March 28, 2024

Business Toolbox

Choosing a Legal Structure

Your legal structure will determine what kind of taxes you’ll pay and who’s liable financially.

| 3/1/2010

Resources

IRS Publication 541 Partnerships
irs.gov/publications/p541/index.html

IRS Publication 3402 Tax Issues for Limited Liability Companies
irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3402.pdf

IRS Publication 542 Corporations
irs.gov/publications/p542/index.html

Florida Division of Corporations
sunbiz.org

» Sole Proprietorship
Sole proprietorships are easy to set up and easy to disband. Profits are taxed at the owner’s individual federal tax rate, with the amount reported on Schedule C or Schedule CZ. Sole proprietorship owners have unlimited personal liability for any debts the business incurs. In Florida, that liability is limited by the state’s homestead laws.

» Partnership

Partnerships can be formed as easily as sole proprietorships. These unincorporated businesses allow two or more people to share liability and provide capital. Business income is reported on partners’ individual tax returns. Limited partnerships must file with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations and pay $35 to designate a registered agent and $965 in filing fees for new partnerships; $500 annually.

» Limited Liability Company

Limited liability companies, or LLCs as they are known, are a hybrid form of business that combines elements of partnerships and corporations. In Florida, LLCs may elect whether to be taxed as partnerships or corporations. On the federal level, LLCs with only one member are considered to be sole proprietors unless they elect to be classified as a corporation. LLCs with more than one member file a federal partnership return unless they elect to be classified as a corporation. LLCs must file with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations ($125 for new LLCs; $138.75 annually).

» Corporation

Corporations are separate legal entities that must be incorporated with the Florida Division of Corporations.

In a C-corporation, the corporation rather than individuals pays taxes and assumes liabilities. Florida’s corporate tax is 5.5%.

An S-corporation allows up to 75 shareholders to share income and expenses and to report them on their individual income tax returns.

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