Advantages and Disadvantages Of Corporation: Right Move?

Are you considering taking your business to the next level and possibly forming a corporation? Or perhaps you've heard the term "corporation" thrown around in the business world, and you're eager to demystify this complex concept. Well, you've come to the right place!

In this blog, we're diving headfirst into the advantages and disadvantages of corporations, exploring their inner workings, the various types they come in, and the pivotal question: Is forming a corporation the right move for your business? 

From understanding the nuts and bolts of corporations to uncovering the unique characteristics of different corporate structures, we're here to simplify it all for you. So, let's embark on this corporate adventure and find out if it's the "Right Move" for your business!

What Is A Corporation?

A Corporation is a unique kind of business recognized by the government. It's not just a regular company; it's like a separate person in the eyes of the law. This special status is why many entrepreneurs find it appealing.

One of the key features of a corporation is that people, called shareholders, own it. These shareholders can be individuals or other businesses. What makes a corporation interesting is that ownership can change easily through the buying and selling of stock. This flexibility is great for businesses that plan to grow or even go public someday.

However, one of the best things about a corporation is that it offers a safety net. When your business becomes a corporation, it becomes a separate legal entity. If your corporation faces a lawsuit or legal trouble, it deals with it, not you personally. Your money and belongings are protected like a shield.

Becoming a corporation is not a snap decision. You have to follow your state's rules and regulations, like creating corporate bylaws and filing articles of incorporation with the secretary of state. It can take some time and effort, but once you finish this paperwork, your business becomes a corporation.

How Does A Corporation Operate?

Now that we've understood what a corporation is let's dive into how it operates. A corporation isn't just a name on paper; it's a dynamic business structure with unique characteristics that set it apart.

A well-run company is based on the following factors:

• Separate Legal Entity: A corporation is like its own legal person. It's different from the people who own it (shareholders). This separation is vital because it shields shareholders' stuff (like money and belongings) from the corporation's legal issues. It's like having a legal superhero that protects you.
• Broad Powers: Corporations have the power to do many things, like making contracts, owning stuff, borrowing money, hiring people, and even taking legal actions, like suing and being sued. They're like versatile Swiss Army knives of business structures.
• Decision-Making: Shareholders, the company's owners, play a role in choosing a group of leaders called the board of directors. Each shareholder usually gets one vote for each share they own when picking these directors. The board of directors is in charge of overseeing the everyday management of the corporation. They make important choices and can even hire a management team to run things day-to-day.
• Ownership Flexibility: In a corporation, how much of your business depends on how many shares you have. The great thing is that claims are easy to buy and sell. This means that ownership can change quickly. If a shareholder wants to sell, it's pretty simple. And if the corporation wants new investors, they can issue more shares. It's like a game of musical chairs with ownership – the music never stops.
• Business Continuity: Corporations are excellent at keeping a business going for the long haul. The easy transfer of ownership means that if someone wants to step down or new investors want to step in, it can happen without disrupting the business. It's like a relay race where the baton can be passed smoothly from one runner to the next, ensuring the race goes smoothly.

A corporation isn't just a bunch of rules and paperwork. It's an intelligent and adaptable way of doing business that offers protection, efficient decision-making, and the ability to keep running smoothly for a long time.

5 Common Types of Corporations

The choices can be as diverse as the goals and ambitions of the entrepreneurs who create them. In this section, we'll explore the diverse ecosystem of corporations, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

C Corporation

C corporations are known for their flexibility in ownership. They can have an unlimited number of shareholders, and their right is divided into shares that can be easily bought and sold. This makes it an attractive option for businesses planning to attract a wide range of investors.

One of the distinctive features of C corporations is that they are taxed as a separate entity. This means the corporation itself pays taxes on its income, and shareholders are also taxed on the dividends they receive from the company. While this double taxation can be a drawback, it may be offset by the advantages of personal liability protection.

Shareholders of C corporations enjoy personal liability protection. Their assets are shielded from business debts and legal actions against the corporation. It's like having a legal safety net for your finances.

C corporations have an advantage in fundraising. They can raise capital by selling shares of stock, which is a common choice for larger companies looking to secure investments for growth and expansion.

S Corporation

Similar to C corporations, S corporations provide personal liability protection for shareholders. However, there's a limitation – all shareholders must be U.S. citizens. This limits the ability to attract foreign investors.

S corporations are considered pass-through entities, which means the income, losses, credits, and deductions "pass-through" to the shareholders. This income is then reported and taxed on the shareholders' tax returns, avoiding the issue of double taxation that C corporations face.

To qualify as an S corporation, specific requirements must be met, including having no more than 100 shareholders and only one class of stock. This structure is often preferred by smaller businesses looking for personal liability protection without the burden of double taxation.

B Corporation

B corporations, or B corps, are a relatively new and unique type of corporation. They are structured to benefit society and the environment. B corp status certifies that a business is legally committed to improving the world. It's not just about profits; it's about making a positive impact.

To become a B corporation, businesses must meet rigorous criteria, such as scoring 80 or above on the B Impact Assessment and publicly reporting their scores on BCorporation.net. This certification acknowledges a company's dedication to social and environmental causes.

A fascinating aspect of B corporations is that they can maintain their C corporation or S corporation tax status while holding this certification. This allows businesses to do good while staying profitable.

Closed corporation

Closed corporations are like tight-knit clubs. They are privately held and owned by a select group of shareholders. The shares of these corporations are not publicly traded, making them less accessible to outside investors.

Just like C corporations and S corporations, shareholders in closed corporations still enjoy the benefit of limited personal liability. Their assets are protected from business debts and legal issues.

Nonprofit corporation

Nonprofit corporations are formed for purposes that benefit society, including religious, charitable, political, educational, literary, scientific, social, or benevolent causes. These businesses exist to serve a mission rather than to generate profits for shareholders.

Nonprofits come with specific tax advantages, including applying for nonprofit tax-exempt status with state and federal governments. This exemption relieves them from paying federal and state taxes because they are pursuing a nonprofit mission. Most nonprofit corporations opt for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, which is typical for organizations focused on charitable and educational work.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Corporation

The Advantages of a Corporation

Incorporating your business comes with substantial advantages, including personal asset protection, ease of ownership transfer, long-term business continuity, access to capital, and potential tax benefits, depending on the specific corporate structure chosen. These benefits can have a profound impact on the financial security, growth, and sustainability of your business. 

Let's dive into the advantages of this legal structure:

Limited Personal Liability 

One of the standout advantages of forming a corporation is the robust protection it provides to the personal assets of its owners. In simple terms, if the corporation faces lawsuits or financial obligations, the shareholders are not personally liable for corporate debts, even if the corporation's assets fall short. This is a key reason why businesses often opt to incorporate, as it shields the personal finances and support of the owners.

Business Security and Perpetuity

Ownership in a corporation is based on shares of stock, which makes it highly flexible in transferring ownership and ensuring the long-term continuity of the business. The specific procedures for transferring ownership may vary based on the bylaws and articles of incorporation, but in general, buying and selling ownership shares is relatively straightforward. 

For instance, if an owner wants to exit the company, they can sell their claims, and in the event of an owner's passing, their ownership shares can easily be transferred to another individual. This flexibility contributes to the security and longevity of the business.

Access to Capital

Corporations has a distinct advantage when raising capital. Most corporations can sell ownership stakes through publicly traded stock, allowing them to raise funds by selling shares. This access to capital is a luxury not enjoyed by other entity types and is invaluable for business growth and financial stability. It provides a lifeline for corporations to secure additional funding, preventing bankruptcy during challenging times.

Tax Benefits

While it's true that some corporations, like C corporations (C-corps), may face double taxation, other corporate structures, such as S corporations (S-corps), offer tax benefits based on how income is distributed. 

For example, S-corps can split their payment between the business and shareholders. This division allows for taxation at different rates. Any income designated as owner salary is subject to self-employment tax, while the remainder of the business dividends is taxed at its level, exempt from self-employment tax. This unique tax arrangement can lead to significant savings for business owners.

The Disadvantages of a Corporation

While corporations offer many advantages, they also come with challenges, including a lengthy application process, strict formalities, the potential for double taxation, and significant expenses. Careful consideration of disadvantages is essential when deciding if incorporating your business is the right choice for your specific circumstances.

Here are some key drawbacks associated with incorporating your business:

Lengthy Application Process

While the initial filing of articles of incorporation with the secretary of state can be relatively quick, incorporating is often time-consuming. This involves extensive paperwork to define and document the organization and its ownership structure meticulously. 

Tasks may include drafting and maintaining corporate bylaws, appointing a board of directors, creating shareholder ownership change agreements, issuing stock certificates, and documenting meeting minutes.

Rigid Formalities, Protocols, and Structure

Maintaining a corporation involves strict adherence to formalities and regulations, which can be demanding in time and effort. You'll need to follow various legal requirements and maintain a structured approach to corporate governance. This includes tracking corporate bylaws, ensuring the continuity of a board of directors, conducting annual meetings, keeping comprehensive board minutes, and producing annual reports. 

Different corporation types may have specific restrictions, such as S-corporations, which are limited to 100 shareholders, all of whom must be U.S. citizens.

Double Taxation

One of the primary downsides of incorporating, particularly as a C-corporation, is the potential for double taxation. In C-corps, business income is taxed at both the entity level and the shareholder level, based on their share of profits earned. This can result in a heavier tax burden. 

To avoid double taxation, some businesses opt for S-corporation status. S-corps pass the income to shareholders, who report it on their tax returns. However, it's crucial to maintain proper records to meet legal requirements, as the IRS may reclassify S-corps as C-corps if there are compliance issues.

Expense

Corporations are costly to establish and maintain. While established corporations can raise capital by selling shares, the initial costs can be substantial. Startup capital is often required to cover filing fees, ongoing operational expenses, and potentially higher taxes. 

The expense of forming and sustaining a corporation can be a significant consideration when evaluating the proper legal structure for your business. Consulting with an attorney and an accountant specializing in corporate implications is advisable to make an informed decision.

How To Form A Corporation?

Forming a corporation involves several crucial stages, and it's essential to follow the legal requirements of your state. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to form a corporation:

Step 1: Choose your business name

Select a name for your corporation that complies with your state's rules. It must include specific designation words like "Limited," "Incorporated," and "Corporation" or their abbreviated versions. Check for restricted terms and ensure your chosen name doesn't infringe on existing trademarks.

Step 2: Make sure your name is available

Contact your state's business formation agency to confirm your business name is available. This step is crucial to avoid trademark violations. Sometimes, you can reserve the name briefly before officially registering it.

Step 3: Register a “doing business as” name

If you plan to operate under a different name than your corporate name, you should register a DBA name, a fictitious name, an assumed name, or a trade name. Be aware that DBA rules vary across levels, including state, county, and city.

Step 4: Appoint your directors and registered agent

Appoint directors for your corporation, ensuring compliance with your state's specific requirements regarding the number of directors. Additionally, designate a registered agent responsible for receiving official government notices and compliance-related documents. While an owner can serve as the registered agent, they are not obligated to do so.

Step 5: File articles of incorporation

Prepare and file the articles of incorporation with your state's Secretary of State's office. These articles include essential information about your business, such as its name, purpose, and details about the issuance of stock. The specific name for this document may vary by state but can be called the certificate of incorporation or certificate of formation.

Step 6: Write your corporate bylaws

Create corporate bylaws, which are the governing rules for how your corporation operates. They cover various aspects, including stock issuance, meeting procedures, record-keeping, and other business-related processes. It's advisable to consult an attorney when drafting your corporate bylaws to ensure they meet all legal requirements.

Step 7: Write your shareholder’s agreement

While not mandatory, a shareholder's agreement is recommended. It protects the interests of shareholders, particularly in cases where an owner passes away or leaves the corporation, resulting in a transfer of ownership. Seek professional assistance when drafting this agreement.

Step 8: Hold your first board of directors meeting

In your initial board of directors meeting, discuss the overall operation of the corporation. This includes matters such as bylaws, the appointment of corporate officers, and authorization for the issuance of stock.

Step 9: Issue your stock

If your corporation is more significant, you may need to register stock offerings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and your state's securities agency. Ensure compliance with their requirements.

Step 10: Obtain business licenses and permits

Check with local and state governments to determine the necessary business permits and licenses required before commencing official operations. The specific requirements can vary based on your business type.

Step 11: Register with state and local agencies and the IRS

It's essential to register your corporation with both the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and state and local revenue agencies. Refer to the IRS website for more detailed information and guidance.

Step 12: Open a corporate bank account

To maintain tax compliance and financial separation, open a corporate bank account distinct from owners' accounts. Explore different banking options to find the best performance for your corporation's needs.

Quick Summary of the Corporation's Pros and Cons

The table below provides a concise overview of the benefits and drawbacks of incorporating your business as a corporation. It can help you make an informed decision based on your business needs and circumstances.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a C corporation and an S corporation?

The primary difference between a C corporation and an S corporation lies in how they are taxed:

C Corporation:

• C corporations are the default structure for all corporations.
• They are subject to double taxation, where the business income is taxed at the corporate level, and shareholders are also taxed on any dividends they receive.
• There is no restriction on the number of shareholders, and they can have multiple classes of stock.
• Shareholders can be of any nationality or residency.

S Corporation:

• S corporations are a specific tax designation that C corporations can choose by filling out additional paperwork.
• They avoid double taxation. Instead, business income is taxed at the personal tax rates of the owners (shareholders) rather than at the corporate level.
• S corporations must adhere to certain restrictions, such as having only one class of stock and a maximum of 100 shareholders, all of whom must be U.S. citizens.

C corporations face double taxation, while S corporations offer pass-through taxation at the individual level. Still, they restrict the number of shareholders and the types of stock they can issue.

2. Can one person form a corporation?

Yes, one person can form a corporation. All states allow for the creation of a single-owner corporation. However, even if a corporation has only one owner, it must follow all the standard formalities and legal requirements to ensure compliance with state and federal laws.

3. Does a corporation have to be formed in the state of operation?

No, a corporation does not have to be formed in the state where it operates. You can form a corporation in any state, even outside, where you plan to conduct business. Suppose you choose to incorporate in a state known for its favorable tax and business laws, such as Nevada or Delaware, but intend to operate in your home state. In that case, you must also file the necessary documents in your home state. This process, known as "foreign qualification," allows your corporation to do business in multiple states while still being legally compliant.

4. How do you decide if a corporation is the proper structure for your business?

To decide if a corporation is the proper structure for your business, follow these steps:

• Consult with professionals: Seek advice from business lawyers, tax advisors, and accountants to understand how different structures impact your business.
• Consider your business goals: Consider your long-term objectives, such as personal liability protection, access to capital, and taxation.
• Review legal requirements: Understand the formalities and responsibilities of your chosen structure.
• Assess future growth: If you anticipate significant expansion, a corporation may be a good choice.
• Evaluate personal preferences: Consider your comfort and preferences in selecting the right structure.

5. How can corporations reduce their taxes?

Corporations can reduce taxes through several methods, including

• Net Operating Losses: Offset current or future income with losses from previous years, reducing taxable income.
• Tax Credits: Utilize tax credits to lower the overall tax liability, such as research and development credits or renewable energy credits.
• Accelerated Depreciation: Deduct the cost of assets faster through accelerated depreciation methods, reducing taxable income.
• Profit Sharing: Implement profit-sharing plans or retirement accounts for employees to lower taxable income.

Corporations must engage a professional accountant when filing taxes to ensure compliance and maximize tax benefits.

Bonus: 7 factors that help online businesses succeed

In the digital age, online businesses thrive by incorporating strategies and practices that set them apart. These seven essential factors can help your online business not only survive but also succeed in a highly competitive landscape:

1. Optimize Website Design

The design of your website serves as the initial impression for potential customers. Delve into the psychology of user experience (UX) by considering factors like color schemes, layout, and visual hierarchy to create a design that not only attracts but also guides visitors through the conversion funnel.

Nowadays, crafting a website has become increasingly accessible. Among the myriad tools available, Page Builder applications stand out as a simple and time-efficient solution. Allow me to introduce you to a top-tier Page Builder – EComposer.

EComposer has been gaining traction, particularly within the business community, owing to its competitive pricing and exceptional website development capabilities. This innovative Shopify app empowers users to design professional online stores without requiring coding expertise. It boasts an extensive selection of templates, elements, and extensions, making it effortless to create a wide range of web pages, including Landing Pages, Product Pages, Home Pages, Collections, Blogs, as well as essential pages like FAQs, Contact Us, and About Us. With EComposer, website creation has never been more accessible and user-friendly.

Read more: Website Builder Tutorial: Step-by-Step guide for beginners

2. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Beyond the basics of keyword research and optimization, advanced SEO involves in-depth competitor analysis, long-tail keyword targeting, and the continual refinement of content and meta tags. A holistic SEO strategy should encompass on-page and off-page optimization, including backlink building and mobile optimization.

3. Create a Good Content Strategy

Content is more than just articles and blog posts. Deepen your content strategy by exploring multimedia content such as podcasts, webinars, and interactive tools. Align your content with the specific needs and pain points of your target audience to establish authority and build trust.

4. Ease of Navigation

A profound understanding of information architecture and user journeys is essential. Conduct usability testing and gather user feedback to fine-tune your website's navigation and ensure a seamless, frustration-free experience.

5. Customer Service

Going beyond responsive customer service, employ sentiment analysis and customer feedback to detect trends and anticipate needs. Implement personalized service and proactively address issues to build a loyal customer base.

6. User-friendly Interface

Conduct user testing and usability studies to uncover pain points and areas of improvement in your interface. Implement a human-centered design approach, focusing on user needs and preferences.

7. Product High Quality

Quality assurance processes, feedback loops, and continuous improvement initiatives are crucial. Dive into the product development cycle with techniques like Six Sigma, Lean, or Agile to consistently deliver products or services that exceed customer expectations.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the decision to structure your business as a corporation is a pivotal one, with both advantages and disadvantages that can significantly impact your journey as an entrepreneur. The advantages of limited personal liability, business continuity, access to capital, and potential tax benefits offer compelling reasons to consider this path.

Ultimately, the "right move" for your business structure depends on your unique goals, circumstances, and preferences. Seeking guidance from legal and financial professionals is highly recommended to make an informed decision that aligns with your objectives.

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