It's never been easier to incorporate a business

hero sub text example

See pricing options. These costs are often tax deductible.

Trustpilot star rating barLearn more about our guarantee

Why use LegalZoom to incorporate your business?

Clock
Kickstart in minutes
Incorporate your business in 3 easy steps with the industry leader in online business formation.
Dials
Set it up right
Our tools offer step-by-step guidance to help you launch and protect your new business.
Chat
Get the help you need
Our network of experienced professionals can guide your launch and help you grow.

100% Accurate Filing Guarantee

100% Accurate Filing Guarantee

We're committed to the highest quality and accuracy. If your filing is rejected or incorrect 

due to our error, we'll correct it with the government agency at no additional cost to you.

We're committed to the highest quality and accuracy. If your filing is rejected or incorrect due to our error, we'll correct it with the government agency at no additional cost to you.

What is a corporation?

A corporation is a business entity created by filing formation documents with the state, a process also known as incorporation.


Just like an LLC, a corporation is a legal entity that is separate from its owners, which can protect you from any business liabilities or debts. However, corporations offer other important benefits, like shareholders and the ability to seek outside investors.

Start my corporation

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.

Corporation benefits

There are several advantages of forming a corporation. Incorporating offers liability protection, which means that owners of a corporation are generally not personally responsible for business obligations like debts or lawsuits. Incorporation also allows you to add shareholders and raise money from outside investors.

Corporation requirements

Corporations are typically required to adopt by-laws, hold annual shareholder meetings, issue written corporate resolutions for significant decisions, and file annual reports. Our service allows you to efficiently form your corporation the right way. We also have packages with essential documents and services to meet these corporation requirements and keep you in compliance.

Is a limited liability company a corporation?

A limited liability company is a different type of business entity than a corporation. Each one has unique formation requirements, tax requirements, and ownership structure. Typically, LLCs have more flexible tax requirements and fewer reporting requirements, but corporations make it easier to transfer ownership—shares of stock—and court outside investors.

Start my corporation

S corporation vs. C corporation: What's the difference?

S corporation and C corporation designations are both valid choices when incorporating a business—and whichever you choose, we can help make it happen. Before you make your decision, make sure you understand the pros and cons of each.

S corporation

Taxes on profits only

Shareholders only pay taxes on profits received. Income gets passed through to the owners instead of being taxed at the corporate and shareholder level, so you avoid double taxation.

Shareholder maximum

The maximum number of shareholders is 100, and they all must be U.S. citizens or residents.

Only common stock available

S corporation owners can only get common stock, which comes with voting rights.

C corporation

Taxes on income and profits

Income is taxed twice—the business pays corporate income tax on its net income, and then the shareholders also pay personal income tax on the profits they receive.

No shareholder maximum

There are no limits on who and how many people can own shares of a C corp.

Preferred stock available

C corp owners may get preferred stock, which usually comes with no voting rights but priority to dividends before common shareholders.

Ready to start your corporation?

Start my corporation

How to incorporate

Choose and reserve a business name
The catchier and more memorable your business name, the more likely it is that consumers will choose you over your competitors. We include a name check with our formation services and can reserve names for you, if possible in your state.
Appoint a registered agent
Most states will require you to appoint a person or entity as a registered agent (also called an agent for service of process or statutory agent). A registered agent agrees to receive lawsuits, subpoenas, and other official documents on behalf of your business. You can appoint us as your registered agent to make things easier for you.
Prepare and file articles of incorporation
Although requirements differ by state, corporations generally must file articles of incorporation. These constitute the charter and legal framework for the business and may contain key information such as the principal location where business will be conducted. When we file these articles for you, it's typically sent to the Secretary of State.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to incorporate?
There are typically four types of fees for incorporation: a fee to file the articles of incorporation, which depends on your state; a first-year franchise tax prepayment, which can range from $800 to $1,000; fees for various governmental filings, which can range from $50 to $200; and attorney fees, should you seek attorney help.
S Corp vs. LLC: What's the difference?
Both types of business entities help protect owners from being personally on the hook for business liability or debts. LLCs have one or more individual owners, while corporations have shareholders, and 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.
How does forming a corporation protect my assets?
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).

Ready to start your corporation?

Start my corporation

What our customers are saying

Highly intuitive website with prompt turnaround and endless resources available to customers.


—Brett H., Inc. customer

Process was smooth, customer support was top notch, and all questions answered. I'll be using their services again in the future.


—Chris D., Inc. customer

The process was quick, easy and cost effective. Great value for the money. I was able to get everything I needed.


—Trevor M., Inc. customer

Questions?

Ask an attorney

Get the right guidance with an attorney by your side.
Get legal help

Call an agent at (866) 738-2618

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

*See full discount and purchase terms at checkout. Discount applies to base package price only, and does not include add-ons (e.g., professional corporation, business licenses) or items charged post-checkout. Discount does not apply to filing fees or subscription renewals.

ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT: Attorneys advertised on this site are independent attorneys. in your area who's responsible for this advertisement. LegalZoom.com, Inc. is not an "attorney referral service" or a law firm. The information you provide to LegalZoom is not protected by attorney-client privilege. about this advertisement if you live in Alabama, Missouri, or New York.

USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates.

Use of the term “member” or “membership” refers to membership in USAA Membership Services and does not convey any legal or ownership rights in USAA. Restrictions apply and are subject to change.

The USAA Perks program is provided through USAA Alliance Services LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of USAA. USAA Alliance Services contracts with companies not affiliated with USAA to offer their products and services to members and customers. USAA Alliance Services receives compensation from these companies based on the sale of these products or services. When you purchase a product or service from one of these companies, that company is responsible for protecting your data and its processes and procedures may differ from those of USAA. These companies have sole financial responsibility for their products and services.

The trademarks, logos and names of other companies, products and services are the property of their respective owners.

DID# 8855113.1.0426