All Entity Types
Choose the right business structure for your needs
Side-by-Side Comparison
Quick overview of key differences between entity structures
| Structure | Liability | Taxation | Complexity | Ownership | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Corporation | Full | Pass-through (S Corp election) | Moderate | Shareholders (max 100, US only) | Established businesses wanting tax savings |
| C Corporation | Full | Double (Corporate + Personal) | Complex | Shareholders (unlimited) | Venture capital-funded startups & large enterprises |
| Cooperative | High | Special Tax Treatment | High | Owned and controlled by its members through democratic voting. | Best for Member-Owned Organizations |
| Corporation | Full Corporate Shield Protection | Corporate Tax System (Federal + Provincial Rates) | Medium to High | Shareholders and Board of Directors (Min 25% Canadian resident directors required federally) | Canadian Growth Businesses & Startups |
| DBA | None (depends on entity) | Same as underlying entity | Minimal | Same as underlying entity | Businesses wanting multiple brand identities |
| Extra-Provincial Registration | Maintains Active Corporate Shield | Multi-Provincial Apportioned Corporate Tax | Medium | Governed by the parent corporate structure | Interprovincial Canadian Businesses |
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| Limited Liability Partnership | High | Pass-Through Taxation | Medium | Two or more licensed professionals operating as partners. | Best for Professional Partnerships |
| Limited Partnership | Partial | Pass-Through Taxation | Medium | One or more general partners and one or more limited partners. | Best for Investment and Multi-Owner Businesses |
| LLC | Limited | Pass-through | Simple | Members (unlimited) | Small business owners seeking liability protection |
| LLP | Partial (partner-to-partner) | Pass-through | Moderate | Partners | Professional service firms |
| LP | Limited (for limited partners only) | Pass-through | Moderate | General + Limited Partners | Real estate & investment funds |
| Nonprofit | Limited (for directors) | Tax-exempt (501c3) | Complex | No owners — board governed | Charitable & mission-driven organizations |
| Nonprofit Corporation | High | Nonprofit Tax Treatment | Medium | Member-based ownership structure without profit distributions. | Best for Mission-Driven Organizations |
| Partnership | Joint and Several Personal Liability | Pass-Through Joint Taxation | Low to Medium | Two or more general partners (or combination with limited partners) | Collaborative Canadian Co-Founders |
| Persona Física con Actividad Empresarial | Zero Asset Protection | Individual Progressive Income Tax | Low | Sole individual owner (RFC holder) | Mexican Solopreneurs |
| PLLC | Limited (varies by state) | Pass-through | Moderate | Licensed professionals only | Doctors, lawyers, accountants & architects |
| Professional Corporation | High | Corporate Taxation | High | Owned by one or more licensed professionals subject to provincial rules. | Best for Licensed Professionals |
| Sociedad Anónima de Capital Variable | Full Corporate Veil Protection | Mexican Federal Corporate Tax (ISR) | High | Minimum of 2 shareholders; Managed by a Sole Administrator or Board of Directors | Standard Mexican Commercial Corporations |
| Sociedad Anónima Promotora de Inversión | Premier Corporate Shield | Corporate Tax with Investment Structuring Support | Very High | Highly flexible board management; customized voting and dividend classes | Investment-Ready Mexican Startups |
| Sociedad Civil | Partial Liability Protection for Partners | Cash-Basis Corporate Taxation | Medium | Two or more licensed partners (SOCIOS) | Mexican Professional Practices |
| Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada | Limited Partner Liability Shield | Mexican Corporate Tax (ISR) | Medium to High | Minimum of 2, maximum of 50 partners | Closely-Held Mexican Businesses |
| Sole Proprietorship | None | Personal (Schedule C) | Minimal | Single owner | Freelancers, consultants & sole traders |
| test | Liability Protection | Taxation Type | Complexity Level | Ownership Structure | Best For Tagline |
| Unlimited Liability Corporation | No Liability Shield (Unlimited Shareholder Exposure) | Hybrid (Corporate locally, Pass-Through internationally) | High | Shareholders (Domestic or International) | US-Canada Cross-Border Enterprises |
How to Choose the Right Entity Type
Consider these factors when deciding which business structure fits your needs
Liability Protection
Determine how much personal asset protection you need. LLCs and Corporations offer strong liability shields, while Sole Props offer none.
Tax Implications
Pass-through entities like LLCs and S Corps avoid double taxation, while C Corps pay corporate taxes. Consider your profit expectations.
Growth & Funding
If you plan to raise venture capital or go public, a C Corporation is typically required. LLCs work best for bootstrapped or lifestyle businesses.
Administrative Burden
Consider ongoing compliance costs. LLCs have fewer requirements than Corporations, but both need annual reports, agent services, and record-keeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about business entity types
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