Choose the Right Business Structure
One of the first big decisions every business owner faces: what legal structure should I use? The answer has major implications for your taxes, personal liability, and ability to raise money. Here is a breakdown of the four main options.
Sole Proprietorship
Best for: Low-risk solo businesses under $30K income. Pros: Free to set up, easiest taxes, full control. Cons: No liability protection, full 15.3% SE tax on all income, harder to raise investment.
LLC (Limited Liability Company)
Best for: Most small businesses earning $30K-200K. Pros: Liability protection, flexible, can elect S-Corp later. Cons: State filing fees, still pays full SE tax unless S-Corp elected.
S-Corporation (S-Corp)
Best for: Businesses earning $80K+ wanting SE tax savings. Pros: Save ~$4-6K/year on SE tax, liability protection. Cons: Payroll required, reasonable salary rules, more paperwork.
C-Corporation (C-Corp)
Best for: High-growth startups seeking VC investment. Pros: Best for investors, unlimited owners, can go public. Cons: Double taxation (corporate + dividend), highest compliance costs.
FAQ
Yes. Most businesses start as sole prop, form an LLC as they grow, then elect S-Corp status when income justifies it. You can even convert an LLC to a C-Corp later. Each step has some paperwork and costs, but it is very common.
Yes, when properly maintained. An LLC creates a legal separation between your personal and business assets. However, you need to keep separate bank accounts, sign contracts in the LLC name, and follow formalities to maintain the protection.
Filing fees range from $40 (Arizona, Iowa) to $800 (California, Massachusetts). Most states are between $100-300. You can file yourself or use a service like LegalZoom or ZenBusiness for $0-300 plus state fees.