You have had your brilliant idea for you new business – whether it’s software development or a boutique bakery – and now you need to know how to make it come to life. One of the most important things you will do for your new business will happen at the very beginning and concerns your future expectations and your small business structure.

Choosing your business structure has important implications for your future taxes, who owns your company, and who is responsible for any losses. Your business structure can mean the difference between paying employment taxes on everything you make and being able to take part of your business’s income as non-employment taxable dividends. Without the correct business structure and operations, you may fail to have limited liability and be personally liable for any damages caused by your business, you, or your workers. A Colorado attorney will help you choose the best business structure for your individual needs. Here is a brief summary of the most common small business types:

Sole Proprietorships

Sole Proprietorships are the most basic business type. If you are a freelancer, you probably are already a sole proprietor. There is little paperwork to be filed or forms to fill out, as it is the default status for running a business in the U.S. While simple, this business type comes with a lot of risk as there is no delineation between you as a person and you as a business. You are the only person responsible for the profits, and also for the loses. “This risk extends to any liabilities incurred because of employee actions” (SBA.gov).

Partnerships

If you are part of dynamic duo (or trio, or beyond), and you want that to continue into your business, a Partnership may appeal to you. The IRS sets the expectations of a Partnership as “Each person contributes money, property, labor or skill, and expects to share in the profits and losses of the business.” There are different types of business structures housed under the umbrella of Partnership, each with different expectations for the length of the collaboration between parties, and the amount of liability and input for each party. The Small Business Administration has a helpful list of things you should discuss with your potential business partners before filling your paperwork. However, like a sole proprietor, partners typically have personal liability so careful consideration of this business structure should be had with an attorney before entering into it.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) is a business structure that does just that – limits your liability. It is a relatively new business structure – the first one was created in 1977. LLC laws are determined at the state level, so the state you form your LLC in matters. Due to the variation between states, LLCs can get a bit complicated, but Attorney Elizabeth Lewis is experienced in business formation and will help you navigate the formation of your LLC correctly. A few types of businesses generally cannot be LLCs, such as banks and insurance companies.

C-Corporations Taxes as C-Corporations

“From a legal standpoint, a corporation is a different person than the person or people who created it, and is therefore able to own property of its own, accrue its own profits, and be responsible for its own debts and civil liabilities.” (Upwork.com)
Most large businesses are Corporations, and a lot of legislation regarding Corporations has these large businesses in mind. A corporation taxed as a c-corporation may not be a good fit for your small business, as owning one tends to place a large burden on owners. Additionally, you may be taxed twice, since your corporation is a separate entity from yourself if you are a c-corp. It is a better a company type than the previously listed ones, however, if you plan on taking your company public.

Corporations and LLCs Taxed as S-Corporations

You can only have s-corporations if you have an LLC or corporation formed under state law. Many small businesses use them since they do not cause the double taxation problem. Not all companies can become S-Corporations however. From the IRS:

“To qualify for S corporation status, the corporation must meet the following requirements:

• Have only allowable shareholders
• May be individuals, certain trusts, and estates and
• May not have owners that are partnerships, corporations or non-resident alien shareholders
• Have no more than 100 shareholders
• Have only one class of stock
• Not be an ineligible corporation (i.e. certain financial institutions, insurance companies, and domestic international sales corporations)”

The way you structure your business will have long lasting implications for your earnings, liability, and taxes. Improperly done filings can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and create stress year after year. It is best to consult an attorney before creating your business.

If you need help evaluating your future expectations or deciding on your small business structure, contact me, Elizabeth Lewis, at the Law Office of E.C. Lewis, P.C., home of your Denver Business Attorney. Phone: 720-258-6647. Email: elizabeth.lewis@eclewis.com

Real Estate Services for Business Owners

Elizabeth Lewis provides the following real estate law services to small and medium sized business owners in Denver and throughout Colorado:

• Commercial real estate purchases
• Legal review of commercial real estate leases
• Protecting your assets