Most popular business types
Limited Liability Company - LLC
LLCs combine the flexibility of a partnership with the liability protection enjoyed by corporations and allow you to avoid double taxation.
S Corporation
S Corporations protect the owners and offer tax benefits.
C Corporation
A C Corporation is a well established structure with clear governance requirements.
I strongly recommend CT Corporation as a reliable corporate compliance partner.
Responsive, great, and knowledgeable customer service.
Additional business formation types supported by CT Corporation
Nonprofit corporation
Nonprofit corporations are formed to benefit a charitable, educational or other public causes specific public purpose.
Benefit corporation
Benefit corporations, also known as a “B Corps” are created to serve a beneficial public purpose while pursuing a profitable bottom line.
Special purpose entity or special purpose vehicle formation
A special purpose entity (SPE) or vehicle (SPV) is a unique entity or means of holding on to an asset in a place separate from the rest of your business.
Limited liability partnership
An LLP is a partnership that allows each partner to share in management and provides some degree of protection from the liabilities of the partnership, including those caused by the actions of other partners.
Professional limited liability company
Many states require licensed professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, accountants, architects, or engineers, to form PCs or PLLCs, rather than regular corporations or LLCs.
Limited partnership
A limited partnership (LP) is like a general business partnership, but it offers limited liability protection to some partners.
Learn about the differences between Corporations and LLCs from CT Corporation
Ten Differences Between LLCs & Corporations
Explore the differences between an LLC (Limited Liability Company) and a Corporation beyond those related to taxes, including management, dividends and more.
Common needs related to business formation or incorporation
Employer ID number (EIN)
A federal tax identification number is often requested to file tax returns and open bank accounts.
Business License Solutions
Trust CT Corporation's extensive experience to help your business maintain compliance.
Foreign qualification out-of-state registration
Foreign qualification is the process of formally registering your business in a state other than your formation state.
Registered agent services
A registered agent is required by all 50 states. Rely on CT Corporation to handle important legal and state documents promptly and correctly.
Choosing a structure for a small business
Listen to lawyer and business expert Teresa Goody, CEO of The Goody Group, discuss considerations for choosing a legal business entity and where to find the information to make an informed decision.
FAQs
What does it mean to incorporate?
When people say "I'd like to register my business," they usually mean incorporating their business as a C Corporation or an S Corporation or forming an LLC. By incorporating or forming an LLC, the company's owner or owners create a separate legal entity to transact business. The process involves properly completing and filing your documents and appointing a registered agent. If you incorporate, most states require that you hold an organizational meeting, issue shares and adopt bylaws. To be an S Corporation, you’ll also have to file an election statement with the IRS. LLCs have fewer state requirements, but it’s a best practice to adopt an operating agreement.
Why is incorporating a business important?
When you incorporate, the business becomes a separate legal entity, distinct from its owners. This new entity ─ whether it’s a C Corp, S Corp or LLC ─ often has enhanced credibility with lenders, potential customers, vendors and employees. Limited liability is another key benefit. Without incorporation, you are responsible for any debts and losses your business may accumulate. However, when you incorporate, you are typically held responsible only for the amount of money you personally invest or business debts you personally guarantee. Your personal assets typically cannot be used to satisfy the debts and liabilities of your business.
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