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Business

Having a business name does not separate the business entity from the owner, which means that the owner of the business is responsible and liable for debts incurred by the business. If the business acquires debts, the creditors can go after the owner's personal possessions. A business structure does not allow for corporate tax rates. The proprietor is personally taxed on all income from the business. The term is also often used colloquially (but not by lawyers or by public officials) to refer to a company. A company, on the other hand, is a separate legal entity and provides for limited liability, as well as corporate tax rates. A company structure is more complicated and expensive to set up, but offers more protection and benefits for the owner. Forms of business ownership vary by jurisdiction, but several common entities exist: Less common types of companies are: Note that 'Ltd after the company's name signifies limited company, and PLC (public limited company) indicates that its shares are widely held.' In legal parlance, the owners of a company are normally referred to as the 'members'. In a company limited or unlimited by shares (formed or incorporated with a share capital), this will be the shareholders. In a company limited by guarantee, this will be the guarantors. Some offshore jurisdictions have created special forms of offshore company in a bid to attract business for their jurisdictions. Examples include 'segregated portfolio companies' and restricted purpose companies.

[ "Marketing", "Risk analysis (engineering)", "Process management", "Economic policy", "Commerce" ]
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