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Legal Forms of Business

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Legal Forms of Business
Kaley Hutsell
LAWP/531
Professor
December 3, 2012

Legal Forms of Business When beginning a business there are several things to consider. The first consideration should be what form of business will be used. There are pro’s and con’s to each option and it is important that every angle is considered before making a decision. This paper will provide examples and reasons for choose sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, s corporation, franchise, and corporate form.
Sole Proprietorship
Rebecca wants to open a small town resale clothing shop. She has a small savings that can be used to pay the first three months rent and buy clothing from patrons to sell in her shop. With minimal legal paperwork required, typically nothing more than a small business license in the operating city, a sole proprietorship is the easiest way to go. Rebecca becomes the sole owner and does not require any input from others when making decisions regarding her business. The only negative to choosing this type of business is the fact that Rebecca also becomes personally liable for all business related activities, including losses and misconducts.
Partnership
Amy and Amanda are both licensed Cosmetologists that are interested in starting a salon. Neither individual has the capital to start one on their own. The two women decide that together they have enough capital to secure a location, the assets required to furnish the salon, and the knowledge required to manage the business; they create a partnership. This partnership gives both Amy and Amanda equal decision making authority, right to equal profits and losses, and equal personal liability. The only legal documentation that is needed is may be a certificate of partnership for the state in which the business will operate.
Limited Liability Company
Franco and Elizabeth are

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