Can I start my startup without being a company?

[holycrab]

As a 1 person startup, I don't want to deal with the extra luggage of being a company till I make sure that everything is working. I will also be charging for the service. So, is it ok to go solo (without becoming a company) as long as I pay the taxes?

[benjdezi]

I'm no expert but it seems to me that it leaves you without the legal protection that a company can bring.