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Types of corporations

There are two types of corporations: C-Corporation (C Corp) and an S-Corporation (S Corp). We’ll discuss each of these in a minute, but first let’s outline the characteristics of corporations in general. Forming a corporation shields your personal assets from business liabilities as there is a complete separation between the two finances. It is allowable in all 50 states. There are international corporations as well with their own set of rules.

There are several types of corporate entities, but there are two that focus on profit. C-Corp or an S-Corp are the most common choices when setting up your business. It is important to do your homework or consult with an attorney or tax consultant in order to choose the best business formation structure for you.

C-Corporation

C-Corporation is great for businesses that sell products, have a storefront or have employees. If you ever want to go public in the future, this is the entity you should choose in order to have unlimited shareholders. Tax implications are key in choosing this entity. Businesses must pay a corporate income tax, and dividends are distributed at the individual level. Owners pay personal income tax on profits and healthcare premiums for your employees can be written off.

S-Corporation

S-Corporations are generally designed for smaller business entities. It works very similar to an LLC in protecting your personal assets, but you are able to pay yourself a salary from the company. Owners pay personal income tax on the profits and business income and loss is passed to the owners on tax returns. There can be no more than 100 shareholders so the entity will stay on the smaller side and have different management structure than a C-Corporation. Shareholders must also be US citizens or resident aliens.

Why use an online business formation service to start a corporation?

Online business formation service providers offer a fast and cost-effective solution to forming a business. These filing services and industry experts offer all the services you would need to start and run your business, such as preparation and filing of LLCs and corporations, business licenses, legal documents, compliance and registered agent services, all in one place for an affordable price.

With the right online business filing service, forming your business is a quick, straightforward, and smooth process. All you need to do to get started is select one of the top business formation services above which will take you to their website. Then pick the business entity you are interested in, whether it be an LLC, s-corporation, or c-corporation, and enter the state you wish to register your business in. You will then be prompted to enter your desired business name, select the type of business package you want to proceed with and you’re all set.

Why incorporate?

We’ve mentioned some of the reasons to incorporate already, but let’s recap. All of the entities above shield you from levels of personal liability to a varying degree. LLC offers different levels of protection depending on whether you form as a partnership or corporation. Corporations offer a very high level of protection.

Corporations offer a perpetual existence and transfer of ownership. Many businesses are passed down to family members. If one of the owners dies, the corporation lives on. Corporations have a certain level of prestige and credibility. Your customers might trust you more with an Inc or LLC after your name.

Also, banks might more easily lend money according to your business structure as well. In addition, corporations have a clearer management structure and larger companies are obligated to report actions to a Board of Directors or shareholders which holds them more accountable for their decisions.

Domestic LLC vs. Foreign LLC

A domestic LLC means you file your LLC in the state where you live and do most of your business. This is the most common and cost-effective scenario. A foreign LLC is needed if you form your LLC in one state but run a business or have a physical location in another state. For example, if you file your LLC in one state but open a store in a different state, you’ll need to file a foreign LLC in that second state to do business legally.

Foreign LLCs usually cost more and might require you to appoint a registered agent in more then one state. If you file your LLC in a state that isn’t your home state, you will still need to file a foreign LLC in your home state to run your business there.

Additional LLC & business services

Do I need to appoint a registered agent?

Yes, in most states, appointing a registered agent is mandatory. We highly recommend using a professional registered agent service. All brands listed on our charts offer professional registered agent services.

BOIR for business

Starting in 2024, new and existing U.S. businesses must submit the ‘Beneficial Ownership Information Report’ (BOIR) to FinCEN. This report includes personal information about key individuals in the company including the entity, its beneficial owners, and in some cases its company applicants. The top LLC filing services listed on our chart can help you with the BOIR requirement.

Business license

Many businesses might require licenses or permits. The license and permits requirements will depend on the type of business as well as the state in which you incorporate your business. Professional business formation services can help you obtain a business license in all 50 states and assist with submitting your BOIR.

Same day LLC filing

Rush LLC filing is available in the Pro and Premium packages with most of our top business formation services or as an upgrade to the free LLC package. ZenBusiness offers a comprehensive service that includes everything you need to launch your business. Their Pro package, priced at $199 plus state fees, covers all necessary steps for business formation.