Forming a Legal Entity

Forming a business as a legal entity is a smart move, but the possibilities are nearly endless. We take a look at the various legal entities, from sole proprietorships to corporations, and help you choose the best form of legal entity for your business.

Forming a Company. Interested in setting up a company or corporation? If you are selling goods or services, you ought to consider forming a corporation or limited liability company for your business activities. (5 articles)
Limiting Business Liabilities. A major benefit of forming a legal entity for a business is to limit business liabilities and prevent them from becoming personal liabilities. Learn how to choose an organizational form for your business that provides limited liability protection. (7 articles)
Sole Proprietorships. Is owning a sole proprietorship the right way to go for your business? We discuss the pros and cons of choosing a sole proprietorship as a form of business organization for your company. (6 articles)
Partnerships. Forming a business partnership allows two or more individuals to share in the ownership of a business. In our articles on business partnerships, we take a look at this popular form of business entity. (8 articles)
Incorporating. Incorporating a business offers many advantages but there are some disadvantages that should not be neglected. These articles cover the nuances of business corporation, offering in-depth discussion on all aspects of forming a corporation. (10 articles)
Incorporation Resources By State. If you've decided to incorporate, we've got the information you need to make it happen. Our incorporation resources are state-specific, so first decide on which state you want to incorporate in and then use our resources to form your corporation. (52 articles)

C Corp. To C Corp or not to C Corp? That is the question. C corps are the most common form of incorporation. We examine the pros and cons of forming a C Corporation. (6 articles)
S Corp. S corporations are corporations that elect to be taxed in accordance with Subchapter S rules of the U.S. tax code. The income passes through to shareholders, thus avoiding double taxation. (6 articles)
LLCs. Limited liability companies, or LLCs, are the fastest growing business legal form. An LLC offers the limited liability protection that a corporation does, but it comes with considerably more flexibility. We discuss how to form an LLC and the many benefits of forming an LLC. (9 articles)
NonProfit Formation. Nonprofit organizations that prioritize doing good over making profits still need to form a legal entity. Learn how to setup a non-profit corporation. We cover everything from nonprofit articles of incorporation to how to form a nonprofit corporation online. (7 articles)
Operating a Corporation. There are strict rules that must be followed when operating a corporation. Failure to operate a corporation in accordance with state and federal laws can jeopardize limited liability protection, allowing creditors to pierce the corporate veil. We take a look at the requirements for running a company that has been formed as a corporation. (7 articles)
Registered Agents. Registered agents are required by many states for various forms of legal entity structure. We take a look at the role of registered agents, including: What's the purpose of a registered agent? How much do registered agents cost? Can you change registered agents? (6 articles)
ESOP. ESOPs, or employee stock ownership plans, have become very popular. Find out how an ESOP works and why companies are increasingly giving employees ownership and opting to become ESOP companies. (7 articles)
Incorporating Abroad. Want to form an offshore company? Thinking about setting up a company in Canada, India, China or anywhere in between? If so, our articles on incorporating abroad are a must read! (7 articles)