Sole Proprietorship vs LLC

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Written by True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

Reviewed by Subject Matter Experts

Updated on April 03, 2023

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What Is a Sole Proprietorship?

A sole proprietorship is a business structure owned and operated by one individual. There is no actual and legal difference between the owner and the enterprise, so the owner settles personal income tax on business profits.

Sole proprietorships are the simplest and most common form of ownership. They are relatively easy and inexpensive to set up and maintain.

Advantages of a Sole Proprietorship

Sole proprietorships offer some of the following advantages:

  • Easy to Establish

A sole proprietorship is the most uncomplicated type of business to form. Sole proprietorships are ideally best for people who want to start a business quickly and with minimal inconvenience.

  • Little Paperwork

Very little paperwork or legal requirements are involved in setting up a sole proprietorship. There are no special fees for filing necessary, thus making it inexpensive.

  • Simple Taxes

Sole proprietorship taxes are also straightforward. The revenues and costs of the business are part of the owner's tax return, and the earnings are considered personal income.

Disadvantages of a Sole Proprietorship

It is also important to understand the following disadvantages of a sole proprietorship:

  • Owner is Personally Responsible

The owner is responsible for all the debts and liabilities if the business fails. There is no boundary between the owner and the business, so the owner is liable for any legal problems or claims that may arise.

  • Limited Financial Resources

Since the business is small, it may not have the financial resources to expand or grow. It is challenging to invite investors for a sole proprietorship. The owner is limited in terms of how much personal money can be invested in the business.

  • Expensive Taxes

While filing taxes is relatively easy for sole proprietors, taxes can be a bit expensive for them because profits are subject to self-employment taxes. Self-employed individuals pay the employee's and employer's shares of Social Security and Medicare contributions.

What Is an LLC?

A limited liability company (LLC) presents a business structure that integrates the principles of partnerships, corporations, and sole proprietorships.

Business owners can minimize their personal liability for business debts and obligations because the LLC is a separate enterprise.

Small business owners favor LLCs because they offer the same limited liability protection as corporations but with fewer rules and regulations.

Advantages of an LLC

Some of the benefits of LLCs are listed below.

  • Protection of Personal Assets

LLC owners are not liable for debts and obligations incurred by the business. This protection applies even if the business is unable to pay its debts. The personal assets of LLC owners, such as their homes and cars, are safeguarded from creditors.

  • Tax Advantage

LLC revenue is often distributed directly to the owner, recorded on the owner's tax return, and taxed at the owner's personal rate. This eliminates the need for firms to pay double taxation.

  • More Opportunities to Raise Capital

An LLC may often attract equity investors and get a company financing more easily. Furthermore, there is no requirement for sole owners to file a "doing business as" or D.B.A. notice with the state if they conduct business under a name other than the owner's first and last names.

Disadvantages of an LLC

Let us also consider the disadvantages of establishing LLCs.

  • Costs and Paperworks

Forming an LLC might be more expensive than setting up a sole proprietorship or partnership. This is because LLCs are required to file more paperwork with the state and may be subject to additional filing fees.

Additionally, LLCs may be required to publish notices in local newspapers announcing their formation. Also, if they opt to be taxed as corporations, LLCs must submit separate tax returns from the owner. This increases the difficulty and cost of filing.

  • Liability Protection Not Absolute

Furthermore, the liability protection provided by an LLC is not absolute. A single-member LLC may be treated as a lone owner if a creditor successfully lifts the corporate veil. The owner can thus be held personally accountable for the company's obligations.

Sole Proprietorship vs LLC: Key Differences

Now that we have looked at the advantages and disadvantages of sole proprietorships and LLCs, let us compare these business structures based on how they are set up, their costs, management structure, operations, tax implications, liabilities, and compliance.

Sole_Proprietorship_vs._Limited_Liability_Company

Sole Proprietorship or LLC: Which One Should I Choose?

Deciding whether to have sole proprietorship or LLC depends on the business needs, business goals and objectives, the amount of money available to be invested, the level of liability protection required, and the amount of paperwork and compliance the owner is comfortable with.

Generally, business owners try out sole proprietorship first due to its convenience and freedom from cost burdens. When the business starts to grow, the owner might consider LLC for its liability protection features and tax flexibility that allows for saving more money.

Shifting From Sole Proprietorship to LLC

The following are steps for businesses that prefer to grow and convert from a sole proprietorship to LLC.

Step 1: Validate Business Name

Verify that the business name is available in the state where the articles of organization will be filed. Make sure that it does not infringe any trademark.

Step 2: File Articles of Organization

Include details of the name and address of the LLC, name and address of the owners, description of the business, name and address of registered agents, and date of application on the articles of organization.

Step 3: Draft an LLC Operating Agreement

An operating agreement indicates the rules of ownership and the obligations and rights of the members.

Step 4: Obtain an EIN

A new EIN is needed for the LLC and can be obtained by filing Form SS-4.

Step 5: Create a New Bank Account

For better protection, reporting, and documentation, personal and business assets must now be separate.

Step 6: Acquire Licenses and Permits

Updating licenses or applying for new permits might be required depending on the industry or laws by the state.

Final Thoughts

There are several key differences between sole proprietorships and LLCs. These include the formation process, management structure, tax implications, and liability protection.

Sole proprietorships are typically easier to set up and manage, but they offer no protection for the owner's personal assets if the business faces legal action. LLCs offer liability protection and tax benefits but are more expensive to set up and manage.

Business owners should choose the business structure that best suits their needs. An LLC might be the best choice if liability protection is a priority. If convenience and low costs are a priority, then a sole proprietorship might be the best choice.

Sole Proprietorship vs LLC FAQs

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About the Author

True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists.

True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), author of The Handy Financial Ratios Guide, a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University, where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics.

To learn more about True, visit his personal website or view his author profiles on Amazon, Nasdaq and Forbes.

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