WHAT ARE BENEFIT OF INCORPORATIVE A BUSINESS?
INTRODUCTION
Incorporation is the process of forming a corporation, which is a legal entity that is separate from its owners. This means that the corporation is its own taxpayer, and its owners are not personally liable for its debts or liabilities. It is a good idea to hire an attorney to help you with the incorporation process. An attorney can make sure that you comply with all of the legal requirements and that your corporation is set up properly. It is important to keep good records of all of your corporate activities. This includes documents such as your corporate charter, bylaws, minutes of meetings, and stock certificates.
FEATURES OF INCORPORATING A BUSNIESS
- Transferable shares: The shares of an incorporated business can be freely bought and sold, which makes it easier to raise capital. This is in contrast to a sole proprietorship or partnership, where the ownership interests are not easily transferable.
- Perpetual succession: An incorporated business can continue to exist even if the original owners die or sell their shares. This is because the business is a separate legal entity from its owners.
- Separate property: The assets of an incorporated business are separate from the personal assets of the owners. This means that if the business is sued, the creditors cannot go after the owners’ personal assets.
- Capacity to sue and be sued: An incorporated business has the legal capacity to sue and be sued in its own name. This means that it can enter into contracts, own property, and be held liable for its actions.
- Flexibility and autonomy: Incorporated businesses have more flexibility and autonomy than other business structures. For example, they can choose their own management structure and set their own policies and procedures
There are many benefits to incorporating a business.
- Limited liability: As mentioned above, the owners of a corporation are not personally liable for its debts or liabilities. This means that if the corporation goes bankrupt, the owners’ personal assets are protected.
- Tax benefits: Corporations can take advantage of certain tax benefits that are not available to sole proprietorships or partnerships. For example, corporations can deduct the cost of certain expenses that are not deductible to sole proprietorships or partnerships.
- Ease of transferability: Shares of stock in a corporation can be easily transferred to new owners. This makes it easier to raise capital or sell the business.
- Credibility: Corporations are often seen as more credible than sole proprietorships or partnerships. This can be important for businesses that need to borrow money or attract investors.
- Ability to raise capital: Corporations can raise capital by issuing shares of stock. This can be a great way to grow your business without having to take out a loan.
- Ease of management: Corporations can be managed by a board of directors. This can make it easier to manage a large or complex business.
DISADVANTAGES OF INCORPORATIVE BUSINESS
Complexity and Cost: The process of incorporating a business can be complex, time-consuming, and costly. There are legal and administrative requirements, including filing fees and ongoing compliance obligations, that can add to the overall expenses of running the business.
Ongoing Compliance: Once a business is incorporated, it must comply with various ongoing legal and regulatory requirements. This includes filing annual reports, holding regular meetings, and maintaining detailed corporate records. These obligations can be burdensome for small businesses.
Double Taxation: For corporations, profits are typically subject to double taxation. The corporation pays taxes on its earnings, and then shareholders pay taxes again when they receive dividends. This can result in a higher overall tax burden compared to other business structures like sole proprietorships or partnerships.
Loss of Privacy: Corporations are subject to greater public scrutiny and reporting requirements. Information about the company’s finances, ownership, and operations may be publicly available, which can impact the privacy of the business owners.
Rigid Structure: Corporations often have a more rigid organizational structure, including a board of directors and officers. This structure can limit the flexibility of decision-making compared to other business forms, where owners have more control.
Limited Access to Pass-Through Taxation: Some business structures, like partnerships and LLCs, offer pass-through taxation, where business profits are only taxed at the individual level. Corporations do not benefit from this tax treatment, which can be a disadvantage for certain businesses.
Higher Initial Capital Requirements: Incorporating a business may require a higher initial investment compared to other business structures. This can be a barrier for entrepreneurs with limited funds.
Complex Exit Strategies: Exiting or selling a corporation can be more complicated than other business forms. There may be restrictions on selling shares, and the process can involve legal complexities.
Additional Administrative Burden: Corporations are typically subject to more administrative requirements, such as holding annual meetings, maintaining detailed corporate records, and following specific corporate governance rules.
Limited Loss Deductions: In some cases, corporations may have limitations on the deduction of business losses, which can impact the ability to offset losses against personal income.
HOW AURIGA ACCOUNTING HELP YOU
Entity Selection: Auriga Accounting can help you evaluate the most suitable legal structure for your business, whether it’s a corporation, limited liability company (LLC), partnership, or sole proprietorship. They can provide guidance based on your business goals, tax considerations, and liability protection needs.
Paperwork and Filing: Auriga Accounting can assist with the preparation and filing of all necessary legal documents and paperwork required for the incorporation process. This includes drafting articles of incorporation, bylaws, and other essential documents specific to your chosen business structure.
Compliance and Regulations: Auriga Accounting can ensure that your business complies with all federal, state, and local regulations related to incorporation. They can help you navigate the complex regulatory landscape and avoid potential compliance pitfalls.
Name Reservation: If you need to reserve a specific business name, Auriga Accounting can handle the name reservation process, ensuring that the name you want is available and reserved for your use.
Tax Considerations: Auriga Accounting can provide guidance on the tax implications of your chosen business structure and assist with obtaining any necessary tax identification numbers (e.g., Employer Identification Number or EIN).
Registered Agent Services: Many states require businesses to have a registered agent with a physical address for official correspondence. Auriga Accounting can act as your registered agent, receiving important legal and tax documents on your behalf.
Record-Keeping: Auriga Accounting can help you establish proper record-keeping practices, including maintaining corporate records and minutes of meetings, to ensure ongoing compliance with corporate governance requirements.
Initial Capitalization: Auriga Accounting can assist with setting up your initial capitalization, including issuing shares of stock, if applicable, and documenting the initial investment in the business.
Business Plans and Financial Projections: If needed, Auriga Accounting can help you develop business plans and financial projections that may be required for the incorporation process, especially if you plan to seek funding or investors.
Ongoing Compliance: After incorporation, Auriga Accounting can continue to provide ongoing compliance support, ensuring that you meet annual filing requirements, maintain proper corporate governance, and stay up-to-date with any changes in regulations.
