Forms of Business Organisation

One of the first decisions that you will have to make as a business owner is how the business should be structured.  All businesses must adopt some legal configuration that defines the rights and liabilities of participants in the business’s ownership, control, personal liability, life span, and financial structure.  This decision will have long-term implications, so you may want to consult with an accountant and attorney to help you select the form of ownership that is right for you.  In making a choice, you will want to take into account the following:

• Your vision regarding the size and nature of your business.
• The level of control you wish to have.
• The level of “structure” you are willing to deal with.
• The business’s vulnerability to lawsuits.
• Tax implications of the different organizational structures.
• Expected profit (or loss) of the business.
• Whether or not you need to re-invest earnings into the business.
• Your need for access to cash out of the business for yourself.