Milwaukee Small Business Legal Structure

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, “The business structure you choose influences everything from day-to-day operations, to taxes and how much of your personal assets are at risk. You should choose a business structure that gives you the right balance of legal protections and benefits.” Here are some resources to help you determine how to best structure your business.

Sole Proprietorships

A sole proprietorship is a business entity that applies to an unincorporated business with only a single owner. This is is a very simple setup process and many small businesses go this route. You can still have employees but you do not have a partner. You would need an EIN though

There are many things to consider when registering your business as a sole proprietorship. Here are some places we have found to be good reference.

www.chamberofcommerce.org/sole-proprietorship/wisconsin

Limited Partnerships

There are two types of partners within a Limited Partnership. One is the general partner who exercises management and control for the business and is personally liable. A limited partner has no control over the business and is liable only up to their particular investment in the company.

www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/FAQS/ise-pship.aspx

Limited Liability Companies

The company assumes liability, not the partners and/or shareholders. 

www.chamberofcommerce.org/how-to-start-an-llc-in-wisconsin

Corporations

According to Investopedia, a corporation is “A legal entity that is separate and distinct from its owners. Under the law, corporations possess many of the same rights and responsibilities as individuals. They can enter contracts, loan and borrow money, sue and be sued, hire employees, own assets, and pay taxes. Some refer to a corporation as a “legal person.”

www.chamberofcommerce.org/corporation

Nonprofit Corporations

A non-profit corporation is formed to serve a public purpose and is exempt from paying federal and state taxes. It cannot be designed primarily to make a profit.

www.chamberofcommerce.org/nonprofit/

References

Here are some links you might find helpful:

www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/Businesses/New-Business-home.aspx

www.wisconsin.gov/Pages/business.aspx

wdfi.org/charitableorganizations

www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-business-structure

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