A guide on choosing the right business structure for your small business in Texas. This presentation will provide valuable insights into selecting the most suitable business entity for your entrepreneurial venture. The first step in creating a business structure is deciding on the type of entity that best suits your needs. This SlideShare helps you pick the best business structure for you. Note: This is not legal advice.

1. Choosing the Right
Business Structure for Your
Small Business in Texas
A Guide for Entrepreneurs

2. Introduction
Welcome to the guide on choosing the right business structure for your small
business in Texas. This presentation will provide valuable insights into selecting the most
suitable business entity for your entrepreneurial venture.

3. Types of Business Structures in Texas
The first step in creating a business structure is deciding on the type of entity that best suits your needs. Sole
proprietorships and partnerships are simpler structures suitable for small businesses with one or more owners.
Corporations, on the other hand, offer a more complex but protective structure for those looking to separate
personal and business liabilities. LLC stands for "limited liability company," an LLC is a business structure
that protects business owners from personal liability for the limited liability company LLC's business debts.

4. Key Considerations - Liability Protection
Liability is a critical consideration when establishing a business structure. Sole proprietors and partnerships
may have unlimited personal liability, putting personal assets at risk. In contrast, forming a corporation or
limited liability company (LLC) can provide a shield against personal liability, protecting your personal assets
from business debts and legal claims.

5. Key Considerations - Tax Implications
The tax implications of your chosen business structure can significantly impact your bottom line. Sole
proprietors report business income on their personal tax returns, while corporations have separate tax entities.
LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities by default, which means that the LLC itself doesn't pay income tax.
Instead, the profits and losses of the LLC are passed on to the LLC owners, and reported as income on their
individual tax returns.Understanding the tax advantages and disadvantages of each structure is crucial for
effective financial planning.

6. Key Considerations - Control and Management
When Considering the different business entities have varying control and management structures that significantly
influence decision-making processes. Sole proprietorships and partnerships typically afford owners direct control and
autonomy over business decisions due to their simpler structures and lack of formal hierarchy. In contrast, corporations
and limited liability companies (LLCs) often have more complex management structures with a board of directors
overseeing strategic decisions and officers managing day-to-day operations. Shareholders or members in these entities
may have limited involvement in decision-making, depending on their ownership stake and voting rights.

7. Key Considerations - Compliance
Requirements
Each business structure comes with its own set of compliance
requirements and administrative responsibilities. Staying
compliant with employment laws, environmental regulations,
tax codes, and industry-specific regulations is essential to
avoid legal troubles and financial penalties. A business lawyer
can help you develop compliance strategies, implement best
practices, and stay up-to-date with any legal changes that may
affect your business. Each entity's compliance obligations and
administrative tasks vary, reflecting the unique legal and
operational frameworks of their respective business structures.

8. Key Considerations - Cost and Complexity
When contemplating business structures, it's imperative to weigh the
cost implications and complexities associated with setting up and
maintaining each option over time. Sole proprietorships and
partnerships generally entail lower initial costs and maintenance
expenses due to their simpler structures and fewer formalities.
Limited liability companies (LLCs) may involve moderate setup
costs but offer flexibility and relatively straightforward
maintenance. Corporations typically incur higher setup costs and
ongoing compliance expenses due to stringent regulatory
requirements and corporate formalities. Assessing these factors
against available resources and long-term objectives is essential for
selecting the most suitable business structure.

9. Sole Proprietorship
● A business owned and operated by a single individual, where there is no legal distinction between the
owner and the business entity.
● Characteristics: Single ownership: Owned and managed by one person. Easy setup: Minimal legal formalities
and paperwork required for establishment. Full control: Owner retains complete control over business decisions
and operations. Personal liability: Owner is personally liable for all business debts and obligations. Pass-
through taxation: Business income and losses are reported on the owner's personal tax return.
● Pros: Simple and inexpensive to establish: Minimal startup costs and legal formalities. Direct control: Owner
has full autonomy and control over business decisions. Tax advantages: Pass-through taxation can result in
lower tax rates compared to corporate structures. Flexibility: Easy to adapt and change business operations as
needed.
● Cons: Unlimited liability: Owner is personally responsible for all business debts and liabilities, risking personal
assets. Limited growth potential: Sole proprietorships may face challenges in raising capital and expanding
operations. Lack of continuity: Business continuity may be disrupted in the event of the owner's illness,
disability, or death. Limited resources: Sole proprietors may have limited access to resources and expertise
compared to larger corporations or partnerships.

10. Partnership
● A business structure in which two or more individuals or entities agree to jointly own and operate a
business for profit.
● Characteristics: Shared Ownership:Owned and managed by two or more partners, Formal Agreements:
Requires a partnership agreement outlining rights, responsibilities, and profit-sharing arrangements, Mutual
Agency: Each partner acts as an agent for the partnership, binding the business to their actions, Pass-through
taxation:Profits and losses are passed through to the partners' personal tax returns.
● Pros: Shared responsibility: Partners share management duties, risks, and financial obligations. Diverse
expertise: Partners bring complementary skills, resources, and perspectives to the business. Potential for
growth: Partnerships may have greater access to capital and resources compared to sole proprietorships. Tax
advantages: Pass-through taxation can result in lower tax rates compared to corporate structures.
● Cons: Unlimited liability: General partners are personally liable for all business debts and obligations, Shared
decision-making: Disagreements among partners can lead to conflicts and hinder decision-making, Lack of
continuity: Partnerships may dissolve or face disruption in the event of a partner's withdrawal, death, or
disagreement, Legal complexity: Partnership agreements may be complex and require legal assistance to ensure
clarity and enforceability.

11. Limited Liability Company (LLC)
● A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a business structure that combines
aspects of a corporation and partnership, providing limited liability to its
owners (members).
● Characteristics: Limited Liability: Owners' personal assets are protected from
business debts and liabilities,Pass-through Taxation: Profits and losses are reported
on the owners' personal tax returns, Flexible Management: Owners can choose to
manage the LLC themselves or appoint managers, Limited Formalities: Less
stringent corporate governance requirements compared to corporations.
● Pros: Limited Liability: Protects personal assets of owners, Pass-through
Taxation: Avoids double taxation associated with corporations, Flexibility: Allows
for various ownership structures and flexible management, Credibility: Offers
credibility and professionalism without the complexity of a corporation.
● Cons: Cost: May have higher setup and maintenance costs compared to sole
proprietorships or partnerships, State-specific Regulations: Requirements vary by
state, leading to potential complexity in compliance, Limited Life: May dissolve
upon the death or withdrawal of a member, depending on state laws. Self-
Employment Taxes: Members may be subject to self-employment taxes on LLC
income.

12. Corporation
● A Corporation is a legal entity separate from its owners, known as
shareholders, with limited liability.
● Characteristics: Separate Legal Entity: Corporation exists independently
of its owners, Limited Liability: Shareholders' liability limited to their
investment, Perpetual Existence: Continues to exist despite changes in
ownership or management, Formal Structure: Requires compliance with
corporate governance rules and regulations.
● Pros: Limited Liability: Protects personal assets of shareholders, Access
to Capital: Easier to raise funds through issuance of stocks, Perpetual
Existence: Business can continue despite changes in ownership,
Credibility: Enhances credibility and trustworthiness with customers,
suppliers, and investors.
● Cons: Complexity: Requires compliance with formalities and regulations,
Double Taxation: C-Corps subject to corporate tax on profits and
shareholders taxed on dividends, Cost: Higher setup and maintenance
costs compared to other structures, Less Control: Shareholders may have
limited control over decision-making compared to other structures.

13. Legal Requirements Overview
1. Sole Proprietorship:
● Minimal formalities; may
require DBA registration.
● Personal liability for
business debts.
● Taxed at individual tax
rates.
1. Partnership:
● Partnership agreement
recommended.
● Partners share
management and liability.
● Pass-through taxation.
3. Limited Liability Company
(LLC):
● File Certificate of
Formation.
● Limited liability for
owners.
● Flexible taxation options.
4. Corporation:
● File Articles of
Incorporation.
● Separate legal entity with
limited liability.
● May be taxed as C-Corp or
S-Corp.

14. Sole Proprietorship Legal Requirements in
Texas
1. Business Name: Can operate under owner's legal name or a fictitious name if
different.
2. Business Licenses and Permits: May need local licenses or permits depending
on the nature of the business.
3. Tax ID Number: Required if hiring employees or opening a business bank
account.
4. Sales Tax Permit: Needed for businesses selling taxable goods or services.
5. Zoning Compliance: Ensure compliance with local zoning regulations if
operating from a physical location.
6. Business Insurance: Consider liability insurance to protect against potential
risks.
7. Separate Business Bank Account: Recommended to separate personal and
business finances and record-keeping by Maintain accurate financial records for
tax purposes and business operations.
8. Self-Employment Taxes: Sole proprietors must pay self-employment taxes on
business income.

15. Partnership Legal Requirements in Texas
1. Partnership Agreement: While not required, it's advisable to have a written
agreement outlining rights, responsibilities, and profit-sharing
arrangements.
2. Business Name: Partnerships can operate under the legal names of the
partners or a fictitious name
3. Tax ID Number: Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the
IRS if the partnership has employees or opens a business bank account.
4. Partnership Return: File IRS Form 1065, U.S. Return of Partnership Income,
annually.
5. Partnership Liability: Partners are personally liable for partnership debts
and obligations, unless operating as a limited liability partnership (LLP).
6. Business Permits and Licenses: May need local licenses or permits
depending on the nature of the business.
7. Sales Tax Permit: Required for partnerships selling taxable goods or
services in Texas.
8. Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate financial records for tax purposes and
business operations.
9. Compliance with State and Federal Laws: Adhere to applicable laws and
regulations governing the partnership operation.

16. Corporation Legal Requirements in Texas
1. Name Reservation: Reserve a unique business name with the Texas Secretary of
State.
2. Certificate of Formation: File Articles of Incorporation with the Texas Secretary
of State.
3. Registered Agent: Designate a registered agent with a physical address in Texas.
4. Bylaws: Adopt corporate bylaws outlining internal governance procedures.
5. Directors and Officers: Appoint directors and officers to manage corporate
affairs.
6. Shareholders: Hold initial organizational meeting and issue stock certificates to
shareholders.
7. Tax ID Number: Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
8. Franchise Tax: Pay Texas franchise tax annually based on net taxable capital and
surplus.
9. Annual Report: File annual report with the Texas Secretary of State, along with
required fees.
10. Compliance: Comply with corporate governance requirements, maintain
accurate records, and adhere to state and federal laws and regulations.

17. LLC Legal Requirements in Texas
In Texas, there are several key steps to follow in order to have an LLC in Texas, each requiring careful
attention to legal details.
1. Choose a Name - A unique and distinguishable name for your LLC, avoiding any prohibited
words and checking for name availability through the Texas Secretary of State’s office.
2. File The Certificate Of Formation - This document officially establishes your LLC and
includes essential information such as the company’s name, registered agent details, and the
purpose of the business.
3. Appoint A Registered Agent - Texas law mandates that every LLC designate a registered agent
– an individual or entity responsible for receiving legal documents and official notices on behalf
of the company, the agent must have a physical address in Texas.
4. Draft An Operating Agreement - This internal document outlines the structure and
management of your business, including member responsibilities, voting rights, and profit
distribution, which help prevent disputes and ensure the smooth operation.
5. Obtain An EIN - An employer Identification Number (EIN) is necessary for tax purposes,
opening a business bank account, and hiring employees. You can obtain an EIN from the IRS
for free.

18. Factors to Consider - Business Goals and
Objectives
Aligning business goals and objectives with the appropriate business
structure is crucial for supporting growth and success. By aligning
business goals and objectives with the appropriate business
structure, entrepreneurs can optimize their chances of success by
leveraging the advantages and mitigating the limitations of each
structure. It's essential to carefully evaluate the specific needs,
priorities, and long-term objectives of the business when selecting
the most suitable structure. Additionally, consulting with legal and
financial professionals can provide valuable guidance in making
informed decisions.

19. Factors to Consider - Long-Term Plans
When considering long-term plans and their influence on the choice of business structure, several factors
come into play
● Scalability: Choose a structure that supports future growth plans, such as a
corporation for raising capital through stock offerings.
● Liability Protection: Opt for a structure that shields personal assets from
business liabilities, like an LLC or corporation, especially for ventures with
higher risks.
● Tax Efficiency: Select a structure with favorable tax treatment for long-term
financial projections, such as pass-through taxation for LLCs or S-Corporations.
● Succession Planning: Consider a structure that facilitates smooth transitions in
ownership or management, such as a corporation with transferable stock.
● Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the chosen structure can meet regulatory
requirements, particularly for expansion into regulated industries or multiple
jurisdictions.
● Flexibility: Choose a structure that allows for adaptation to changing
circumstances and opportunities, providing agility for evolving long-term plans.

20. Factors to Consider - Risk Tolerance
When assessing risk tolerance, you need to determine how comfortable you are with assuming personal liability for
business debts and obligations. Consider your willingness to accept potential financial losses or legal liabilities.
Choose a business structure:
High risk tolerance: Sole proprietorship or partnership.
Medium risk tolerance: Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP).
Low risk tolerance: Corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp).
Complex risk management needs: Professional Corporation (PC) or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).
Align your choice with your risk tolerance to ensure the desired level of risk management for your business.

21. Factors to Consider - Future Growth and
Scalability
Growth objectives: Evaluate scalability and access to capital markets.
Succession planning: Assess continuity in ownership and management.
Regulatory compliance: Consider industry regulations and expansion into new
jurisdictions.
Tax implications: Evaluate flexibility in tax planning and optimization.
Liability protection: Determine the level of personal asset protection needed.
Flexibility: Assess adaptability to evolving circumstances and opportunities.
Align the choice of business structure with long-term plans to support growth,
mitigate risks, and ensure sustainability.

22. Importance of Legal Advice
The importance of Legal Advice is essential in certain aspects of life,
especially when faced with a dilemma or when you are about to
make personal or professional decisions. Lawyers come in handy
when an individual seeks expertise in matters of law for criminal,
corporate, personal, and civil matters. Understanding the nature of
your case and the expertise required will be a crucial first step
Regardless of your location, there are specific laws and statutes.
While most citizens are generally informed of local, regional, and
federal laws, understanding the intricacies, specific details and
processes involved can prove difficult without the assistance of a
professional lawyer.

23. Conclusion
In the presentation, we highlighted the vital importance of selecting the right
business structure for long-term success. Key points included
● Understanding legal and tax implications
● Securing liability protection
● Defining ownership and management structure
● Accessing capital for growth
● Shaping perception and credibility
● Planning for succession and exits
● Ensuring flexibility to adapt to changing needs
Choosing the appropriate structure is not just a legal formality; it's a strategic
decision that profoundly impacts a company's trajectory. It dictates how the business
operates, grows, and navigates challenges over time. Therefore, careful consideration
and expert guidance are essential to lay a solid foundation for sustainable success.
Consult with our legal experts at Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC for
personalized guidance on choosing the right business structure.

24. Contact Us
Contact Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC for expert legal counsel on business
structures and other legal matters.
brandyaustinlaw.com 2404 Roosevelt Drive
(817) 841-9906 Arlington, Texas 76016
brandy@brandyaustinlaw.com