Proctor & Associates understands the complexities and legal issues that can
arise in commercial law matters.
Our legal team can assist you by providing comprehensive and accurate legal
advice in this area of law including the following:
- Buying and selling a business
- Retail, commercial and industrial leasing
- Contract law
- Corporations law
- Professional negligence
This area of law is varied, responsive to your needs and is handled with
confidence by your solicitor.
Corporate Law -Advantages to Incorporating
There's no question that in the corporate law world that hard work and a little
luck is what it takes to BE successful. But a little knowledge, especially when
it comes to setting up your business, will help you STAY successful.
While many business owners give a lot of thought to location, store décor,
customer service, hiring employees and management issues (and rightly so);
choosing the proper corporate law business structure (such as sole proprietor,
partnership, corporation, limited liability company) doesn't get the attention
it deserves. Many entrepreneurs don't realize this, but the business form they
choose can often times be the difference between success and failure, especially
in today's competitive and litigious marketplace. If you want to succeed, you
need all the advantages you can get. High on the list of safe bets is the
corporate form of business.
Incorporating, while definitely not for everybody, offers several distinct
and money-saving advantages over the other types of entities. Here are seven of
those advantages:
Asset Protection - If you operate as a sole proprietor or
partnership in corporate law, there is virtually unlimited personal
liability for business debts or lawsuits. In other words should you go out
of business or be a defendant in a lawsuit, your personal assets such as
homes, jewellery, vehicles, savings, etc. are up for grabs. This is
generally NOT the case when you incorporate. When you incorporate you are
only responsible for your investment in the corporation. The limited
liability feature of a corporation, while not a guarantee, is DEFINITELY one
of the most attractive reasons for incorporating.
Easier To Sell - Corporations are generally much easier to sell
and are usually more attractive to buyers than either a sole proprietorship
or partnership. The reason for this is because a new buyer will not be
personally liable for any wrongdoings on the part of the previous owners. If
someone buys a sole proprietorship, for example, the new owner can be held
personally liable for any mistakes or illegalities on the part of the prior
owner…even if the new owner had NOTHING to do with the situation! This is
usually NOT the case with a corporation.
Tax Savings - When you incorporate there are numerous tax
advantages at your disposal in corporate law that are virtually impossible
to accomplish with other business entities. When you incorporate you create
a separate and distinct legal entity. Because of this, there are many
transactions that you can structure between you and your corporation to save
big money on taxes. For instance, if you own a building you can rent office
facilities to your corporation and claim depreciation and other deductions
for it. Your corporation can then claim the rental expense. You are
prohibited from doing this if you are a sole proprietor or a partner in a
partnership.
Privacy and Confidentiality - The corporate form of business is a
great way to keep your identity and business affairs private and
confidential. If you want to start a business, but would like to remain
anonymous, a corporation is the best way to accomplish this.
Easier to Raise Capital - When you're looking to raise money
through investment or borrowing, a corporation can actually make finding and
getting the money you need easier. If you want to take on investors you
simply sell shares of stock. If you want to borrow, a corporation can add
clout when dealing with banks or other lending institutions.
Perpetuity - In corporate law, when you
incorporate you create a separate and distinct legal entity. This separate
and distinct entity (the corporation) can endure almost forever irrespective
of what happens to the shareholders, directors, or officers. This is NOT the
case with sole proprietorships, partnerships or even limited liability
companies. For example, if an owner, partner, or member dies the business
AUTOMATICALLY ends or gets wrapped up in legal red tape. Corporations, on
the other hand, have unlimited life.
Increases Credibility - Let's face it, most people feel more
secure and confident dealing with a corporation as opposed to a sole
proprietorship. Having INC. or CORP. after your company's name adds a touch
of professionalism and credibility to your business dealings.
As always, be sure to consult with your attorney or business advisor before
undertaking any important legal or financial decision. While there are many
advantages and money-saving reasons to incorporate, as I've said before, it's
not for everybody. However, you do owe it to yourself to find out more about
corporate law.
For further information or to make an appointment with your solicitor, please
email
info@proctorlaw.com.au or telephone (02) 9687 3777.