Corporations come with powerful benefits, but they also require the right setup and ongoing compliance to work in your favor. That’s why getting it right from day one matters.
At LLC Attorney, we don’t just file your paperwork — we guide you through the process with free support from knowledgeable Business Success Advisors backed by real attorneys. We’ll help you choose the right structure, stay compliant, and lay the groundwork for long-term growth.
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A corporation is a legal entity, separate and distinct from its owners. Each state has its own rules and regulations surrounding corporations.
A corporation has the same rights as individuals to conduct business, such as entering into contracts and borrowing money. There are many advantages to incorporating, but there are rules you need to be aware of.
Every state has its own rules for forming and maintaining a corporation, including paperwork, annual filings, and tax requirements. It’s important to get these right from the start so you don’t run into compliance issues down the road.
There are a lot of upsides to incorporating. Along with liability protection, you may also get tax benefits, more credibility with banks and investors, and an easier path to raising money or bringing on new partners as your business grows.
No, a limited liability company (LLC) is a different business entity. Although both offer liability protection, protecting your personal assets from your business liability, they are very different types of business structures.
A corporation is more formal, and as a result it takes more resources to manage. It requires a board of directors, annual meetings, and strict record keeping. An LLC is more flexible — fewer formalities, easier to manage.
If you’re raising capital, hiring a lot of employees, or planning to scale fast, a corporation may be the better long-term move.
There are several types of corporations, each with unique benefits. C-Corps are the default and can be ideal for businesses seeking formal institutional investment. One of the key aspects to be aware of is that they’re subject to double taxation. S-Corps offer pass-through taxation to avoid that, but have restrictions on shareholders and stock classes.
Our Business Success Advisors can help you understand the differences and determine whether you need a corporation and if you do, which type will best suit your needs.
Each state has its own requirements to incorporate. Generally, you’ll need a business name, board of directors, registered agent, bylaws, shareholders’ agreement, EIN, and beneficial ownership information. You’ll also select your tax election.
Forming a corporation involves more than just filing paperwork though — it’s about establishing the legal and operational foundation of your business. As part of the process, you’ll need to create and adopt corporate bylaws that outline how decisions are made and how the company is governed. You’ll also need to file Articles of Incorporation with the state to formally establish your business as a corporation.
Once formed, a board of directors must be appointed. This group is responsible for setting high-level policies, overseeing key decisions, and ensuring the company follows its bylaws, fulfills its mission, and stays compliant with all state and federal regulations.
LLCs are simpler to manage and offer flexibility in how you’re taxed, while corporations offer stronger separation between owners and the business and are often preferred by investors. If you're planning to raise capital or issue shares, a corporation is usually the better fit. If you're a smaller business and not planning to scale fast or seek investment, we recommend starting an LLC instead. If you're not sure, you can speak with one of our Business Success Advisors who can help you make the best decision based on your situation.
The good news is, you don't need a lawyer to form a corporation—but you do want legal expertise. Our attorney-backed service gives you attorney-level insights without law firm pricing. We help ensure your formation documents are done right and that you understand your obligations.
Corporations require more maintenance than an LLC. They must follow formalities like holding annual meetings, keeping meeting minutes, filing annual reports, and maintaining a registered agent. One of the reasons customers choose LLC Attorney is because we provide reminders and guidance to help you stay compliant and avoid penalties.
We file your documents with the Secretary of State within 24 business hours -- with no additional fees. This is part of our standard service and it's another reason customers choose us to handle their formations. Once it's submitted, processing times vary by state, but we’ll keep you updated and help you move forward quickly.
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