Business Formation: LLCs & Corporations

Business Ownership Structures

Before you can decide how you want to structure your business, you'll need to know what your options are.

Corporations and S Corporations vs. LLCs

Which is better? There's no right answer to this question but some general principles may be helpful.

When Do Start-Up Businesses Need to Hire a Lawyer?

You may not need to hire a lawyer as soon as you think when starting a business.

How to Start an LLC

Here's what you need to do to form a limited liability company.

What Is a Single-Member LLC and How Do You Form One?

Learn about some of the things you'll need to do when creating a new single-member LLC.

Corporation Basics

Most people have heard that forming a corporation provides "limited liability" -- that is, it limits your personal liability for

How to Start a Corporation in 7 Steps

If you've sorted through the many types of business structures and decided to start a corporation, you're

Sole Proprietorship Basics

The sole proprietorship is the simplest legal structure for owning your own business.

How Sole Proprietors Are Taxed

As a sole proprietor you must report all business income or losses on your personal income tax return; the business itself is not taxed separately.

What Is a Partnership?

A partnership is a business with more than one owner that has not filed papers with the state to become a corporation or LLC (limited liability company).

How to Form a Partnership

You don't have to file any paperwork to establish a partnership -- you can create a partnership simply by agreeing to go into business with another person.

How to Register Your Business Name

You may need to register your business name with the local, state, or federal government -- especially if it's considered fictitious.

Choosing a Business Name FAQ

How to choose and register a successful business name.

Do You Need a Physical Address for Your Small Business?

Using your home address for your business is free, but doing so has its drawbacks.

Starting a Restaurant Business

Thinking about starting a restaurant? Start here for an overview of important legal and financial considerations.

Starting a Consulting Business

Starting a consulting business involves a particular set of legal considerations.

What Is a Contract?

Contracts are legally binding agreements, and they pervade almost every aspect of our personal and business lives.

What Is a Bill of Sale?

A bill of sale is the contract that's used most often for a car or other goods are bought and sold.