For individuals who want protection from personal
liability for business debts without the hassle of operating a corporation, a Limited Liability Company can be an excellent alternative.
But since most business owners really don't know, you may seek to get some
help for business debt consolidation instead.
For instance, you can not solely rely on credit cards to
pay for business debts, especially if your profits are not steady enough in the early stages.
A major disadvantage of doing business as a general partnership is that all partners are personally
liable for business debts and liabilities (for example, a judgment in a lawsuit).
Ami Kassar is the founder and chief executive officer of Multifunding LLC, a Philadelphia - based consulting firm that specializes in helping business owners across the United States develop creative, cost - saving
alternatives for their business debt needs and structure.
Liability protection for members: The members of an LLC have limited liability meaning that their assets can not be taken away to
cater for business debts.
The primary benefit of a Limited Liability Company (LLC) business structure is that the owner (s) enjoy the same personal protection from
responsibility for business debts as owners of incorporated businesses.
In a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), typically the primary partner is held personally liable for debts of the business / partnership and the limited partners are not held personally liable
for business debts within the LLP.
As a first step (one that you've probably already taken), incorporate your company to protect yourself from personal
liability for business debts.
Personal Liability As explained above, if your retail business is a sole proprietorship or partnership, you're automatically
liable for business debts.
A legal business entity can protect your personal assets against liability
for business debts.
If you are a sole proprietor — that is, a person who owns and runs the business — you can still apply for a business credit card, but remember that you are personally liable
for your business debts.
One particular risk relates to putting yourself personally liable
for your business debts.
But, depending on the legal structure of your business, you may be personally liable
for any business debts you incur in addition to anything you may owe personally.
After assessing your own personal liability
for business debts, check to see if your spouse may also have liability for business debts.
Some retailers are surprised to learn that they're personally liable
for business debts.
To learn more about avoiding personal liability
for business debts, read the brilliant new book, Save Your Small Business: 10 Crucial Strategies to Survive Hard Times (Nolo).
Owners of sole proprietorships and partnerships remain fully liable for the debts and obligations of their businesses, but those who own corporations are not personally responsible
for business debts.
If you form this type of entity, members of the company are not held personally liable
for business debt or liability (in most cases).
Once your incorporation is official, you'll benefit from limited personal liability
for business debts, you'll look more professional to potential partners and clients, and it will be easier to pass your business on to the next generation, sell it, or bring in new investors.
Since no distinction is made between you and the business you operate, you have unlimited personal liability
for any business debts you incur.
A corporation means the business, not business owners, are liable
for business debts.
Sole trader: the owner controls the business assets, but he or she is also personally liable
for any business debts.
the owner controls the business assets, but they are also personally liable
for any business debts.