A sole proprietorship is the simplest and most common structure chosen to start a business. It is an unincorporated business owned and run by one individual with no distinction between the business and you, the owner. You are entitled to all profits and are responsible for all your business’s debts, losses and liabilities.

You do not have to take any formal action to form a sole proprietorship. As long as you are the only owner, this status automatically comes from your business activities. In fact, you may already own one without knowing it. If you are a freelance writer, for example, you are a sole proprietor. But like all businesses, you need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits. Regulations vary by industry, state, and locality.

In Rhode Island, a sole proprietorship is indeed the simplest business structure and does not require formal registration to establish. As a sole proprietor, you are the sole owner and operator of your business, and there is no legal distinction between you and your business entity. This means you are personally entitled to all profits but also personally liable for all debts, losses, and liabilities incurred by the business. While no formal action is required to form a sole proprietorship, you must comply with local and state regulations regarding business licenses and permits. The specific licenses and permits needed can vary depending on the type of business, location, and industry. It is important to check with Rhode Island's city and county government offices, as well as the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation to legally operate your business.