Starting a business involves critical legal decisions about structure, liability, taxation, and compliance. Whether you are forming an LLC, incorporating, or setting up a partnership, our AI legal advisor helps you choose the right structure and complete the formation process correctly.
Ask Your Question Free →Step-by-step guide to forming an LLC: choosing a name, filing Articles of Organization, creating an Operating Agreement, obtaining an EIN.
Understand S-Corp election, eligibility requirements, tax advantages, reasonable compensation rules, and compliance obligations.
Learn about C-Corp formation, double taxation, corporate formalities, and when a C-Corp is the best choice (VC funding, IPO plans).
Draft comprehensive partnership agreements covering profit sharing, decision-making, dispute resolution, and exit strategies.
Identify required federal, state, and local licenses and permits for your specific business type and location.
Understand registered agent requirements, annual report filings, franchise taxes, and ongoing compliance obligations.
LLC is simpler and more flexible, ideal for small businesses and single owners. S-Corp can save on self-employment taxes for profitable businesses but requires more formalities (payroll, reasonable compensation, annual meetings). Many businesses start as LLC and elect S-Corp tax treatment later.
State filing fees range from $40 (Kentucky) to $500 (Massachusetts). Most states: $50-$200. You may also need a registered agent ($50-$300/year) and an EIN (free from the IRS).
No. You can file Articles of Organization yourself through your state's Secretary of State website. However, a lawyer is recommended for complex ownership structures, multi-member LLCs, or businesses in regulated industries.
For most small businesses, form in the state where you operate. Delaware, Wyoming, and Nevada are popular for larger businesses due to favorable laws, but you will still need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state, adding cost and complexity.
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