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Fin 571 Business Structures Essay

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Business Structures
Krista Harvell
FINANCE 571
July 01, 2013
Mario Ducret

Business Structures
There are four main forms of business structures. The structures of business differentiate based on liability, tax implications, and what type of business is being evaluated when determining what structure to use. This paper will cover the advantages and disadvantages within the four types of business structures; Limited Liability Corporations, Corporations, Partnerships, and Sole Proprietorships.
Corporations
A corporation is a standalone entity. There are two types of corporations, general or S Corp. Advantages of corporations consist of limited liability, capital through stock sales, attractive to employees, and receiving corporate …show more content…

Partnerships A Partnership is a business form that consists of two or more individuals. There are two types of partnerships; general and limited. General partners are liable for the full extent of debts and obligations within the business. Limited partnerships provide individuals with a limitation of responsibilities in the organization’s liability; this type of partnership is dependent upon the investment percentage. Advantages of partnerships consist of cost efficiency, shared financial responsibility, complementary skill association, and offer employees partnership incentives. Disadvantages of partnerships are joint and individual liability, disagreements between partners, and shared profits (“U.S. Small Business Administration,” 2013). Sole Proprietorship
A Sole Proprietorship is one owner. The advantages of a sole proprietorship exist in the simplicity of taxes, cost efficiency in the startup process, and complete control of the organization. A sole proprietorship structure is the simplest method of establishing a business, the expenses are low and fewer licensing is required. A sole proprietor is responsible for the final decisions and directions of the business. The taxes are reported through the individual at a much lower rate than any of the other structures. The disadvantages of a sole proprietorship are the personal liability risks and capital; the individual absorbs all legal implications within the

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