Print

Starting Your Business

close

What is a limited liability company?

LLCs provide limited liability protection to their owners and pass-through taxation.

Advantages of an LLC

  • Limited liability protection. Owners are not held personally responsible for business debts and liabilities.
  • Pass-through taxation. Typically LLCs do not pay taxes at the business level. Income/loss is reported on the owners’ personal tax returns and any tax due is paid at the individual level.
  • No ownership restrictions. LLCs do not face restrictions on the number or type of owners.
  • Flexible management. Owners have flexibility in structuring company management.
  • Fewer ongoing formalities. LLCs have less annual paperwork than, and do not face the meeting requirements imposed on C corporations and S corporations.
Learn more about LLCs

Ready to Get Going?

Choose the state where you'll form your business.

Choosing a State

close

What is an S corporation?

S corporations offer the same advantages of standard corporations without double taxation, because they have elected a special tax status with the IRS.

Advantages of an S corp

  • Limited liability protection. Owners are not typically responsible for business debts and liabilities.
  • Pass-through taxation. No tax is paid at the business level on the corporation’s profits. Income/loss is reported on the owners’ personal tax returns and any tax due is paid at the individual level.
  • Easy transfer of ownership. Ownership is easily transferable through the sale of stock.
  • Unlimited life. When a corporation’s owner incurs a disabling illness or dies, the corporation does not cease to exist.
  • Raise capital more easily. Additional capital can be raised by selling shares of stock.
  • Credibility. Corporations may be perceived as a more professional/legitimate entity than a sole proprietorship or general partnership.
  • Lower audit risk. Generally S corporations are audited less frequently than sole proprietorships.
Learn more about S corporations

Ready to Get Going?

Choose the state where you'll form your business.

Choosing a State

close

What is a C corporation?

C corporations provide limited liability protection to owners, who are typically not personally responsible for business debts and liabilities. C corporations may also offer greater tax advantages because of an expanded ability to deduct employee benefits.

Advantages of a C corp

  • Limited liability protection. Owners are not typically responsible for business debts and liabilities.
  • Unlimited owners. C corporations can have an unlimited number of shareholders.
  • Easy transfer of ownership. Ownership is easily transferable through the sale of stock.
  • Unlimited life. When a corporation’s owner incurs a disabling illness or dies, the corporation does not cease to exist.
  • Raise capital more easily. Additional capital can be raised by selling shares of stock.
  • Credibility. Corporations may be perceived as a more professional/legitimate entity than a sole proprietorship or general partnership.
  • Lower audit risk. Generally C corporations are audited less frequently than sole proprietorships.
Learn more about C corporations

Ready to Get Going?

Choose the state where you'll form your business.

Choosing a State

close

What is a nonprofit corporation?

A nonprofit is a company or organization formed for purposes other than making a profit. Like standard for-profit corporations, nonprofits provide limited liability protection.

Advantages of a nonprofit

  • Limited liability protection. Directors and officers are typically not personally responsible for the nonprofit’s debts and liabilities.
  • Tax-exempt status. Nonprofits can apply for both federal and state tax-exempt status.
  • Access to grants. Some nonprofits are eligible to receive public and private grants, making it easier to get operating capital.
  • Tax-deductible donations. With 501(c)(3) nonprofits, donations made by individuals to the nonprofit corporation are tax-deductible.
Learn more about nonprofits

Ready to Get Going?

Choose the state where you'll form your business.

Choosing a State

Get Started - Tools to help you choose a business type.

Compare Incorpration Options
Incorporation Wizard Incorporation Guide

Starting a Business Basics

In addition to helping you incorporate or form an LLC, BizFilings has the other products and services you need when you start a business. Featured services include:

Registered Agent Service $149/year

Required by state law, the Registered Agent receives important legal and tax documents and helps your business stay compliant with state requirements.

Order Now Learn More

Doing Business As (DBA) Starts at $110 + state/county fees

Operate your business under a new or additional name.

Order Now Learn More

Business License Application Package Starts at $99

Receive the necessary license and permit applications your business needs to operate in its city, county and state.

Order Now Learn More

How It Works

With BizFilings, you are just 5 steps away from online incorporation.

5 easy steps
Learn More
Puppet Kitchen