How do you decide between sole proprietorship and LLC?
James Craig
Published Feb 13, 2026
An LLC exists separately from its owners—known as members. However, members are not personally responsible for business debts and liabilities. Instead, the LLC is responsible. A sole proprietorship is an unincorporated business owned and run by one person.
When might it be better to be a sole proprietor?
Sole proprietorship is usually preferred because it is simpler, requiring no legal filings to start the business. It is especially suitable if you’re planning on starting a one-person business and you don’t expect the business to grow beyond yourself.
What’s the difference between a sole proprietorship and LLC?
A sole proprietorship is a business ran by a single individual. The key difference between a sole proprietorship and other business entities is the fact that you do not have to register your business with the state. Because it is so affordable and easy to set up, this is one of the more commonly formed businesses.
How is a sole proprietorship treated by the IRS?
For tax purposes, the IRS treats LLCs as either a sole proprietor or a partnership, depending on whether it’s a single-member LLC or multi-member LLC: Single-member LLCs are treated like a sole proprietorship Multi-member LLCs are treated like a partnership
How is a sole proprietorship different from an unincorporated business?
On the other hand, a sole proprietorship offers no such asset protection. As an unincorporated business, a sole proprietorship is not legally distinct from its owner. In other words, the owner’s personal assets and his or her business assets are not separate.
Can a sole proprietorship be separate from the owner?
As an unincorporated business, a sole proprietorship is not legally distinct from its owner. In other words, the owner’s personal assets and his or her business assets are not separate.