Form a C corp or S corp to raise capital, issue stock, and run a business that's built to scale.
Have questions? Call (833) 799-4891
Setting up our C corp through LegalZen meant we could close our seed round without scrambling for paperwork.
Whether you're issuing stock to early investors or just need the basics, we've got the right plan.
+ state filing fees
Get incorporated quickly with the essentials.
Form my corpIncludes
+ state filing fees
Most popular for early-stage companies and side hustles becoming serious.
Form my corpIncludes Basic, plus
+ state filing fees
Fastest formation with priority filing and white-glove support.
Form my corpIncludes Standard, plus
Both are corporations under state law, but they're taxed differently at the federal level.
For investors and growth
Take on as many investors as you want — including foreign nationals and other companies.
Issue different classes of stock — common, preferred, voting, non-voting — to fit your fundraising needs.
Profits are taxed at the company level, then again when distributed as dividends to shareholders.
For pass-through tax savings
U.S. citizens or residents only. Better for closely-held businesses than for raising venture capital.
Profits and losses pass through to owners' personal returns — no corporate income tax.
Only one class of stock allowed — simpler, but limits flexibility for sophisticated investors.
Three reasons founders choose corporations over other entity types.
Most VCs prefer to invest in Delaware C corps. Get the structure they expect from day one.
"Inc." after your name signals stability to customers, partners, and lenders.
Issue stock options to attract and retain top talent — a core advantage of the corporate structure.
Six steps to get your corporation officially up and running. We handle the heavy lifting.
Must be unique in your state and typically include "Inc.", "Corporation", or "Corp."
Someone — a person or service — to receive legal mail on the corporation's behalf.
The official birth certificate of your corporation. We file it with your Secretary of State.
The internal rulebook for how your corporation will be governed and run.
Document who owns what percentage of the company — critical for cap table clarity.
Required to open a business bank account, file taxes, and hire employees.
Common questions about forming and running a corporation.
Both are corporations under state law. The difference is federal tax treatment. A C corp pays corporate income tax and shareholders pay tax again on dividends (double taxation). An S corp passes profits and losses through to owners' personal tax returns. S corps also have restrictions: max 100 shareholders, U.S. persons only, and one class of stock.
Delaware has predictable corporate law, an experienced Court of Chancery, and a long track record investors are familiar with. Most VCs expect Delaware C corps. If you don't plan to raise institutional capital, your home state is often simpler and cheaper.
Yes — every corporation needs at least one director. Many states allow a single-director corporation, which is common for early-stage startups where the founder is also the sole director.
Beyond initial filing fees, expect annual report fees ($50-$300 depending on state), franchise taxes (Delaware can be ~$400/year minimum for a small corp), and registered agent fees if you use a service. Plus accounting and possibly legal fees as the company grows.
Form your corporation with the partner trusted by millions of founders and small business owners.
Start my corporation