However, despite its simplicity, there are some additional steps you might want to consider. While not strictly required, many sole proprietors find them beneficial. Read the New York sole proprietorship guide below or get an LLC with ZenBusiness today for $0 + state fee. Some banks may require a DBA in order to open a business bank account for a Sole Proprietor. We recommend calling the bank to see if a DBA is required or if you can open the business account in your own name. Business bank accounts typically allow you to process more transactions per month than a personal bank account, and have other benefits.

Freelance writers provide content to various print and electronic publications like magazines and websites. They often provide articles, blogs, and other informational pieces to publications specializing in certain businesses, interests, and causes. As their name suggests, these writers are independent contractors, making their work perfect for a sole proprietorship.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Sole Proprietorship

You are personally responsible for all actions of the business or its agents, employees, etc. Tax preparation for sole proprietorships is relatively straightforward. All business income or losses are reported on your personal income tax return, and the business itself is not taxed separately.

Getting a business bank account, maintaining business financial records, and filing taxes are all part of making your business run smoothly. If you want to hire employees for your business, you will need to obtain an EIN first. This is because an EIN is required in order to pay payroll taxes for your employees. Meaning, you already file a personal Form 1040 tax return each year.

Can you sell a sole proprietorship?

However, if you choose to file your own business name, very little paperwork is required. You’ll need to decide if you want a business name that’s fictitious or if you want to use your own legal name to run your business. Having an assumed name is a smart way to make your business stand out from competitors. The term “Family Floral” is a great name that suggests a company is family-run, family-friendly, and sells flowers. However, if your Sole Proprietorship will use a DBA (aka Assumed Name), then that needs to be filed with the County Clerk in any county where your business operates. You don’t have to register your Sole Proprietorship with the New York Department of State.

Being a sole proprietor allows this type of small business owner to apply for a “doing business as” (DBA) name and claim business expenses. When a sole proprietor seeks to incorporate a business, the owner usually restructures it sole proprietorship examples near me into an LLC. For this to work, the owner must first determine that the name of the company is available. If the desired name is free, articles of organization must be filed with the state office where the business will be based.

Small Business Owners

Other key differences include the fact that LLCs can opt to be taxed as corporations, and sole proprietors don’t have to worry about mixing personal and business finances in the same way LLC owners do. Sole proprietorships are much simpler to operate when it comes to taxes. Additionally, tax rates tend to be the lowest of the business structure options because of this pass-through tax advantage. Pass-through income is taxed as personal income and will be reflected on the personal tax return. As opposed to a corporation or limited liability company (LLC), the sole proprietorship is not a legal business entity.