Business Formation

INC / Corporation Formation

Form a C-Corporation or S-Corporation — the right structure for businesses planning to raise capital, issue stock, or scale significantly.

Overview

What this service is and why it matters

A Corporation (INC) is a legal entity that is separate from its owners (shareholders). It offers the strongest liability protection and is the preferred structure for businesses that plan to raise venture capital, issue stock, go public, or scale significantly. Corporations have more formal requirements than LLCs but offer unique advantages for growth-oriented businesses.

Who needs this?

Businesses planning to raise capital from investors, issue stock to employees, go public (IPO), or operate at a large scale. Startups seeking venture funding typically need to be C-Corporations.

Why is it important?

A corporation provides the strongest liability protection, allows you to issue stock and raise capital, and is the structure preferred by investors. If you plan to scale your business significantly or seek outside investment, a corporation may be the right choice.

Complete Process

Choose the right corporation type (C-Corp or S-Corp) based on your tax and growth goals

Select a unique business name that complies with state naming rules

Appoint a Registered Agent

File Articles of Incorporation with the state

Create corporate bylaws outlining governance rules

Appoint initial directors and hold the first board meeting

Issue stock to shareholders

Obtain an EIN from the IRS

File any required licenses and permits

Maintain ongoing corporate compliance (annual meetings, minutes, filings)

Required Information & Documents

Business name (must include Corporation, Inc., or similar designation)

Business purpose

Registered agent name and address

Director names and addresses

Shareholder names and addresses

Number and type of shares authorized

Corporate bylaws

Filing fee for the state

Timeline Expectations

Corporation formation typically takes 5-10 business days for standard filing. S-Corp election (Form 2553) must be filed within 2 months and 15 days of the beginning of the tax year. Overall, expect 2-4 weeks for a fully operational corporation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing a C-Corp when an S-Corp would save on taxes (or vice versa)

Not holding annual meetings or keeping minutes — this can result in losing liability protection (piercing the corporate veil)

Commingling personal and corporate finances

Not filing the S-Corp election on time

Issuing stock without proper documentation

Not maintaining a corporate records book

Benefits

Strongest liability protection for owners

Ability to issue stock and raise capital

Preferred structure for venture capital and angel investors

Unlimited number of shareholders (C-Corp)

Perpetual existence — the corporation continues even if owners change

Tax deductions for business expenses

Credibility with customers, partners, and investors

Frequently Asked Questions

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Provider Comparison

Structure	Privacy	Features	Support	Compliance	Business Suitability
C-Corporation	Standard — shareholders on public records	Unlimited shareholders, stock issuance, IPO-ready, preferred stock classes	Corporate legal and accounting support needed	Annual meetings, minutes, board resolutions, federal and state filings	Best for businesses planning to raise venture capital or go public
S-Corporation	Standard — shareholders on public records	Pass-through taxation, up to 100 shareholders, one class of stock	Corporate legal and accounting support needed	Annual meetings, minutes, board resolutions, S-Corp election filing	Best for small to mid-sized US-based businesses wanting tax efficiency
LLC (for comparison)	Flexible — members can be hidden in some states	Flexible management, pass-through taxation, no meeting requirements	Less formal compliance support needed	Annual report only in most states, no meetings or minutes required	Best for most small businesses, solo entrepreneurs, and non-residents

Need Help Choosing?

Every business has different needs. Contact our professional support team and share your situation. We will help you understand which option may fit your requirements.

Get Personalized Guidance