On the business side of the internet it is common to hear certain kinds of advice. One type you see is registering a business. When you do not register or form your firm, you are instead considered a sole proprietor, in which there is no material difference between your personal life and your business activities. There is a lot written as to how, but not so much as to why. So here is the general logic as to why people register their businesses.
For one, there are legal protections. When you do business on your own, you take the complete burden of whatever legal liability you may take. If you get a lawsuit relating to your business, it is your personal life, property, and status that will be affected. You will have to pay any compensatory fines from your own pocket or you may have to give up your property or even your own home if you do not have the funds. This is not just a theoretical. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform, 43% of business owners have been threatened with litigation. Meanwhile, an LLC or a corporation offer particular protections to its partners. If a lawsuit is filed against the business, then it is only the entity's assets that are at stake.
In addition, there are banking benefits available to you if you open a business. Almost all banks have business variety to their usual services. Banks provide checking accounts, credit cars, and loans specifically to businesses, tailored to their specific needs. When it comes to getting paid by customers or clients, a business account is built in such a way to streamline the process. Most investment entities will never invest in non-business entities due to the high risks inherent and perceived in betting on a sole proprietor. As such, there is much to gain from registering.
Naturally there are reasons why one might not create an entity. Registration can be a time-consuming and befuddling process. If you do not have the legal literacy to understand what is required, or the time to learn, one might choose to forgo establishing a business entity. However, what is traded for simplicity is less assurance for your finances and for the confidence of people towards your work.
As such we recommend you establish your firm as soon as possible. For people making start-ups we recommend an LLC. Simple to register and provides many protections from legal or financial complications. However, you should choose the option that is best for you, whether that is a partnership, corporation, or whatever else it might be. Our company provides registration services regarding filling your business. As such, if you make a consultation, we will walk you through the whole process to completion and make sure you understand precisely what benefits and obligations you will have to be aware of. It is important to make the best decisions for your future, and we believe registering your firm to be one of them.