Which corporation type has shareholders that experience personal liability for corporate debts?

In a sole proprietorship, the business is not considered a separate legal entity from the owner. This means that the owner, or sole proprietor, is personally liable for all debts and obligations of the business. If the business incurs debt or faces legal action, the owner's personal assets, such as savings, property, or other valuables, can be at risk to satisfy those debts. This is a fundamental characteristic of sole proprietorships, where there is no distinction between the business and the individual owner.

On the other hand, shareholders in both publicly held corporations and limited liability corporations (LLCs) enjoy limited liability protection, meaning they are typically not personally responsible for corporate debts beyond their investment in the company. In general partnerships, partners share the liability for debts and obligations of the business, but it is different from the sole proprietorship structure. Thus, the unique nature of a sole proprietorship makes it the correct answer regarding personal liability for corporate debts.