Creating a LLC is often the first step people take when they want to “start a business.” A lot of time and money can be spent deciding what business entity to use. The choices are sole proprietor, partnership, limited partnership, corporation (C or S), and limited liability company (LLC).
The sole proprietorship is the easiest form of business for an individual to “set up.” There basically isn’t any set up. You just start doing business. You will file a schedule C with your 1040 form at the end of the year, and you may have to pay quarterly taxes, but that’s about all it takes. There is no liability protection for you operating as a sole proprietor.
The partnership is the easiest form of business for two or more individuals to “set up.” You just start doing business. Keep separate accounting for the business, and any profit or loss “passes through” to the tax returns of the individual partners based upon what they get allocated from the partnership.
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