We're here to help you start your business
LLC
The simplest way of structuring your business to protect personal assets.
From $79 + state filing fees
Corporation
Plan to issue shares, go public, or go global? Go there as a corporation.
From $149 + state filing fees
Nonprofit
Create an organization to give back and be eligible for tax breaks.
From $99 + state filing fees
Doing business as
Go by a different business name without creating a new company.
From $99 + state filing fees
Not sure what type to choose?
Getting set up
Staying compliant
Growing your business
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Both protect owners so they're not personally on the hook for business liabilities or debts. But, key differences include how they're owned (LLCs have one or more individual owners and corporations have shareholders) and maintained (corporations generally have more formal record-keeping and reporting requirements). Even though LLCs are considered easier to start and maintain, investors tend to prefer corporations.
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Personal liability protection. An LLC protects owners from being personally on the hook for business liabilities or debts. A sole proprietorship doesn't.
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LLCs, S corporations, and sole proprietorships are taxed once on profits received. C corporations are taxed twice; the business pays taxes at the corporate level, and shareholders pay taxes on income received. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status are exempt from federal income taxes.
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LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits. You don't get personal liability protection with sole proprietorships or DBAs.
McCall's Meat and Fish Co.
"We've used [LegalZoom] for quite a few things over the years, and overall it's gone very smoothly. They've been easy to work with and very affordable." Karen Yoo, LLC customer
Kylie's Consulting Services
"The process was so simple, and [LegalZoom] walked me through every step of the way. In just a few weeks, Kylie's Consulting Services was official. And the best part? My DBA gives me the credibility to run my business well, and the flexibility to grow later on down the line. So, if Kylie's Consulting Services outgrows that name, LegalZoom will have a resource for me to tackle that easily and painlessly." Kylie Hodges, DBA customer
Birdie
"[My sister and I] are both entrepreneurs who have started many companies. For our first venture together, we chose LegalZoom. It's an easy, time-saving solution for the legal paperwork required of a start-up. LegalZoom freed us up to focus on our new business!" Ali Peters, LLC customer
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