Trader's Guide
Which Structure Protects You Best?
A side-by-side breakdown of every business structure a day trader should know — built specifically for people who trade for a living.
| Category | 🧍 Sole Proprietor | 🏢 Single-Member LLC | ⚡ LLC + S-Corp Election | 🏛️ LLC + Living Trust |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asset Protection | None | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Lawsuit Shield | None | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Tax Efficiency | Low | Medium | High | High |
| Privacy | None | Medium | Medium | High |
| Estate Transfer | Poor | Medium | Medium | Excellent |
| Self-Employment Tax | Full Tax | Full Tax | Reduced | Reduced |
| Setup Cost | Free | $50–$500 | $500–$2,000 | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Complexity | Simple | Simple | Moderate | Advanced |
Pricing Breakdown
🧍
Sole Proprietor
Setup Cost:free
Complexity:simple
SE Tax:full
🏢
Single-Member LLC
Setup Cost:$50–$500
Complexity:simple
SE Tax:full
⚡
LLC + S-Corp Election
Setup Cost:$500–$2,000
Complexity:moderate
SE Tax:reduced
🏛️
LLC + Living Trust
Setup Cost:$3,000–$8,000
Complexity:advanced
SE Tax:reduced