Get down to business
Compare between different business 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.
LLC plans start at $0 + state filing fees. Entity startup costs are often tax deductible.
Choose what’s right for your business
LLC
Limited Liability Company
- Better for max flexibility in how you manage and run your business; board of directors not required
- Unlimited owners (aka "members") allowed
- You're not personally on the hook for business liabilities
- Taxed once or twice; you're free to choose which can help minimize taxes
- 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
Go by a different business name without creating a new company. Over half of our DBA customers are sole proprietors.
- Better if you need an easy set-up
- Not an actual legal entity type
- 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
- No personal liability protection
Corporation
S corp or C corp
- 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
- 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
- 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
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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Meet our customers
Still unsure? Answer a few questions to find the entity that’s right for you.
Call an agent at (855) 787-1221 (855) 787-1203
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Ready to form your business?