Hi there, While there is no business structure for a small business owner, I am going to recommend that you also take a look at the kinds of liabilities that you may face by going in with a Sole Proprietorship business structure. Besides litigation you may also have an easier time getting financing with a more formal business structure like an S-corporation or a C-corporation. The ability to hire contractors to work for you and get insurance to cover liability is also easier done when your business is a separate legal entity. I recommend researching this excellent forum and also our website for a more detailed discussion regarding business structures. Good luck.

Hi kebutton: Step 6 in Business.gov's Starting a Business in Massachusetts states that 'if your business is a sole proprietorship, you do not need to register your business with the state.' Visit that page to get more information on business legal structure and other registrations you may need to file. I hope this helps.