Ratio Analysis Memo
Corporate Characteristics Proposal
Katherine Collinge, Moses Gatson,
Tanya Mueller, and Terri Sturgeon
University of Phoenix
ACC/363 Financial Accounting II
Bob Wells
April 27, 2009
Corporate Characteristics Proposal Introduction here
Various Forms of Business Organizations Before starting a new business, several decisions such as its legal structure must be made first. Five basic entity types exist in which to structure a business. These types consist of sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLC), C corporations, and S corporations. When determining the type of structure to use, comparison of different factors such as liability to the owners, taxation, and management controls must be conducted.
Sole Proprietorships The sole proprietorship has one owner that is completely liable for the actions of the company but has total control over all decisions. The profit or loss of the business is reported and taxed on the owner’s individual tax return.
Partnerships
A partnership has two or more owners who share control and management decisions of the company. Profit or loss is split between the owners based on a predetermined percentage rate, usually determined by investment or activity in the company and reported on each individual’s income tax report.
Limited Liability Companies (LLC)
A limited liability company combines the attributes of a partnership with the limits on liability of a corporation. The profits and losses of the company still pass to the owners as in a partnership, but the losses can only offset other income up to the amount the individual invested. Formal action is not required to form a LLC, but articles of organization are filed with the proper state department. Management is still controlled by the owners.
C Corporation
A C corporation is the basic form of corporation in the United States. The amount of shares of stock a C corporation can issue
Katherine Collinge, Moses Gatson,
Tanya Mueller, and Terri Sturgeon
University of Phoenix
ACC/363 Financial Accounting II
Bob Wells
April 27, 2009
Corporate Characteristics Proposal Introduction here
Various Forms of Business Organizations Before starting a new business, several decisions such as its legal structure must be made first. Five basic entity types exist in which to structure a business. These types consist of sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies (LLC), C corporations, and S corporations. When determining the type of structure to use, comparison of different factors such as liability to the owners, taxation, and management controls must be conducted.
Sole Proprietorships The sole proprietorship has one owner that is completely liable for the actions of the company but has total control over all decisions. The profit or loss of the business is reported and taxed on the owner’s individual tax return.
Partnerships
A partnership has two or more owners who share control and management decisions of the company. Profit or loss is split between the owners based on a predetermined percentage rate, usually determined by investment or activity in the company and reported on each individual’s income tax report.
Limited Liability Companies (LLC)
A limited liability company combines the attributes of a partnership with the limits on liability of a corporation. The profits and losses of the company still pass to the owners as in a partnership, but the losses can only offset other income up to the amount the individual invested. Formal action is not required to form a LLC, but articles of organization are filed with the proper state department. Management is still controlled by the owners.
C Corporation
A C corporation is the basic form of corporation in the United States. The amount of shares of stock a C corporation can issue