Sole proprietorships are one of the most common forms of business in America for small business owners, independent contractors and freelancers. A sole proprietorship is an unincorporated business operation owned by one individual and can usually be set up for a very small amount of money. Establishing a sole proprietorship is relatively easy and inexpensive as there is no formal registration process with the government, leaving the business owner in full control.

Being the sole owner of a business also has its advantages, with the business owner being entitled to all profits the business makes. Further advantages of sole proprietorship include:

No complex formalities: As there is no need for corporation registration, a sole proprietorship is a very simple business structure with minimal paperwork. Low cost: A sole proprietorship requires no additional fees such as corporation registration fees or additional taxes, so it’s a relatively inexpensive way to start and maintain a business.

Flexible management style: As the owner is also the manager, they can make decisions quickly and be in full control of their business without depending on a board of directors or supervisors.

Disadvantages of sole proprietorship include: Unlimited liability: Because the business is not legally separate from the owner and receives no special recognition from the government, the owner of the business is personally responsible for all financial obligations and debts the business incurs. There is no limit to the amount of liability, so an owner may be personally responsible for business losses, debts, or lawsuits.

Difficult to bring on investors: As a sole proprietorship is only owned by one individual, it can be difficult to bring on investors for additional capital or to transition to a different business structure.

In conclusion, sole proprietorship is a popular business structure for small businesses and independent contractors because it’s easy and inexpensive to set up and the owner has full control of the business and profits. Although it is easy to create and dissolve a sole proprietorship, it is important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of the structure, as there are no government limitations to the amount of liability that may be claimed by the business.