Explanation of "Co." in Business Names
"Co." usually stands for "company" in a business name. It is not necessarily an indication of the business’s legal structure. Some states allow businesses to form a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC). In many states, a corporation can use "Co." to indicate incorporation. You should talk to an attorney before committing to a name. Shareholders own the corporation in proportion to their ownership. Owners of LLCs are protected from liability.
Understanding Different Business Structures
An association of people working together in a commercial or industrial enterprise forms a company. This company can be structured in several different ways, such as a sole proprietorship, limited liability company, or corporation.
The business structure a company chooses depends on factors like: the business type, need for liability protection, number of members, and tax status.
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A limited liability company (LLC) offers liability protection to its owners. Earnings and losses pass through to the owners to report on their personal income taxes.
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A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owners. It can sell stock to raise funding. Shareholders own the corporation in proportion to their ownership percentage.
Clarification on the Use of "Co."
"Why do people say co instead of company?"
"Co." is an abbreviation for company, a catchall phrase for an association of people working together in a commercial or industrial enterprise, such as in a sole proprietorship, limited liability company, or corporation.