Business Structures

Choosing the right structure for your business is a fundamental decision. It affects everything from how the public perceives you to how (or even if) you pay taxes.

• Choosing the Best Ownership Structure for Your Business
  The right structure—corporation, LLC, partnership, or sole proprietorship—depends on who will own your business and what its activities will be.
  
  
• Partnership Basics
  Learn more about the simplest business structure for companies with more than one owner.
  
  
• Sole Proprietorship Basics
  If you're going into business on your own, the simplest legal structure is the sole proprietorship.
  
  
• LLC Basics
  Limited liability companies combine the best aspects of partnerships and corporations.
  
  
• Nonprofit Basics
  Nonprofit corporations are entitled to grants, tax exemptions and limited liability protection.