Legal structures for businesses - an overview

Introduction

Guide

If you are considering setting up a business, it's worth thinking carefully about which structure best suits the way that you intend to do business, as this will affect:

  • which authorities you have to notify that your business exists
  • the tax and National Insurance that you pay
  • the records and accounts that you have to keep
  • your financial liability if the business runs into trouble
  • the ways your business can raise money
  • the way management decisions are made about the business

There are several structures to choose from, including starting a private company, becoming a sole trader or entering business partnerships. This guide will help you understand the differences between them.

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