At a minimum, I would consider an entity called a Limited Liability Company (LLC). LLC's offer a level of protection to your personal assets (non-practice assets) that is provided by incorporating. (Beware that, generally, professionals are always fully exposed for their own malpractice claims -- be sure to consult an attorney on this issue). Because LLC's are not "corporations", you are spared some of the administrative burden required by corporations.

Except in really rare cases, I never recommend "C" corporations -- and never would use a non-incorporated "sole proprietorship".

S-Corporations can be very advantageous and I prefer them for numerous reasons. But, they are real corporations -- only, any profits remaining (after a salary to the owner) are reported and taxed to the "stockholder/owner".

There are too many details to discuss here and you really should seek face-to-face professional consultation.

Lonnie Hardy,CPA

Zip Code: lonnie@jameshardy.com

thank you for your suggestions. I do appreciate them

Zip Code: mille125@mc.duke.edu

I don't know the rules in the state you are in, but I am starting a small cleaning business and found out after paying for fictitious name, city and county licenses that I had to be incorporated in order to apply for workers comp exemption. Workers comp is expensive and not needed for three employees or less in this state though I realize that I am responsible for any accidents on the job.

Zip Code: aokcleaning@aol.com