Form a Corporation Online
Considering Starting a Corporation? - Set Up One Online for $97
Forming a corporation is a great alternative to operating your business as a sole proprietorship or general partnership. When you choose to form a corporation, you are choosing an entity that gives you many benefits, versus having no formal structure.
Every organization has a structure it operates under, regardless of if one is setup, or nothing is done at all. For example, if an individual decides to start a business without creating a specific entity, they are considered to have a sole proprietorship. This may not be the best situation in regards to personal liability protection and tax benefits, which is why taking additional steps, such as starting a corporation, is a good idea.
Before deciding on what legal entity your small business should operate under, it is always a good idea to consult with a professional (accountant and/or lawyer). This ensures that the structure you are choosing offers you the best personal liability protection, as well as tax advantages. Put some thought into what type of entity is best for your company, as it is difficult, if not impossible, to change the business structure type down the road. Become incorporated if it is the best move for your company.
Advantages of Forming a Corporation
By setting up a corporation (Wikipedia definition), you will receive many tax benefits that you would not receive as a sole proprietor or general partnership. This includes the ability to deduct many normal business expenses. To fully understand the tax advantages that forming a corporation brings, you will need to consult with an accountant. They will advise you what type of corporate structure (S-type or C-type) is best for your situation, and what tax implications are associated with each type.
Another large benefit you get when you start a corporation is that, as an owner, or shareholder, your personal assets usually are unable to be tapped to pay off debt incurred by the company. This means you are not personally liable for corporate debt, including any legal judgments against the organization. Of course, if an owner personally co-signs on a business debt, then they could be on the hook if the company defaults on its financial obligations.
The corporate structure offers individual liability protection for the owners/shareholders, but the articles of incorporation paperwork has to be completed and filed correctly, and certain business practices have to be followed in order for this to be true. It is critical the filing process be done properly, and that the owners follow the annual reporting rules set out by the state the company was incorporated in. This helps to ensure the personal liability protection stays intact.
Many other advantages are gained when individuals set up a corporation, including being more credible when looked at by customers, or other companies, and the ability to more easily get loans. The ability for a company to get loans in its name is not generally possible unless a formal structure is in place, which starting a corporation takes care of. "Real" organizations have some formal structure in place, which means, if your company is to be taken seriously, it, too, needs one. Incorporate now to start enjoying these benefits.
Form a Corporation Online
When you choose to form a corporation online, you are choosing a method that can be considerably cheaper than using a lawyer, and has the potential of being more accurate than doing it yourself. With the advent of online legal documentation services such as the three compared below, the need to use a traditional legal firm has been greatly reduced. Also, because these Internet-based corporation formation services are so affordable, it makes no sense for the average entrepreneur to try and undertake the corporate filing process on their own, when they are better served to incorporate online and spend their time more wisely on other parts of their business.
With packages starting at $97, getting incorporated online is very affordable. There are a variety of packages available, fitting most every need and budget. The tables below give a comparison of the leading web-based forming corporation services. If you need further information, please visit the individual websites. LegalZoom and BizFilings are generally your best choice, with full customization of documents (LegalZoom) and the best prices on S-corps (BizFilings).
Is Starting a Corporation Right for Your Company?
If you have specific questions about whether or not a corporate structure is right for you, please consult a lawyer, as the below Internet-based legal documentation services are unable to dispense legal advice. However, they are willing and able to assist with the entire corporation formation process, should questions arise about this. While using one of the below form a corporation online providers can save you a great deal of time and money, you aren't on your own, as they are there to help with questions about the entire process.
Choosing to start a corporation online is a smart move for a company looking to operate under this entity type. It just makes sense, as it can save a great deal of time and money when compared to the alternative methods. Use an online service for setting up a corporation today and have the business structure your company needs to succeed. Get incorporated today!
Basic Form Corporation Online Package Comparison
(See individual websites for additional package information.) Economy |
 Basic |
 Economy |
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| Price (+State Fees) | $99 |
$97 | $99 |
| Preliminary Corporation Name Check with State |  |
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| Review of Formation Documents | |
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| Preparation & Filing of Articles of Incorporation | |
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| Customized Corporate Bylaws | |
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| Sample (Non-Customized) Bylaws & Other Corporate Documents | N/A | $35 | |
| Corporate Kit & Company Seal | |
$99 | $99 |
| 6 Months of Registered Agent Service | optional | |
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| Expedited Processing (State Fees May Apply) | |
$60 | $60 |
| Expedited Shipping | |
$20 | $20 |
| Federal Tax ID (EIN) Application Preparation | $30 | Included w/Below | Included w/Below |
| Prepare Application & Obtain Federal Tax ID (EIN) | $79 | $70 | $80 |
| Prepare S Corporation Election Form | $45 | Included w/Below | |
| Obtain S Corporation Status from IRS | $80 | $45 | |
| Business License Application Package | |
$99 | $99 |
| Overall Rating |  |
 |
 |
Middle Form Corporation Online Package Comparison
(See individual websites for additional package information.)Standard |
Standard |
Basic |
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| Price (+State Fees) | $239 | $237 | $279 |
| Preliminary Corporation Name Check with State | |
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| Review of Formation Documents | |
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| Preparation & Filing of Articles of Incorporation | |
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| Customized Corporate Bylaws | |
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| Sample (Non-Customized) Bylaws & Other Corporate Documents | N/A | |
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| Corporate Kit & Company Seal | |
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| 20 Customized Stock Certificates | |
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| FREE MyPRGenie Online PR and Social Media Suite for 1 Year ($179 value) | |
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| 6 Months of Registered Agent Service | optional | |
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| Expedited Processing (State Fees May Apply) | |
|
$60 |
| Expedited Shipping | |
|
$20 |
| Federal Tax ID (EIN) Application Preparation | $30 | Included w/Below | Included w/Below |
| Prepare Application & Obtain Federal Tax ID (EIN) | $79 | $70 | $80 |
| Prepare S Corporation Election Form | $45 | Included w/Below | |
| Obtain S Corporation Status from IRS | $80 | $45 | |
| Business License Application Package | |
$99 | $99 |
| Overall Rating | |
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Top Form Corporation Online Package Comparison
(See individual websites for additional package information.)Express Gold |
Complete |
Premium |
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| Price (+State Fees) | $369 | $377 | $399 |
| Preliminary Corporation Name Check with State | |
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| Review of Formation Documents | |
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| Preparation & Filing of Articles of Incorporation | |
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| Customized Corporate Bylaws | |
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| Sample (Non-Customized) Bylaws & Other Corporate Documents | N/A | |
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| Corporate Kit & Company Seal | |
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| 20 Customized Stock Certificates | |
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| FREE QuickBooks Online Accounting Software - 3 months ($119 value) | |
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| FREE MyPRGenie Online PR and Social Media Suite for 1 Year ($179 value) | |
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| FREE 30-Day Trial of Business Advantage Pro (See LegalZoom Website for Details) | |
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| 6 Months of Registered Agent Service | optional | |
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| Expedited Processing (State Fees May Apply) | |
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| Expedited Shipping | |
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$20 |
| Federal Tax ID (EIN) Application Preparation | |
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| Prepare Application & Obtain Federal Tax ID (EIN) | $49 | |
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| Prepare S Corporation Election Form | |
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| Obtain S Corporation Status from IRS | $35 | |
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| Business License Application Package | |
$99 | $99 |
| Overall Rating | |
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