A sole proprietorship, also known as the sole trader or simply a proprietorship, is a type of business entity that is owned and run by one individual or one legal person (e.g. corporation, LLC) and in which there is no legal distinction between the owner and the business.
The owner receives all profits (subject to taxation specific to the business) and has unlimited responsibility for all losses and debts. Every asset of the business is owned by the proprietor and all debts of the business are the proprietor’s. It is a “sole" proprietorship in contrast with partnerships (which have at least 2 owners). A sole proprietor may use a trade name or business name other than his, her or its legal name.
