7 Reasons to Start a Sole Proprietorship Type of Business
If you are thinking of starting your own business, you might be wondering what type of business entity to choose. There are many options available, such as corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and more. But one of the simplest and most common forms of business is the sole proprietorship.
A sole proprietorship is an unincorporated business that has just one owner who pays personal income tax on profits earned from the business. Many sole proprietors do business under their own names because creating a separate business or trade name isn’t necessary. Also referred to as a sole trader or a proprietorship, a sole proprietorship is the easiest type of business to establish or take apart, due to a lack of government regulation.
In this article, we will explore some of the benefits and drawbacks of starting a sole proprietorship type of business, and provide some examples of successful sole proprietors in different industries.
Benefits of a Sole Proprietorship
There are many advantages to running a sole proprietorship, especially for small businesses and freelancers. Here are some of the main benefits:
Easy and inexpensive to start. You don’t need to file any federal or state forms or pay any fees to start a sole proprietorship. You just need to obtain any necessary licenses or permits for your type of business, and you are ready to go. You can also choose any name for your business, as long as it is not already taken by another entity.
Complete control over your business. As a sole proprietor, you are the boss of your own business. You make all the decisions and have full authority over how to run your business. You don’t have to share your profits or consult with anyone else. You can also change or end your business at any time without any legal formalities.
Pass-through taxation. A sole proprietorship is not taxed as a separate entity. Instead, all the income and expenses of the business are reported on your personal tax return (Schedule C) and subject to personal income tax and self-employment tax. This means that you avoid double taxation that corporations face, and you may also qualify for some tax deductions and credits that reduce your taxable income.
Flexibility and privacy. A sole proprietorship allows you to run your business in any way that suits you best. You can set your own hours, choose your own clients, and adjust your prices and services as you see fit. You also don’t have to disclose any information about your business to the public, unless required by law or contract.
Drawbacks of a Sole Proprietorship
While a sole proprietorship has many benefits, it also has some disadvantages that you should be aware of before starting one. Here are some of the main drawbacks:
Unlimited personal liability. As a sole proprietor, you are personally responsible for all the debts and obligations of your business. This means that if your business fails or faces a lawsuit, your personal assets (such as your home, car, bank accounts, etc.) could be at risk. You may also be liable for the actions or mistakes of your employees or contractors if they cause harm to others while working for you.
Limited access to capital and credit. A sole proprietorship may have difficulty raising funds or obtaining loans for their business. Since there is no legal distinction between you and your business, lenders and investors may not be willing to lend you money or invest in your business without collateral or personal guarantees. You may also have to rely on your own savings or personal credit cards to finance your business operations.
Lack of continuity and scalability. A sole proprietorship depends entirely on you as the owner. If you die, retire, or become incapacitated, your business will end unless you have made arrangements for someone else to take over. You may also face challenges in growing or expanding your business beyond what you can handle alone. You may need to hire employees, form partnerships, or register a different type of entity if you want to take your business to the next level.
Examples of Sole Proprietorships
Despite the drawbacks, many people choose to start a sole proprietorship type of business because it suits their needs and goals best. Here are some examples of successful sole proprietors in different industries:
Freelance writer: A freelance writer provides written content for clients, either for print or digital publication. They may write about a number of topics and in various forms, such as blogs, articles, white papers, scripts, ads, e-books, emails, and more. A freelance writer is an independent contractor and works with their clients as an external team member on specific assignments.
Photographer: A photographer typically works for themselves taking pictures at weddings, graduations, events, or for other specific purposes such as senior photos or marketing materials. Some work at studios while many work on location for whatever event they are capturing. Many photographers are part-time and solopreneurs, meaning they work on their business all by themselves.
Personal trainer: A personal trainer works out of their homes or in the homes of their clients. They help their clients achieve their fitness goals by designing and supervising exercise programs, providing nutrition advice, and motivating them to stay on track. A personal trainer may also offer online training or group classes.
Plumber: A plumber installs, repairs, and maintains plumbing systems in residential and commercial buildings. They may also provide emergency services or consultations for plumbing issues. A plumber may work alone or with a small team of helpers or apprentices.
Freelance graphic designer: A freelance graphic designer creates visual concepts for clients using software or by hand. They may design logos, websites, brochures, flyers, posters, banners, and other graphics for various purposes. A freelance graphic designer works as an independent contractor and communicates with their clients online or in person.
Housekeeper: A housekeeper provides cleaning services for homes or offices. They may also perform other tasks such as laundry, ironing, organizing, or running errands. A housekeeper may work for one or more clients on a regular or occasional basis.
Bakery owner: A bakery owner runs a small business that sells baked goods such as bread, cakes, pies, cookies, and pastries. They may also offer catering services or custom orders for special occasions. A bakery owner may operate from a storefront, a home kitchen, or a food truck.
Tutor: A tutor provides academic assistance to students of various ages and levels. They may help students with homework, test preparation, study skills, or specific subjects. A tutor may work with students individually or in small groups, either in person or online.
A sole proprietorship is a simple and common type of business entity that has one owner who pays personal income tax on profits earned from the business. It has many advantages such as ease of creation, complete control, pass-through taxation, and flexibility. However, it also has some disadvantages such as unlimited personal liability, limited access to capital and credit, and lack of continuity and scalability.
If you are interested in starting a sole proprietorship type of business, you should weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider your goals and risks. You should also consult with a tax professional and a legal advisor to make sure you comply with all the laws and regulations that apply to your type of business.
The Benefits of Sole Proprietorship
Sole proprietorship is a type of business entity that is owned and run by one person, without any legal distinction between the owner and the business. According to Investopedia, sole proprietorships are very popular among sole owners of businesses, individual self-contractors, and consultants, because they are easy to establish and dismantle, have low fees for creation and maintenance, and offer pass-through tax advantages [1]. In addition, sole proprietors have full control over their business decisions and operations, and can enjoy all the profits generated from their business.
The Challenges of Sole Proprietorship
However, sole proprietorship also comes with some challenges and risks that may affect the global demand for this type of business entity. One of the main disadvantages of sole proprietorships is that they do not have any government protection, as they are not registered. This means that all liabilities extend from the business to the owner, who is personally responsible for any debts, losses, lawsuits, or damages incurred by the business [2]. Moreover, sole proprietors may face difficulties in raising capital, expanding their market, or hiring qualified employees, as they have limited resources and credibility compared to other types of business entities [3]. Furthermore, sole proprietorships have a limited lifespan, as they cease to exist when the owner dies or retires [4].
References
https://www.ssm.com.my/sites/default/files/guidelines/OWNER%20RESPONSIBILITY_new.pdf
http://gst.customs.gov.my/en/SiteAssets/doc/Registering%20for%20GST%20Amend%201.pdf
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/soleproprietorship.asp
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/sole-proprietorship-examples/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sole_proprietorship
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