Choosing the Right Business Form for an Individual Athlete
Vuoti, Joona (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202601091141
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202601091141
Tiivistelmä
This thesis examines which business form is most tax-efficient for individual athletes in Finland. It compares private entrepreneurship and limited liability companies in terms of taxes, costs, administration, and financial planning. The research is driven by the fact that more athletes now need to manage their careers like businesses, where good financial knowledge and smart choices can have a big impact on long-term success and tax savings.
The theoretical framework covers key topics such as sports entrepreneurship, business structures in Finland, taxation, and income sources typical for athletes. The research uses a qualitative approach, including four semi-structured interviews, two with individual athletes and two with sports managers.
Two case studies show how differences in income, expenses, and business needs affect the choice of business structure. Athlete A operates on a modest income and has limited administrative needs, making private entrepreneurship the most suitable and cost effective option. Athlete B runs a high-revenue business with professional support, where a limited liability company offers better tax planning, financial flexibility, and long-term benefits.
The study concludes that the most appropriate business form depends on the athlete’s income level, financial goals, and administrative capacity. In these case examples, the best option for athlete A is a private entrepreneur, and for athlete B, a limited liability company. This thesis provides practical guidance to help athletes and their advisors choose the correct business structure to support sustainable, financially efficient sports careers.
The theoretical framework covers key topics such as sports entrepreneurship, business structures in Finland, taxation, and income sources typical for athletes. The research uses a qualitative approach, including four semi-structured interviews, two with individual athletes and two with sports managers.
Two case studies show how differences in income, expenses, and business needs affect the choice of business structure. Athlete A operates on a modest income and has limited administrative needs, making private entrepreneurship the most suitable and cost effective option. Athlete B runs a high-revenue business with professional support, where a limited liability company offers better tax planning, financial flexibility, and long-term benefits.
The study concludes that the most appropriate business form depends on the athlete’s income level, financial goals, and administrative capacity. In these case examples, the best option for athlete A is a private entrepreneur, and for athlete B, a limited liability company. This thesis provides practical guidance to help athletes and their advisors choose the correct business structure to support sustainable, financially efficient sports careers.