Business Law - Sole Proprietorships

This form of ownership is the oldest and simplest business entity. The main rationale for having a sole proprietorship is that it is easy to form, the proprietor can freely operate the business as he or she sees fit, and that there is no sharing of profits.

Sole proprietorship is owned by one person. If anybody else becomes part-owner, the business is a partnership. The assets and liabilities, taxes, profits and losses of the business are the proprietor's assets and liabilities. When a proprietor dies, usually so does the business. No legal formalities are usually involved. The interest in the sole proprietorship can be transferred easily.