For those of you who have a liscensed business, what type of business do you have? I'm trying to choose a business structure and I'd really appreciate your help or suggestions.

I am setting up an LLC for my catering business.

I am incorporated per suggestion of my tax lady

I don't know if this helps as I am in the UK but as of this week I am a sole trader!

And so pleased about it!!

Thank you for your replies. I hope more people will answer this question. I really want to see what the majority is.


Also, if you don't want to post it, a PM would be helpful.

Just starting my business and by advice of my accountant....i'm incorporated!!

I am a sole proprietor. Registered in January.

I haven't registered and according to what I've read, that makes me a Sole Proprietor. Not sure if those rules are by state or that's what it is for the US in general.

Thank you all so much! I was just wondering if your businesses were bakeries with employees or just you working solo?

I was a sole proprietor for years and years. Became an LLC about a year ago. I have people who work for me.

Subchapter S Corporation. We are going to the tax man next week who may recommend another org.plan based on opening the new shop.

I'm a sole proprietor, not sure how it works in the US, but in Canada, the downfall of being a sole proprietor is that if someone becomes sick from your product, they can sue you (the person) and go after all your assets if you don't have enough insurance. Incorporation means they can only go after company assets. Is this how it is in the US as well?

I hope to become incorporated at the end of the first year.
No employees just me.

Idoweddingcookies,
Yes, sole proprietorship is the same in the U.S. Being incorporated is a bit more expensive at start-up but a lot safer in my opinion.

im a sole proprietor! this week is my first official week in business! im just myself, no employees. i expect this year to be a loss for me, as i've had several large start up purchases, so the benefit is that the loss will be deducted from my personal taxable income. it will lower my tax liability for this year. maybe in the future i will go llc.

I'm an LLC here in Michigan ~ that protects our personal assets.

I read somewhere that if you are an LLC that the letters LLC have to follow your business name. So if I advertise or make cards do I have to have LLC written on everything?

My LLC is actually the management (parent) company. I then have multiple companies under that umbrella. So it's "XYZ Mgmt, LLC DBA Cater It Simple" (or DBA other company names). All legalese is done in the parent company name. The LLC was set up so I could easily form DBA companies as needed. (That's why I had an attorney do it all as opposed to doing myself.)

I am a sole proprietor for 7 years as a custom cake shop with one employee.

I'm registered as sole prop for now.

The laws vary from state. I would check with an attorney or perhaps you can find out on your own by doing a little research. Usually your state's secretary of state handles corporate filings, etc. Maybe you can call them and someone can inform you.

My father (also my accountant, with 30 years experience in family-run businesses) suggested I start out as a Sole Proprietor. If/when I get larger, then I can move to a corporation or LLC.

I just wanted to say thank you to all of you for replying! It has given me a good idea of how others in my situation are handeling things! You guys are the best!

I am in the process of setting everything up. I am now a "LLC". This appears on my business lincense and bank account. I already had business cards printed so they do not include "LLC" but everything else does, and new cards will include it also.

i was an "s" corp....but good grief who needs the paperwork?

i'm a sole prop now.

Im sorry, but what are the differances? My husband thinks I should go the sole proprietor way Or nothing like I am now just working out of my kitchen any one have any helpful opinions? so far I have buisness cards but haven't given many out and I have only done 3 paid orders but have two more on my calender. I just want to do what is right and legal!

I am working out of my own kitchen also and am my only employee (well DH helps sometimes but I don't pay him in cash I am an LLC, cost me $100 but protects my personal assests. Also since I have no employees I can file my business taxes with my personal taxes.

Kristin