Advantages and Disadvantages of Sole Proprietorship






Advantages and Disadvantages of Sole Proprietorship

Advantages - Disadvantages - Sole Proprietorship

Sole Proprietorship: Advantages

  • Easiest and least expensive form of ownership to organize.


  • Sole proprietors are in complete control, and within the limits of the law, may make decisions as they see develope.


  • Sole proprietors receive all income generated by the business to keep or reinvest.


  • Profits from the business flow-through directly to the owner's personal tax return.


  • The business is easy to dissolve, if desired.

Sole Proprietorship: Disadvantages

  • Sole proprietors have unlimited liability and are legally responsible for all debt
    against the business. Their business and personal assets are at risk.


  • May be at a disadvantage in raising funds and are often limited to using funds from personal savings or consumer loans.


  • May have a hard time attracting high-caliber employees, or those that are motivated by the opportunity to own a part of the business.


  • Some employee benefits such as owner's medical insurance premiums are not directly deductible from business income (only partially deductible as an adjustment to income).


Federal Tax Forms for Sole Proprietorship


  • Form 1040: Individual Income Tax Return


  • Schedule C: Profit or Loss from Business (or Schedule C-EZ)


  • Schedule SE: Self-Employment Tax


  • Form 1040-ES: Estimated Tax for Individuals


  • Form 4562: Depreciation and Amortization


  • Form 8829: Expenses for Business Use of your Home



Sole Proprietorship: You will want to take into account the following:

  • Your vision regarding the size and nature of your business.


  • The level of control you wish to have.


  • The level of "structure" you are willing to deal with.


  • The business's vulnerability to lawsuits.


  • Tax implications of the different ownership structures.


  • Expected profit (or loss) of the business.


  • Whether or not you need to re-invest earnings into the business.


  • Your need for access to cash out of the business for yourself.



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