Do I need to establish a legal entity for my business in order to protect my personal assets?
Yes, depending on the jurisdiction in which you operate and the nature of your business activities, it may be advisable to establish a legal entity such as a corporation or limited liability company. This would help protect your personal assets from any potential liabilities associated with your business by creating a distinct “legal person” or “persona” that is separate from yourself. The main benefit of establishing a legal entity is that it typically limits an individual's risk to the amount of money they have invested into the business itself while providing protection against claims made against them at both a state and federal level. Additionally, setting up this type of structure can also provide tax advantages since income/profits generated through a corporate entity are subject to different rules than those received as an individual.
Before deciding whether or not to set up this type of structure for your business, it is important that you review current laws and regulations in order to determine if this option is available in your particular jurisdiction. It will also be beneficial for you to seek advice from an experienced attorney who specializes in corporate law so that you can understand all aspects of forming such an entity including possible costs, benefits and obligations involved.