Get down to business

There’s more than one way to officially set up a business. We’re here to help make sense of these different structures so you can start on the right path—or scale to the next level. We’ll check if your company name is available, and file all the required forms. Together, let’s make your business official.

LLC formation starts at $0 + state filing fees. Entity startup costs are often tax deductible.

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We've made dreams a reality for 3.5M+ entrepreneurs.

Choose what’s right for your business
Learn the differences between an LLC, DBA, and a corporation. When you’re ready to take the leap, we’ll jump right in with you and help you get started.

LLC

Limited Liability Company  
Starts at + filing fees.
Startup costs are often tax deductible.

Going solo or teaming up? Make sure you're not on the hook for business liabilities with an LLC. Get yours started for free—just pay state filing fees.
How it's unique
  • Better for max flexibility in how you manage and run your business; board of directors not required
  • Unlimited owners (aka "members") allowed
Protections & taxation
  • You're not personally on the hook for business liabilities
  • Taxed once or twice; you're free to choose which can help minimize taxes
Drawbacks to consider
  • Ongoing filings and fees to stay in compliance
  • LLCs can't go public
  • Not recognized globally; you may be taxed as a corporation in other countries

DBA

Doing Business As  
Starts at $99 + filing fees.


Go by a different business name without creating a new company. Over half of our DBA customers are sole proprietors.
How it's unique
  • Better if you need an easy set-up
  • Not an actual legal entity type
Protections & taxation
  • You're personally on the hook for business liabilities
  • Taxed just once if your business is classified as a sole proprietorship or partnership—you pay on profits in your personal tax return
Drawbacks to consider
  • No personal liability protection

INC

Corporation (S or C corp)  
Starts at + filing fees.
Startup costs are often tax deductible.

Plan to issue shares, go public, or go global? Go further as a corporation.
How it's unique
  • Best if you plan to go public one day; can issue shares to founders, employees, and investors
  • Unlimited owners (aka "shareholders") allowed
  • Owners may get preferred stock
  • Recognized internationally
  • Preferred by investors
Protections & taxation
  • You're not personally on the hook for business liabilities
  • Taxed twice if it's a C corporation—business pays at the corporate level, and shareholders pay on income received
  • Avoids double taxation if it's an S corporation
Drawbacks to consider
  • Ongoing filings and fees to stay in compliance
  • Less management flexibility; must have a board of directors
  • More admin; strict rules about holding meetings and keeping records

Get all the essentials, all in one place. Whether it’s an operating agreement, registered agent, business licenses—even tax and legal advice—that you need, get them all when you file with us.

Frequently asked questions

  1. 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.
  2. The way you're taxed. C corporation income is taxed twice—the business pays taxes on its net income, and then the shareholders also pay taxes on the profits they receive. With S corporation income, only the shareholders pay taxes on profits received. The Secretary of State requires articles of incorporation to form a corporation.
  3. Personal liability protection. An LLC protects owners from being personally on the hook for business liabilities or debts. A sole proprietorship doesn't.
  4. 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.
  5. LLCs and corporations. You don't get personal liability protection with sole proprietorships or DBAs.

Want to skip the paperwork when you go into business for yourself? Do it as a sole proprietor or protect your personal assets with an LLC.

Why choose us

4 million+

businesses

Helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses over 4 million times.

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subscriptions

Offering customers compliance and advisory legal solutions in over 1 million subscriptions.

650,000+

consultations

Providing access to our independent network of attorneys over 650,000 times.

Meet our customers

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

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

Pearl Edward Beach

"I enjoyed my experience with LegalZoom because they gave me peace of mind! They filed my paperwork during the pandemic, and were very helpful. Their knowledgeable staff answered all my questions without hesitation, and knew all the avenues to get my needs met."
Lori Nayehalski, corporation customer

Still unsure? Answer a few questions to find the entity that’s right for you.

Ask an attorney

Get the right guidance with an attorney by your side.

Get legal help

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Call an agent at (855) 787-1221 (855) 787-1203

Mon-Fri: 5 a.m.-7 p.m. PT
Weekends: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. PT

Ready to form your business?