Before launching into an estate planning program, knowing who owns what and exactly for whom you plan is essential. This requires that methods of holding title must be analyzed, considered and selected. Sole proprietorships, S corporations, C corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies are analyzed for formation, operation and ultimate disposition. Since who or what holds title imposes its own unique tax and legal consequences on the estate plan, emphasis is given to maximizing tax benefits in each business format. While each has its separate characteristics, several may be used together in more sophisticated planning.