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Pros
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Cons
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| Proprietorship |
- Easy to start
- Low start-up costs
- Low regulations
- Owner controls decision making
- All profits to owners
- Tax advantages
- Minimal working capital
- Business losses can be claimed on
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- unlimited liability
- Difficulty in raising capital
- Higher taxation rates with higher income
- Lack of continuity
- Business reliance on self
- May be difficult to sell
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| Partnership |
- Easy to start up
- Low start-up costs
- Additional sources of capital
- Tax advantages
- Limited regulation
- Broader management base and complimentary talents
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- Unlimited liability
- Difficulty in raising capital
- Divided authority
- Suitable partners may not be available
- Conflicts between partners
- Partners can legally bind each other
- Lack of continuity
- Profits are smaller per share
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| Corporation |
- Limited liability
- Possible tax advantage
- Ownership is transferable
- Continuous existence
- Specialized management
- Separate legal entity
- Easier to raise capital
- Capital gains exemptions
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- More expensive to set up
- Closely regulated
- Extensive record keeping
- Dividend taxation
- Shareholder liability
- Personal guarantees can undermine limited liabilities
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