Do you run a business? Ever considered incorporating? Read
this article and discover advantages to your business.
7 Advantages to Incorporating
By
Alex Goumakos
There's no question that hard work and a little luck is what
it takes to BE successful. But a little knowledge, especially when it comes to
setting up your business, will help you STAY successful.
While many business owners give a lot of thought to location,
store décor, customer service, hiring employees and management issues (and
rightly so); choosing the proper business structure (such as sole proprietor,
partnership, corporation, limited liability company) doesn't get the attention
it deserves. Many entrepreneurs don't realize this, but the business form they
choose can often times be the difference between success and failure, especially
in today's competitive and litigious marketplace. If you want to succeed, you
need all the advantages you can get. High on the list of safe bets is the
corporate form of business.
Incorporating, while definitely not for everybody, offers several distinct
and money-saving advantages over the other types of entities. Here are seven of
those advantages:
Asset Protection - If you operate as a sole proprietor or partnership, there
is virtually unlimited personal liability for business debts or lawsuits. In
other words should you go out of business or be a defendant in a lawsuit, your
personal assets such as homes, jewelry, vehicles, savings, etc. are up for
grabs. This is generally NOT the case when you incorporate. When you incorporate
you are only responsible for your investment in the corporation. The limited
liability feature of a corporation, while not a guarantee, is DEFINITELY one of
the most attractive reasons for incorporating.
Easier To Sell - Corporations are generally much easier to sell and are
usually more attractive to buyers than either a sole proprietorship or
partnership. The reason for this is because a new buyer will not be personally
liable for any wrongdoings on the part of the previous owners. If someone buys a
sole proprietorship, for example, the new owner can be held personally liable
for any mistakes or illegalities on the part of the prior owner…even if the new
owner had NOTHING to do with the situation! This is usually NOT the case with a
corporation.
Tax Savings - When you incorporate there are numerous tax advantages at your
disposal that are virtually impossible to accomplish with other business
entities. When you incorporate you create a separate and distinct legal entity.
Because of this, there are many transactions that you can structure between you
and your corporation to save big money on taxes. For instance, if you own a
building you can rent office facilities to your corporation and claim
depreciation and other deductions for it. Your corporation can then claim the
rental expense. You are prohibited from doing this if you are a sole proprietor
or a partner in a partnership.
Privacy and Confidentiality - The corporate form of business is a great way
to keep your identity and business affairs private and confidential. If you want
to start a business, but would like to remain anonymous, a corporation is the
best way to accomplish this. States such as Nevada offer even more privacy
protection for corporations and their shareholders.
Easier to Raise Capital - When you're looking to raise money through
investment or borrowing, a corporation can actually make finding and getting the
money you need easier. If you want to take on investors you simply sell shares
of stock. If you want to borrow, a corporation can add clout when dealing with
banks or other lending institutions.
Perpetuity - As I mentioned in #3, when you incorporate you create a separate
and distinct legal entity. This separate and distinct entity (the corporation)
can endure almost forever irrespective of what happens to the shareholders,
directors, or officers. This is NOT the case with sole proprietorships,
partnerships or even limited liability companies. For example, if an owner,
partner, or member dies the business AUTOMATICALLY ends or gets wrapped up in
legal red tape. Corporations, on the other hand, have unlimited life.
Increases Credibility - Let's face it. Most people feel more secure and
confident dealing with a corporation as opposed to a sole proprietorship. Having
INC. or CORP. after your company's name adds a touch of professionalism and
credibility to your business dealings.
As always, be sure to consult with your attorney or business advisor before
undertaking any important legal or financial decision. While there are many
advantages and money-saving reasons to incorporate, as I've said before, it's
not for everybody. However, you do owe it to yourself to find out more.
About The Author
Alex Goumakos is a CPA, business advisor and guest consultant of Active
Filings LLC, a professional incorporating company that provides services in all
US. (http://www.activefilings.com/).
Alex can be reached by email at alex@activefilings.com. Get more free articles
at
http://www.activefilings.com/activenews/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
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