What Is A Sole Proprietorship? – Let’s Find Out
What is a sole proprietorship? – This is a business venture that one person owns and manages without incorporation. If you want to professionalize your business, one of the best ways to do it is to make your business a sole proprietorship. This business structure is one of the simplest, and the business and the owner are not legally separate. If the business faces a legal problem, the owner will have to bear the responsibility.
In this article, you will learn what a sole proprietorship business is and how it works in general. You will also learn from this article whether a this business structure is the right option for you or not. Finally, we will discuss the major pros and cons of this type of business, which will help you decide better. Hence, to learn more about sole proprietorship, read on through to the end of the article.
What Is A Sole Proprietorship?
According to Investopedia,
“A sole proprietorship is an unincorporated business that has just one owner who pays personal income tax on profits earned from the business. Many sole proprietors do business under their own names because creating a separate business or trade name isn’t necessary. Also referred to as a sole trader or a proprietorship, a sole proprietorship is the easiest type of business to establish or take apart due to a lack of government regulation.”
If you are a business owner or an entrepreneur and want to remain that way, a sole proprietorship is the best option for you. This business structure is also popular among individual self-contractors and business consultants. Almost every small business starts as a sole proprietorship. Most of them either retain the structure or change the structure to a Limited Liability Company or a Corporation. To form a corporation, you need to incorporate your business.
One of the major disadvantages of sole proprietorship is that they do not get protection from the government. This is because these businesses are not registered as corporations. This means that the liabilities and risks of the business extend to the owners of the business.
Furthermore, sole proprietors also report their income as well as their expenses on the tax returns that they make personally. In addition to that, these owners also pay income and self-employment taxes on their profits.
How Does A Sole Proprietorship Work?
According to the Corporate Finance Institute,
“The business owner, also known as a proprietor or a trader, conducts business using their legal name. They may also choose to do business using another name by registering a trade name with their local authority. This type of business is the easiest and cheapest form to start. For this reason, it is common among small businesses, freelancers, and other self-employed individuals.”
Your sole proprietorship begins when you start conducting your business. You will not need to fill out federal and state forms or do not have any regulatory burdens for your business. This is one of the best options for people who are starting a business or are self-employed.
To explain through an example, as a sole proprietor, you are responsible for the debts of your business. On the other hand, you will also own the profits of your business if it thrives.
Is Sole Proprietorship A Good Option For You?
The Forbes Advisor adds –
“If you start taking on freelance contracts, for example, you are now working as a sole proprietor. And you and your business are one and the same. Because of the simple nature of sole proprietorships, they’re the most common form of business in the U.S. Sole proprietors may choose to convert their small businesses to LLCs or corporations, but they also might keep their side hustle as a sole proprietorship for as long as they work on it.”
Since you do not have to pay any fees to form your business, the sole proprietorship is the easiest way to start your business. Furthermore, there is no filing process as well, which lets you start your operations immediately. You can also quickly legitimize your side hustle since it is inexpensive and easy to start your business.
If entrepreneurship is your way, then this is the ideal business structure for you. You are only responsible for yourself, as well as the continued operation of your business.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Sole Proprietorship?
The following are the major pros and cons of sole proprietorships:
Pros
Here are a few pros of sole proprietorship from which you shall benefit:
- There are tax advantages as there is only a single layer of income tax that you will need to pay. There are also high chances for you to get tax breaks from the government.
- You will also not need to fill out tremendous paperwork to register with the state. However, you will need to get licenses and permits.
- Since you do not need to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN), the tax process is simple.
- You can conduct your finances from your personal account. The fees and costs associated are also less.
Cons
Here are a few cons that you must be aware of:
- Unlike registered businesses, you will not get legal protection from the government.
- Due to unlimited liability in the business, you will have difficulty getting capital funding in some situations.
Wrapping Up
What is a sole proprietorship? – That is, there is only one owner, and the business remains unincorporated. Here, the owner needs to pay personal income tax on whatever profits are made, and the business by itself is not required to pay taxes, as in the case of a C-corporation. Most businesses start as sole proprietorship and transition later.
It is easy to form, establish, and dismantle a sole proprietorship due to limited involvement from the government. This makes the business structure popular among small business owners. Do you have any more to add regarding how this works? Share your thoughts and ideas with us in the comments section below.
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It is basically the concession or rebate a seller of real estate offers to the buyer at the time of the transaction. The According to Investopedia, “The points can lower the total interest paid by the buyer over the life of the loan. Seller-paid points are commonly found in real estate transactions and normally consist of a lump sum paid to the buyer's lender. The points help reduce the interest rate the buyer must pay on their mortgage, where one point is the equivalent of 1% on the mortgage loan.” These are rebates or costs that the real estate seller paid or it is an asset on behalf of the buyer. In such cases, the seller might offer to pay discount points in a transaction towards a mortgage. This entices the buyer to seal the deal. This option is different from traditional home credit. According to the Forbes Advisor, “Seller concessions can also cover repairs and upgrades to the home. For example, if the home inspector finds that the roof is leaking, the seller may agree to pay to have this fixed before the sale closes. Keep in mind, however, that in a seller’s market where prices are skyrocketing and supply is limited, the seller will have multiple bids and are less likely to cave to concessions.” With the use of seller credit, you can reduce the interest rate on a mortgage loan in different ways. However, it is based on the lender that you choose. Once you buy one credit, it will lower the rate of interest. You can use the mortgage loan for financial planning for your home. How Does Seller Credit Work? Seller credit is a very effective way through which a real estate seller lures a buyer to make a purchase in case the buyer has limited funds. If the buyer of a property is tight on the total funds that the transaction requires, then the seller offers seller credit. While purchasing a home, a buyer will need to account for the following costs: Down payment Closing costs and other costs (including taxes, lender fees, appraisal and inspection, attorney fees, insurance premiums, and more) Post-closing reserves (as required by the lender) Depending on the price of purchase, type of loan, location (state), the closing cost, and prepaid items can range between 2% to 5% of the contract price of the home. If you are a buyer and you have limited funds, you will be able to utilize a “seller credit” to significantly reduce costs at the time of closing. This, hence, will enable you to purchase the property, which you cannot do otherwise. If a buyer has cash-flow challenges, then seller credits are extremely helpful. The seller of real estate can structure an offer with the seller's credit to make it helpful for the buyer. The seller offers credit for these three situations: The buyer of the property is struggling to meet the minimum requirements of a down payment, closing costs, or lender reserve. The buyer agrees to make a down payment of 20% to avoid mortgage insurance. However, the buyer is short of this amount due to closing costs or reserve requirements. If the buyer is looking for home improvement or repairs and wants to maximize the post-closing liquidity for the completion of the project. On a side note, if you are looking for a mortgage company, click on the given link. Why Would A Seller Agree To Offer Seller Credit? By offering the seller credit, the seller is offering a concession as an incentive. This helps the seller to sell the property quicker than is normally possible. The longer a property stays in the market, the costlier it becomes for the seller to maintain. When a seller decides to accept an offer from a buyer with a seller's credit, they consider the following things: Mortgage interest Taxes HOA dues and more Furthermore, there is also the pressure on the seller to meet their own deadlines. The property is also at risk of becoming old. Hence, the seller is in a hurry to accept an offer from the buyer with seller credit. On the other hand, it is also common for buyers and sellers to negotiate the purchase price around seller credit. In other cases, the buyer as well as the seller will agree that the purchase price must be increased. This will help in offsetting the cost to the seller to the buyer’s closing cost. Summing Up Hope this article was helpful for you to learn what is seller credit and how it works for both buyers and sellers of real estate. This is a concession that a seller offers to a buyer who is struggling with the payment for the given property. This helps the buyer to make the purchase. 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Preparing To Welcome A New Disabled Employee
It wasn't that long ago that people with disabilities were shunted aside from daily life, left alone to cope with their problems. Fortunately, much has changed for the better now as society has become more aware and accepting of those that are different, giving the disabled a new lease on life. One of the areas where things have improved is in employment. We have finally learned that people with disabilities are capable of much more than they were formally thought to be, and the advantages of hiring disabled workers are actually manifold. Introducing A Disabled Employee To The Work Culture This is not to say that there are no attendant difficulties with welcoming a disabled employee into your company; of course, there are, but nothing that can't be surmounted with patience and planning. Here are some of the steps you can take to make your business inclusive that go beyond the hiring process and will help everyone involved work together with confidence and respect. Implement company-wide training, preferably by an experienced consultant. There are three tiers to this: Leadership Having the top brass buy-in is going to imprint on everyone else how important this is. Seeing the company president get the same training as everyone else goes a long way to negating the stigma and fear that surround the disabled, showing that you are all in this together. Read Also: Effective Ways To Track Your Employees’ Work Supervisors Perhaps the most crucial player in all this management needs to feel secure in their relationship with the disabled employee by having an understanding of what they can and sometimes cannot do on the job. They will naturally feel fear of making mistakes and need to feel the freedom to voice their concerns and be given the specific tools to properly manage people with disabilities respectfully and with achieving success together firmly in mind. Co-workers The people on the front lines need to have clear and applicable training on disability inclusion and awareness. The training will help them feel more comfortable and able to engage better with their new disabled co-worker. It is also very important to provide appropriate support for employees with disabilities on the job. The best method is to have long-term support strategies in place, which might include necessary accommodations and assistive technologies. Include everyone in the implementation of these steps so they will understand you are all in it together, and feel like part of the solution to problems, rather than fearing them. 6 Steps To Make A Workplace Friendly For Disabled Workforce Disabled employees might be more talented and capable than one might think. As a leader, you must not focus on their disabilities. Rather treat them just like a usual employee so that he doesn’t feel distinct. Given below are some steps to create a welcoming workplace for physically challenged employees: Inhibit Ableist Language One of the first steps is to include discouragement of ableist language while addressing these employees in the awareness campaigns. There might be certain terms included in the program which must not be used for a person with disabilities. The answer is quite simple: make use of terminology a disabled individual prefers. Languages like clumsy, lazy, deaf, lame, fat, short, skinny, etc should never be encouraged within an organization. Recognize Disability-Related Communication Styles Our minds are often impacted by both visible and invisible forms of disabilities. Like, those having mobility impairments and using crutches or wheelchairs are usually considered “too slow.” Employees with cognitive or sensory disabilities communicate in a different way that might be a bit complex to comprehend. 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When starting, it's important to keep these steps in mind to ensure you're not overlooking anything crucial. Starting a business from scratch is hard work and requires a high level of attention to detail, so it's always important to have an accountant who can advise you at each stage. In this regard, if you are in Houston, working closely with a Houston CPA firm that advises companies on how to structure their strategy will be crucial for its success. Some of them, like Evans Sternau, offer comprehensive services that allow you to take the next step with confidence and with the least possible risks. The seven steps to start your business are: Develop your business plan. Choose your business location. Finance your business. Decide on the business structure and register your company's name. Determine the business's tax responsibilities. Find out about mandatory licenses and permits. Understand commercial employer requirements. Why Open An LLC Company In Houston Or Texas? There are several reasons to consider starting an LLC in Texas, the most important being: Administrative structure flexibility Unlike other corporate structures, an LLC in Texas allows owners to have a flexible operating agreement that suits the business's needs. Tax benefits LLCs have a favorable tax system as profits and losses are reported on the owner's tax return, avoiding double taxation and allowing for a lower tax rate compared to corporations. Business credit Establishing an LLC in Texas can help you build a strong business credit history and facilitate access to financing for future business growth. Low state tax rate and favorable structure Texas is known for offering an attractive business environment due to its low state tax rates and business-friendly laws. Privacy: By registering an LLC in Texas, you can maintain a certain level of personal and professional privacy as you don't need to disclose certain personal details in the formation documents publicly. How To Register An LLC In Texas Even though all states have similar requirements, there are some distinct ones. To register a company in Houston, you need to follow these steps: Step 1: Choose A Name For Your LLC The name must be unique and distinguishable from other entities registered in Texas. You can check the name's availability on the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts website. The search process is entirely free if done online or by phone. Step 2: Appoint A Registered Agent Your LLC must have a registered agent in Texas responsible for receiving legal documents and notices on the company's behalf. The agent can be a member or employee of the LLC, an attorney, or a specialized registered agent service. Step 3: File The Certificate Of Formation You'll need to complete and file Form 205 with the Texas Secretary of State along with the appropriate fee. This form requires basic information such as the LLC's name and address, registered agent details, management structure, and other relevant information. Step 4: Create An Operating Agreement While not a legal requirement in Texas, it's recommended to create an operating agreement. This document establishes the internal rules and regulations of your LLC, as well as the rights and responsibilities of the members. It's an internal document and doesn't need to be filed with the Secretary of State or any other public entity. Step 5: Apply For An Employer Identification Number (Ein) This is a number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify employers and other business entities. The EIN is used for tax filing, opening business bank accounts, obtaining licenses and permits, and establishing business relationships with other companies. Step 6: File Franchise Tax And Public Information Report In the state of Texas, all LLCs are required to file an annual Texas franchise tax report and a public information report by May 15 each year. Step 7: Comply With Tax And Legal Obligations In the United States, there are three levels of taxes: federal, state, and local, and your business must comply with all of them. The good news is that in Texas, there are no personal state income taxes, but federal taxes still apply. Depending on your business activities, you may also be required to pay other state or local taxes. To find out more, consult the taxes and fees in Texas. Step 8: Open A Business Bank Account Keep your personal and company finances separate by opening a dedicated business bank account for your LLC. Conclusion If you have these points in mind, you are already one step ahead. Hence, it wouldn’t be too difficult for you to open a company in Houston. While it’s not impossible to do it on your own, remember that it’s always better to seek the advice of a professional for peace of mind. Well, that’s what we are! Keep following our articles to get a detailed insight into the best topics out there. Also, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comment section below. Until then, happy reading! Read Also: Why Create A Powerful Business Continuity Plan? What Is Network Marketing And How To Do It In 2021 How To Start A Business In 2021 – Best Business Strategies
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What Are Articles Of Incorporation? – Importance, Working, And More
What are articles of incorporation? - Simply put, the articles of incorporation are a set of documents that you will need to file with a government body so as to legally document the creation of your corporation. These are also known as Certifications of Formation or Charters. You will need to include the general legal information about the corporation, which will include the name and location of the business. In this article, you will learn about articles of incorporation in general. Apart from that, we will also explain how the Articles of Incorporation work in the United States and how to prepare them. In addition to that, we shall also discuss the importance and purpose of articles of incorporation. Finally, you will come across an example of what to include in such a set of documents. Hence, to learn more, read on through to the end of the article. What Are Articles Of Incorporation? According to Investopedia, “Articles of incorporation are a set of formal documents filed with a government body to legally document the creation of a corporation. Articles of incorporation generally contain pertinent information such as the firm’s name, street address, agent for service of process, and the amount and type of stock to be issued. The articles of incorporation are used to legally form the corporation.” It is important for a corporation to file articles of incorporation to structure a company as a professional corporation, non-profit corporation, or any other type of corporation. Based on the state where your corporation is located, you might need to fill in different requirements for paperwork. Furthermore, there are also other rules that you will need to follow if you want to file articles of incorporation. The job of the state officials is to review applications for articles of incorporation. If the filer of the articles of incorporation follows the state regulations and pays the right fees, the state officials will notify the business of its corporation status. Read More: Business Risks – How To Identify, Manage, And Reduce Them? Articles Of Incorporation – How Do They Work? According to the Wall Street Mojo, “A corporation can either prepare Articles of Incorporation by itself or may contact a professional for the purpose. The documents must be accompanied by a set of all necessary credentials. However, this does not mean it must be extensive or highly complicated. A self-made filing is also acceptable, but only if it has the required basic minimum information.” In most states, you will need to file the articles of incorporation with the Office of the Secretary of the State, based on the state where you are located. In some other states, there might be another agency that will be handling the problem. All you need to do here is consult with an attorney in the state, who will give you details about what agency in the state registers businesses in the state. The attorney will help you locate the form (in either PDF or online) so that you can fill the form after completion. Once you get the certification of formation, you will need to complete other important documents related to your company. One of the important documents you need to fill in this regard is the Bylaws. It will contain information about the running of the corporation, including the rights and responsibilities of all the officers, directors, and shareholders in the corporation. Apart from that, you will also need to get the EIN (Employee Identification Number) from the Internal Revenue Service. It will help you establish your corporation’s bank account and credit account. With the help of this number, you will also be able to file taxes. The Importance And Purpose Of Articles Of Incorporation According to Business News Daily, “Articles of incorporation separate the business owner from the business by creating a separate legal entity for the business. Incorporating reduces a business owner’s personal risk because the business becomes financially responsible for its debts and legally responsible in the case of lawsuits.” All businesses can file articles of incorporation, regardless of their type. A new business might launch as a corporation body, or a business structured as a sole proprietorship can also become a corporation. Based on the size of the business, the company can choose to be an S Corporation or a C Corporation. In S Corporation, the business will only need to pay taxes on dividends since it is a small business. In a C Corporation, since the business is a large one, it will pay corporate taxes and must consist of a board of directors to operate the business. Where To File Articles Of Incorporation? In all states, you will need to file AOI with the Office of the Secretary of the State based on the state where the business chooses to operate. In some states, the regulatory and tax environments are more favorable than others. Hence, these states attract a higher proportion of businesses that want to be incorporated into the state. For example, two states, Nevada and Delaware, attract more than half of the public corporations in the United States. This is because the state laws in these states are flexible and strong enough to offer protection to the corporation. After the establishment of the corporation, the articles of incorporation become a public record in the state and provide valuable information about the corporation. Read More: What Is A Hold Harmless Agreement? – Let’s Take A Look Wrapping Up Hope this article was helpful for you in getting a better idea of what are articles of incorporation. Actually, these are the documents that you will need to file with a government body when you are creating a corporation. Based on the state where you are situated, you will need to file the AOI with the Secretary of State’s office. The things that you will need to include in the articles of incorporation documents are the company name, type of corporate structure, and number and type of authorized shares. Do you have any more suggestions regarding how to prepare articles of incorporation? Share your ideas with us in the comments section below. Read More: Market Segmentation: Definition, Types, Benefits, And More Network Marketing: What Is It? Is It The Right Option For You? Micromarketing – What Is It? How Does It Work? Pros And Cons
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