Start your corporation on the right path
Start your corporation on the right path
Incorporating your business allows you to be off the hook personally for its debts and liabilities. Plus, you can issue shares and raise capital down the line.
Learn more about the difference between an S corp and a C corp and start forming today.
Starts at $149 + filing fees.
How to start a corporation
Tell us your business name
Answer a few questions
We'll complete and file your paperwork
Two paths to take
S corporation
How it's taxed
Once—only shareholders pay taxes on profits received.
How it's owned
Limited to 100 shareholders who must be U.S. citizens or residents.
How shares work
Owners can only get common stock which comes with voting rights.
C corporation
How it's taxed
Twice—the business pays taxes at the corporate level, and shareholders pay taxes on income received.
How it's owned
No restrictions regarding citizenship or residency of shareholders and no limit on how many people can own shares.
How shares work
Owners may get preferred stock—which comes with no voting rights but priority to dividends before common shareholders.
Pick the package that fits your needs
Economy
$149 + state filing fees
Get started
Includes:
Name check and business filing: We complete your paperwork and file it with your state
Articles of Incorporation: In some states, the articles are called a "certificate of formation"
1-800Accountant consult to discuss tax savings services.
Tax consult from 1-800Accountant
Includes a customizable website - powered by WIX
Lifetime customer support: Support 7 days a week to answer questions about your business formation.
LegalZoom standard processing time*
Standard
$329 + state filing fees
Get started
Includes everything from Economy plus:
Deluxe founder's kit with your formation documents printed on archival paper, plus a personalized binder and notebook
LegalZoom 5-day priority processing*
FASTEST SERVICE
Express Gold
$349 + state filing fees
Get started
Includes everything from Standard plus:
LegalZoom 1-2 days expedited processing*
Express shipping: fastest delivery
Prioritization within the Secretary of State's queue (in states where applicable)
What's the difference between a corporation and an LLC?
Both protect owners so they’re not personally on the hook for business liabilities or debts. One key difference is how they’re owned. The owners of LLCs are called members, and their ownership is divided into membership interests. Corporations have shareholders, and their ownership is divided into shares, which are units of stock.
Another difference is how they’re maintained. Corporations generally have more formal record-keeping and reporting requirements, less management flexibility, and require a board of directors. Even though LLCs are considered easier to start and maintain, investors tend to prefer corporations.
How does forming a corporation protect my assets?
It ensures that you and other shareholders aren't personally on the hook for company debts and liabilities.
Why do many corporations form in Delaware?
It helps make sure that you and other shareholders aren't personally on the hook for company debts and liabilities.
What are articles of incorporation?
Articles of incorporation are a requirement for forming a corporation. They comprise a formal document that establishes the corporation as a separate business entity.
The articles become a public record and provide important information about the corporation, including its name, contact information, and information about its shares of stock. The exact information that the articles need to include vary by state.
What are shares, and what types are there?
Think of shares as your piece of the ownership pie—and there are two main types (i.e. "common" and "preferred").
Common shareholders have voting rights and can receive dividends if they're issued. Preferred shareholders have priority over common shareholders when it comes to dividends and payout claims (if the corporation becomes insolvent).
How can I go from an S corporation to a C corporation?
You need majority shareholder consent to switch before you can change your status with the IRS.
Why start a corporation?
Attract investors
Raise funds by appealing to investors who may prefer corporations for the ability to offer stock.
Entice employees
Attract and keep top talent by offering competitive benefits packages that include shares of your company.
Look more official
Corporations are often seen as more credible, which can make it easier to do business with other companies.
Ready to start your corporation?
Start my corporation
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