Converting a CC to a sole proprietor

[BusFact]

A cc has now been replaced by a company (pty), but they are essentially the same thing.

A sole prop is the simplest and cheapest method, but if things go wrong, you are responsible for all debts. You can't bring in partners and if you opt to employ people or register for VAT then it can be complicated from a sole prop point of view. When it comes to selling, it reduces your options too.

A company costs more to run in terms of registration fees, annual returns and an accountant to review your books. The benefits are some (not total) protection from some creditors in the event of things going wrong. Its possible to bring in partners to share in the owning and running of the business. You have the flexibility of owning and/or running the business if you to choose to do so. You have the option of selling the company and not the business, which is sometimes a simpler option. VAT numbers and PAYE numbers go with the business and don't remain your responsability if the comapny is sold.

Essentially if your business is to remain small along the lines of a hobby, side line income or a single person income, for the forseeable future then a sole prop is probably the way to go.

If you have big plans and expect growth, to employ persons, import and export, and eventually sell for a huge profit, then the company is the route to follow.

[CLIVE-TRIANGLE]

Some really strange thinking in this thread....

For 2013, a cc or pty that is a SBC, which is what is being discussed here, has the following tax structure:
R1 - R63,556 - no tax
R63,557 - R350,000 7%
So the first R350,000 = R20,051 tax, effective rate is less than 6%

A natural person with that income will have an effective rate of about 23%, or R80,000

A SP can no longer "trade as", you need a defensive name registered at CIPC, and then you still have to style yourself as John Abram Smith, Trading As Acme Graphics...

Unless you are in a very niche market, SP is at the bottom of credibility rankings.

A cc and it's member accounts for at least 6 tax returns per year. For an SP obviously half that.

Absolutely no personal liability protection versus a wee bit in a cc or pty