How To Start A Kansas Sole Proprietorship

Starting your first business is a big step, and if you’re in Kansas, you might be thinking about setting up a sole proprietorship. Let’s dive into what that involves.

In Kansas, sole proprietorships are quite popular. Of the 268,310 small businesses in the state, 181,877 are sole proprietorships.¹² That’s 67.8% of all small businesses. To help you learn more, this guide will take you through what a sole proprietorship is, its benefits and drawbacks, and how to get your Kansas sole proprietorship up and running.

Related: Guide to starting a business in Kansas

What is a Sole Proprietorship?

A sole proprietorship is the simplest and most straightforward business structure. It’s owned and run by one person, and there’s no legal distinction between the owner and the business. This means you get to be your own boss, but it also means you’re personally responsible for all aspects of the business.

Now, sole proprietorships are just one type of business structure. Others include general partnerships, corporations, and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs). Each has its pros and cons, depending on your business needs and goals.

Sole Proprietorship Advantages

Simplicity and ease of formation: The beauty of a sole proprietorship lies in its simplicity. You can start without any formal paperwork, making it the easiest and least expensive way to start a business in Kansas.

Tax simplicity: For tax purposes, your business and personal activities are one and the same. This makes filing taxes simpler since you just report your business income and expenses on your personal tax return.

Sole Proprietorship Disadvantages

Unlimited personal liability: This is a big one. If your business gets into debt or legal issues, your personal assets, like your home and car, could be at risk.

No business continuity: Since the business and owner are the same legally, if something happens to the owner, the business would end, too. This lack of continuity can be a concern, especially if the business has contracts in place with customers or vendors.

If you’re worried about personal liability, consider an LLC. In Kansas, LLCs offer liability protection and can be a better choice if that’s important to you.

Related: How to form a Kansas LLC

Steps to Start a Sole Proprietorship in Kansas

Starting a sole proprietorship in Kansas is more straightforward than in many other states. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Come Up With A Business Name

Kansas is unique because it doesn’t have a state or county-level system for registering DBAs (Doing Business As). So, you can use a business name without formal registration. The downside is that sole proprietors are required to use the sole proprietor’s name for their official business and banking needs.

Step 2: Research Business License Requirements

Even though the state of Kansas doesn’t have a general business license, your business might still need specific licenses to operate. This requirement is the same regardless of the business structure and depends on where your business is and what it does. A few of the most common licenses include:

Local business license: Even though there isn’t a state business license, the city may require one. Check with the local city hall or economic development office for more information.

Kansas Business Tax License: If you’re selling goods or services, you need to file a Business Tax Application with the Kansas Department of Revenue. This license is commonly referred to as a seller’s permit, sales tax license, sales tax number, or sales tax registration.

Professional License: Certain services in Kansas, like contracting, running a bakery, and many others, require a professional license.³

Employer Identification Number (EIN): This is like a Social Security Number for your business. As a sole proprietor, if you have employees, you’ll need to obtain an EIN. If not, you can use your personal Social Security Number.

Related: What business licenses are needed in Kansas?

Wrapping Up

To wrap things up, starting a sole proprietorship in Kansas is a relatively straightforward process, with its share of benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to understand your chosen structure inside and out, and make the right moves in line with what best fits your business. Take this information as a starting point, use it as a guide, and charge ahead with your business plans. Do your homework, ask the right questions and achieve your business dreams in Kansas – your hard work will surely pay off.

Considering moving forward with your business as a sole proprietorship in Kansas? Let us know in the comments why the sole proprietorship is the right option for your business, or if you have questions, we’re happy to answer!

1. Internal Revenue Service ︎
2. Small Business Administration ︎
3. State of Kansas licensing ︎