What is a sole proprietorship and how to start one
Learn what a sole proprietorship is, the advantages and disadvantages, and how to start one.

Overview
A sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure: one person, no separate legal entity, no formation paperwork. You just start operating.
A sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure: one person, no separate legal entity, no formation paperwork. You just start operating.
Trade-offs
Pros: zero setup cost, simple taxes (Schedule C), full control. Cons: no liability protection — your personal assets are exposed.
For non-US founders, a sole proprietorship is rarely the right choice. An LLC offers far better protection at low cost.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to form your US company?
Delaware C-Corp or Wyoming LLC — formed in days, not months.


