The type of business structure you choose will impact your taxes, liability and ownership succession. Business structures include sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, cooperatives, and several hybrid structures.

Since this decision will have long-term implications, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recommends consulting with an attorney and accountant to help you select the business structure that is right for you.

For more information, visit the Small Business Planner - Choose a Structure section of the SBA's website.

Consulting Assistance

As stated above, the SBA recommends consulting with an attorney and accountant to help you select the business structure that is right for you. However, the following organizations can provide you with some basic information about the different types of business structures.

• Nebraska Business Development Centers – Created by the College of Business Administration, University of Nebraska at Omaha, these centers offer free, basic consulting services and a start-up guide. NBDC centers are in Chadron, Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha, North Platte, Norfolk, Scottsbluff, and Wayne. Visit Site...

• One-Stop Business Assistance Center – Operated by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the Center will provide a business owner with a customized list of filing requirements, based on the selected business structure and other criteria. The Center also maintains an extensive, in-depth, and up-to-date website of resources about every aspect of starting up and operating a business. Visit Site...

• REAP (Rural Enterprise Assistance Project) – A program of the Center for Rural Affairs, REAP is Nebraska’s largest microenterprise program. It operates on a state-wide, rural basis through regionally based Business Specialists. REAP provides lending, training, networking, and technical assistance. Visit Site...

• SCORE Counselors to America’s Small Business – (Service Corps of Retired Executives) SCORE Counselors offer free counseling, resource materials, and low-cost business workshops. SCORE chapters are found in Columbus, Kearney, Lincoln, Norfolk, North Platte, Omaha, and Scottsbluff. To find your nearest SCORE chapter either in Nebraska or in bordering cities, go to the national website and enter your zip code. Visit Site...

• Nebraska Cooperative Development Center – Provides education, training and technical assistance to cooperatively owned business enterprises of all types. A cooperative business model may be applied to several different types of business structures. Visit Site...

Filing with the State

• Nebraska Secretary of State – This website contains all corporate and business forms for registering your business with the state. Visit Site...