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Q: Should I incorporate my business or form an LLC?

Corporations and LLCs are both excellent choices for business owners looking to minimize their personal liability and build greater credibility. But each entity also offers distinct tax and business advantages. Choosing the right one depends on the specific needs of your business.
Corporations offer personal liability protection, tax savings, and increased opportunities for raising capital. Corporations are also required to perform certain formalities such as holding annual meetings and keeping detailed corporate records (minutes). With LegalZoom you can choose to incorporate as either a C or S corporation.
Click here to get started on an Incorporation.

Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) offer the same personal liability protection as a corporation, but with fewer of the corporate formalities. They typically are not required to hold formal meetings or keep detailed corporate minutes. LLCs also offer great tax flexibility. Members can choose to be taxed as either a traditional corporation or  as a "pass-through" entity.
Click here to get started on a LLC.

C Corporation
  • Personal liability protection for owners
  • Taxed at corporate and individual level
  • Formal meetings and corporate minutes
  • Annual state reports
  • No membership restrictions
S Corporation
  • Personal liability protection for owners
  • Income/loss passed directly to shareholders
  • Formal meetings and corporate minutes
  • Annual state reports
  • Membership restricted to 100 shareholders
LLC
  • Personal liability protection for owners
  • Income/loss passed directly to members
  • Option to be taxed as corporation or LLC
  • Annual state reports
  • No membership restrictions
See our detailed Comparison Chart
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