Start your corporation on the right path
If you want to make your business official—and attract investors—consider a corporation. 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 + filing fees. These costs are often tax deductible.
Two paths to take
S corp
C corp
S corp
C corp
How it's taxed
How it's taxed
How it's owned
How it's owned
How shares work
How shares work
Pick the package that fits your needs
Economy
+ state filing fees
- 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."
- Peace of Mind Review™ for missing info, discrepancies, and more
- 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
+ state filing fees
- Deluxe founder's kit with your formation documents printed on archival paper, plus a personalized binder and notebook
- LegalZoom 5-day priority processing*
Express Gold
+ state filing fees
- LegalZoom 1-2 days expedited processing*
- Express shipping: fastest delivery
- Prioritization within the Secretary of State's queue (in states where applicable)
Frequently asked questions
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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. -
It ensures that you and other shareholders aren't personally on the hook for company debts and liabilities.
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Large public corporations or those planning to go public can benefit from things like Delaware's well-established and predictable body of corporate law—aka how courts tend to resolve business disputes. Venture capital firms and angel investors also often prefer Delaware corporations. However, most small businesses form in the state where they do business to avoid added costs and complexities.
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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).
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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 their ability to offer stock.
Entice employees
Win over—and keep—top talent by giving them shares.
Look more official
Corporations have more clout—which can make it easier to do business with other companies.
Why choose us
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Call an agent at (855) 787-1202 (855) 787-1202
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Ready to start your corporation?