formed and can enjoy pass through-taxation. It can also be easier to get financing with a limited partnership. A downfall of the limited partnership is that the death of a general partner can dissolve the partnership unless a prior agreement has been established.

3    • Control – A major disadvantage of the limited partnership becomes obvious when discussing the actual management of the general partnership. Limited partners have no control of the day-to-day operations of the general partnership. Profit Retention – The limited partner receives an agreed portion of the profits that typically reflects the percentage of the amount that has been invested into the general partnership.   Location – If the general partners expand or move into another state, the burden of regulatory requirements is solely on the general partners and not the limited partners. If the partners plan to move or expand into another state, they simply need to file a new DBA in that state. Convenience / Burden – A

A limited liability company consists of a single owner, or sometimes more than one owner, and are not taxed as separate business entities. All profits and losses pass through the business to those who own the company. Owners must report profits and losses on their personal tax return filing as a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. If the LLC is ran by a single owner, they file a 1040 Schedule C form as a sole proprietor. Partners file a 1065 form consisting of a partnership, and a form 1120 is filed if the LLC is filing as a corporation. The LLC must be registered such as the State Corporation Commission, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, or the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. The great thing about an LLC is that the owner has freedom in management. The owner is able to run the organization as they see fit not answering to anyone,

Tinker & Tailor’s Home Security Service: “The limited partnership form of business organization was primarily created to address one of the worst shortcomings of the traditional partnership form: unlimited personal liability for financial obligations incurred by the partnership” (Seaquist, 2012). Those involved in a limited partnership are in a unique situation in that they are only legally responsible for their investment in the partnership

Limited liability Company (LLC): Business’ owners are only subject to limited liability for company’s debts and actions. Owners will be only liable for their own mistakes or negligence that they may show in occasions.

f. Partnership to corporation structure—When Goldman decided to change from partnership to a corporation, this shielded them from being liable, where as being the principals, you put it all on the line. The move to a corporation with limited liability resulted in riskier

As with any kind of business formation, there will always be, to some extent, negative aspects associated with the creation. To this date there is no perfect form of business entity. When deciding on which entity is best suited for a business, there are many things to be considered. Prior to deciding on a business structure, some major points to be thought about are both the legal and tax ramifications associated with the entity chosen. Another criteria that should be considered are the costs connected with the entity type. These cost include the cost of formation as well as any continuing administrative cost that may be incurred. (“Choose Your Business,” 2011)

Headquartered in Texas, Teletech Corporation operates under two main business segments: the Telecommunications Services segment, providing various telephone services to business and residential customers and the Products & Systems segment, which manufactures computing and telecommunications equipment. In late 2005, the Securities & Exchange Commission revealed that billionaire Victor Yossarian acquired a 10% stake in Teletech and demanded two seats on the board of directors. He felt that the firm was misusing their resources and not earning a sufficient return. He stated that Teletech should sell off its Product & Systems segment and focus on creating value for the company’s shareholders. A detailed analysis will reveal

(63)” Limited liability is another thing that is not inherently bad. If shareholders were completely held responsible for the debts of a corporation, then nobody would want to invest in any company. Limited liability helps boost the economy by encouraging people to invest money in companies which then make products for consumers to buy. Limited liability can also be used in a bad way such as when the owners of BP were not able to be held accountable for the environmental damage and the loss of 11 lives because they ignored safety regulations to make a bigger profit. The BP oil spill is another example of corporation privatizing profits and socializing cost. BP cut costs by getting around safety regulations on their oil rig. They Saved money and increased their profit by doing this but all of that profit stayed among the BP shareholders, however when the oil rig exploded the shareholders were not forced to pay for the damages and reparations. The public was forced to pay the cost of cleaning up the gulf. The shareholders made a profit by cutting corners, but when it finally caught up with them and disaster struck, they passed the cost of it on to everyone

The advantages to a LLC are: 1) Reduction of personal liability. A sole proprietor has unlimited liability, which can include the potential loss of all personal assets. 2) Taxes. Forming an LLC may mean that more expenses can be considered business expenses and be deducted from the company’s income. 3) Improved credibility. The business may have increased credibility in the business world compared to a sole proprietorship. 4) Ability to attract investment. Corporations, even LLCs, can raise capital through the sale of equity. 5) Continuous life. Sole proprietorships have a limited life,