Protect your assets and create a structure for investment.
Forming a corporation limits an owner's legal and financial responsibility for the activities and debts of the business. Plus, incorporation provides a structure that can attract potential investors, and may help a new business establish credibility with customers and potential partners.
$109 + state fees
What are the benefits of forming a corporation?
Limit your legal and fiscal responsibility.
Incorporating your business separates you from your business as a separate legal entity, preventing you from being fully responsible for any debts accrued by your business.
Gain credibility
Adding a corporate indicator like "INC." at the end of your business name immediately indicates credibility to potential investors, customers, or business partners.
Potential tax advantages
Forming a corporation may provide a tax advantage for some businesses, allowing additional deductions for operating expenses, advertising, employee compensation, and more.
We handle the paperwork
Setting up a corporation can be confusing and time consuming. Eliminate the guesswork by letting our experts file all the required documents on your behalf.
What is a C corporation?
A C corporation, also referred to as a general for profit corporation, is one of the most common entity types chosen by new businesses. One of the reasons for their popularity is that the C corporation provides a business with the ability to deduct certain benefits, like employee health insurance and dental plans, which can add up to substantial savings per year. Additionally, corporations allow the issuance of stock, which is a benefit for entrepreneurs and venture capitalists who may want to invest in your business.
How does forming a corporation protect the owners of a business?
Forming a C corporation defines a business as its own legal entity, separate from the owners of the business. This prevents your personal assets such as your home, vehicles, or other holdings from being targeted by creditors to pay debts accrued by the business.
A properly formed C Corporation protects its owners from this liability. For example, if under unfortunate circumstances your company should face a lawsuit, the assets of the corporation would be targeted, not the assets of the owners. C corporations also retain their own credit rating, separate from that of the owners.
In the event of loan default or other credit-related issues, your personal credit would remain intact should the business go into bankruptcy. This also works the other way around; an owner's less than ideal credit rating will have no bearing on the credit of the business.
What kinds of businesses should file for a corporation?
Corporations are often chosen by business owners who require a formal business structure with flexible ownership options. C corporations allow the purchase of stock not only by individuals foreign or domestic, but also by other companies or legal entities.
This aspect of the corporation makes them an attractive choice for businesses that want to raise capital or gain the attention of potential investors.
Corporations also exist in perpetuity, as long as they are properly maintained and meet their obligations. So, unlike other entity types, the existence of the business is not tied directly to those who own the business.
To learn more about the differences between an llc and a corporation, take a look at our detailed llc vs corporation comparison.
What are the maintenance requirements of a corporation?
Corporations are required to comply with annual corporate formalities, including providing notice of annual meetings to the directors and shareholders, filing a Statement of Information with the Secretary of State, holding annual meetings, and documenting those meetings with corporate minutes.
Each state has its own set of requirements and deadlines to consider, and meeting those deadlines is a requirement in order to prevent your business from falling out of good standing. Businesses who fail to stay in good standing can file a reinstatement once their requirements have been met, but they are at risk of losing the liability protection provided by the corporation in the meantime.
MyCorporation can help you complete your annual requirements automatically if you opt to choose our business maintenance package.
What are the tax advantages of forming a corporation?
The potential tax benefits of filing a corporation, much like any other entity type, are based solely on the structure and financial details of the business itself. Corporations allow deductions for benefits like medical insurance and retirement plans for employees, but are also subject to "double taxation", where income is taxed at both the corporate and personal level.
Losses are also fully deductible for a corporation, and a corporation's profits can be left in the business for further expansion of the business. These benefits don't always outweigh the potential negatives for a business, so it is a wise decision to consult an accountant about the best entity type relative to your business goals.
Our filing experts can help you form a corporation for as little as $109 + state fees. Click
Every corporation package includes:
- Articles of Incorporation: Document that establishes your existence as a corporation.
- Sample Bylaws: Outlines the rules of the corporation established by the board of directors.
- Sample Documents: Includes minutes and membership certificate samples.
- Customer Support: Our filing experts will be with you every step of the way to ensure your business is formed quickly and accurately.
Form an LLC
Starting an LLC is a great way to protect your personal assets while adding legitimacy and professionalism to your company.
LLC vs. Corporation: What are the main differences?
Watch our video to learn about the difference between a corporation and a limited liability company.
or try our entity wizard
We'll help you file your business in 3 simple steps.
We make starting and maintaining your business simple, fast, and worry-free.
1
Answer some basic questions
Complete our simple online questionnaire, or call us directly and one of our team members will walk you through the process.
2
We take care of the paperwork
Sit back and relax while one of our filing experts completes the required paperwork quickly and accurately on your behalf.
3
Receive your completed filings
We provide you with your completed filings and any other necessary documentation. It's that simple, done in minutes.
Our Customers Say
MyCorporation 4.9 out of 5 based on 150 reviews
Need additional assistance?
Contact our experts with any additional questions.
Enter Your Name
Email Address
Phone Number
Select a StateChoose Your StateAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict Of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingAmerican SamoaGuamNorthern Mariana IslandsPuerto RicoUnited States Minor Outlying IslandsVirgin IslandsArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces PacificArmed Forces Others
Optional Message
Would you rather speak to one of our representatives now?
Call us:
877.692.6772
M-F - 7:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. PT
I prefer an email
I prefer a phone call
By submitting this form, you are indicating that you would like one of our representatives to contact you about the details you provided. Your information is completely safe and will not be shared.
This form is protected by reCaptcha
Error:
Frequently asked questions
+\ What are the types of corporation to choose from?
When you decide to incorporate your business, there are four different business entities to choose from: C-Corporation, S-Corporation, Non-Profit Corporation, or Professional Corporation . Read more or compare business entities in our Comparison Chart.
+\ How do I assign a corporate officer?
Most states allow businesses to authorize one person to serve in the three mandatory positions including:
- President
- Treasurer
- Secretary or Clerk
This person's responsibility and authority changes for each position.
The President The President has the overall executive responsibility for the management of the corporation and is directly responsible for carrying out the orders of the board of directors. He or she is usually elected by the board of directors.
The Treasurer The Treasurer is the chief financial officer of the corporation and is responsible for controlling and recording its finances and maintaining corporate bank accounts. Actual fiscal policy of the corporation may rest with the Board of Directors and be largely controlled by the President on a day-to-day basis.
The Secretary The Secretary is typically responsible for maintaining the corporate records. In addition to these required officer positions, a corporation may also have vice presidents and/or assistant secretaries or assistant treasurers.
+\ What is a Registered Agent?
The purpose of a Registered Agent is to provide a physical address for your business so that it can accept official documents on behalf of your corporation (tax notices, annual reports, legal-process documents such as a summons, etc.).
The primary benefit of this service is that it provides a layer of privacy between you and the public. As the Registered Agent's name and address is one of public record, generally the Registered Agent's legal address will be the one listed in all official public documents.
Penalties for not maintaining a Registered Agent may include fines or revocation of business's corporate legal status. Please note that post office boxes are not allowed.
Learn more in " Registered Agent Services".
+\ What do I need to do after I incorporate my business?
To keep your business legally viable, there are a number of steps you may need to follow after you incorporate your business. For example, you may need to file an Article of Amendment if you need to make changes to your company. You also may need to issue stock or file an Annual Report, which is a requirement in most states.
+\ How do I file for a corporation?
Filing for a corporation involves several steps, such as choosing a business name, choosing a state of incorporation, drafting and filing articles of incorporation, and obtaining necessary licenses and permits.
Each state has different laws, taxes, and fees, so it is important to research the options and choose the state that is best for your business. The articles of incorporation outline the structure and purpose of the corporation and need to be filed with the state's business filing office along with a fee.
+\ Can I file a corporation online?
In short, yes, you can file a corporation online in most states. The process of forming a c corporation is very simple with the right support. At MyCorporation, we have 20 years of experience helping people form businesses in all 50 US states. To date, we have helped form over 1 million businesses using our quick, affordable process.
It's our goal to help you form a corporation so that your business can succeed. Filing for a corporation brings many benefits to your business, including financial benefits. Plus, you'll protect yourself as a business owner.
+\ What is the difference between filing for a corporation and forming an LLC?
Corporations and LLCs (Limited Liability Companies) are different in that a corporation is owned by shareholders while LLCs are owned by one or more individuals. Both business types have pros and cons. When deciding whether or not to file for a corporation or LLC, keep in mind that you can change your mind later and convert the status of your business. Generally, corporations are better if investors will invest in your company.
On the other hand, LLCs are usually considered more flexible and easier to maintain. The best entity for your business depends on details such as taxes, ownership status, management, and more.
+\ What documents do I need to file for a corporation?
The documents needed to file for a corporation include various business documents and the articles of incorporation. The main documents you'll need include a business name reservation form, corporate bylaws, meeting minutes, board resolutions, the annual report, and stock related documents if your business will go public.
Registering these documents can be made easy with the support of someone who knows the filing process in and out. At MyCorporation, we're here to help you keep track of your documents and ensure they're all filed correctly.
+\ What is the cost of filing for a corporation?
The cost of filing for a corporation depends on your state's fees. Each state charges fees related to incorporating, which range from as low as $60 up to over $500. When searching for filing fees, be sure to consider in which state you'll file your corporation. Most businesses choose the state in which they do the most business. However, there may be advantages to filing in one state over another. Speak with your attorney or accountant to learn more. At MyCorporation, we keep fees low so that you can create your corporation affordably. Our basic plan costs just $99 and can help you get set up quickly!
+\ Do I need an attorney to file for a corporation?
No, you don't need an attorney to file for a corporation. Many business owners choose to consult with a lawyer during the process to go over any questions about the process or how to run their business. A legal consultation can also be useful for business owners who haven't decided what entity is best for their company.
That said, filing for a corporation is something that business owners can easily do on their own. If you're not confident to completely DIY, an online filing company such as MyCorporation can guide you through the process.
+\ What are the tax deductible fringe benefits to forming a corporation?
For corporations, most fringe benefits are fully deductible. Some common fringe benefits include health insurance, childcare reimbursement, employee discounts, or even a subsidized lunch or snack program. Other companies may provide free gyms or athletic equipment for employees to use. The IRS considers all fringe benefits taxable unless exempt. However, the list of exempt benefits is long and includes health benefits, athletic facilities, meals, and childcare assistance, among others. The fringe benefits of most corporations fall within these categories, meaning that they are tax deductible.
+\ Can I file for a corporation in a state other than where my business is located?
Yes, you can file for a corporation in a state other than where your business is located. In some cases, you are legally required to file for corporation in another state. For instance, if you incorporated your business in New York, but have an office in New Jersey, then it's necessary to register your business in New Jersey as well.
This is called foreign qualifying. This process is simple. If you're already operating in a state different from where you first formed, foreign qualifying can save you the hassle of fines, fees, and tax liabilities.
Are you ready to start a new business?
We can help you get started for just
$109 + state fees