Best C Corporation Filing Services of 2024

Best C Corporation Filing Services of 2024
Launch Your C Corp in Less Than 10 Minutes

Looking to start a C corp? Compare the top online corporation filing services & keep your business compliant. Get investors or prepare to go public down the road.

Updated October 2024
LegalZoom
4.5
Excellent
The Advertiser Review Score is the opinion of our editorial team and is not impacted by the advertising fees that our advertisers may pay us.
+4M Businesses Launched
Bizee
4.3
Excellent
The Advertiser Review Score is the opinion of our editorial team and is not impacted by the advertising fees that our advertisers may pay us.
LLC services since 2004
Top Choice
1
ZenBusiness - Exceptional service for C Corp & LLC formation with expert support and 100% accuracy guarantee.
  • C-corp filing starts at $0 + state fees
  • Trusted c-corp & LLC formation with fast filing speeds
  • Registered agent & worry free compliance service
  • 100% Accuracy Guarantee
Read our ZenBusiness review
9.8
9.8
Brand popularity
Based on the engagement with the brand
10
Review score
Based on our editorial team review
9.8
Purchasing rate
Based on the amount of purchases
10
Product price
Based on the cost of the product
9.9
Visit Site
Did you know?
Filing a c corp with a professional service can save you thousands of dollars and takes only a few minutes
Trending
2
LegalZoom - Established LLC filing service. Offers a wide range of easy-to-use and affordable legal services.
  • C-corp filling starts at $149 + state fees
  • Extensive independent attorney network
  • Customizable website powered by Wix
  • 60-day refund/replacement policy
Read our LegalZoom review
9.6
9.6
Brand popularity
Based on the engagement with the brand
9.8
Review score
Based on our editorial team review
9.0
Purchasing rate
Based on the amount of purchases
8.6
Product price
Based on the cost of the product
9.6
Visit Site
3
Bizee - Affordable LLC & c-corp formation services with excellent customer support.
  • LLC filing starts at $0 (+state fees)
  • Free 1st year registered agent service
  • Launched 1M+ businesses since 2004
Read our Bizee review
9.3
9.3
Brand popularity
Based on the engagement with the brand
9.7
Review score
Based on our editorial team review
8.6
Purchasing rate
Based on the amount of purchases
8.9
Product price
Based on the cost of the product
10
Visit Site
4
SwyftFilings - Top C-corp filings services with superfast turnaround times.
  • C-corp filing starts at $0 + state fees
  • Personal business specialist
  • Value offer covers essential business licenses and permits
Read our Swyft Filings review
9.1
9.1
Brand popularity
Based on the engagement with the brand
9.2
Review score
Based on our editorial team review
8.2
Purchasing rate
Based on the amount of purchases
8.0
Product price
Based on the cost of the product
9.6
Visit Site
5
Northwest Registered Agent - Established LLC filing service offering free 1st year registered agent service and business support.
  • LLC filing starts at $39 (+state fees)
  • Free 1st year registered agent service
  • Exceptional multiple-states Registered Agent service
Read our Northwest Registered Agent review
8.8
8.8
Brand popularity
Based on the engagement with the brand
9.4
Review score
Based on our editorial team review
8.8
Purchasing rate
Based on the amount of purchases
8.2
Product price
Based on the cost of the product
8.8
Visit Site
6
RocketLawyer - Easy access to legal documents and legal services.
  • Free incorporation with the purchase of a registered agent service
  • Unlimited access to legal documents library
  • 2+ million businesses served since 2008
Read our RocketLawyer review
8.5
8.5
Brand popularity
Based on the engagement with the brand
9.5
Review score
Based on our editorial team review
7.0
Purchasing rate
Based on the amount of purchases
7.2
Product price
Based on the cost of the product
9.5
Visit Site
7
IncAuthority - More than 20 years of experience as an LLC & corporation formation specialist.
  • As low as $0 + state fees
  • Free 1st year registered agent service
  • Dedicated support from expert business coaches
Read our IncAuthority review

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a C-Corporation?

Corporations (C-corp) are owned by a group on individuals who work together to generate a profit. Each owner controls a percentage of the corporation based on the number of shares they own. If you intend on growing and adding outside investors, you need to form a corporation. There is great deal of paperwork required to incorporate, but the advantages as far as taxes, protection and growth opportunities may be worth it.

What is an LLC?

LLC stands for Limited Liability Company and was first accepted as an authorized legal business entity in the late 1970s in Wyoming. Since then, it is recognized in every state and has become one the most popular business structures for SMBs primarily because of its liability protection.

What are the C-corporation tax implications?

Corporations (c corp) pay taxes at the corporate level and can be subject to double taxation. Corporate taxes are based on the taxable income. Tax implications of being a c corporation should be discussed with a trusted tax adviser.

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.

Decision time

Deciding on your business structure is not a light decision. The purpose of your business, where you see it in the future and how many people you envision in the management structure, and where you do business are key considerations. For most businesses, starting and LLC or corporation in your home state is the right way to go. Even the best partnerships could use the protection of a management structure.

Consulting a tax attorney or a business consultant is a great idea. Using a professional service to file all the necessary paperwork will ensure you complying with all federal, state and local regulations.