Which legal structure would be advisable for a fitness trainer wanting protection from lawsuits with no partners?

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is an advisable legal structure for a fitness trainer seeking protection from lawsuits while operating independently without partners. One of the primary advantages of an LLC is that it provides limited liability protection. This means that the personal assets of the fitness trainer are typically protected from business debts and legal liabilities. If the business faces a lawsuit, only the assets of the LLC are at risk, not the personal assets of the owner.

In addition to liability protection, an LLC can also offer tax benefits, as the profits and losses can pass through to the owner’s personal tax return, potentially avoiding double taxation that occurs with certain corporation structures.

Choosing a sole proprietorship does not provide any liability protection and leaves personal assets vulnerable to any lawsuits or debts incurred by the business. A general partnership is not applicable here since the trainer has no partners, and it similarly does not offer liability protection. A C Subchapter Corporation, while it provides liability protection, involves more complex regulations, formalities, and higher administrative costs compared to an LLC, making it less suitable for a solo fitness trainer focusing on simplicity and liability protection. Overall, an LLC aligns best with the needs for protection and simplicity for the fitness trainer.