Business Personal For attorneys Resources Sign in Home Business Business formation Let’s make it official—kickstart your business in minutes LLC The simplest way of structuring your business to protect personal assets. Start my LLC From $79 + state filing fees Corporation Plan to issue shares, go public, or go global? Go there as a corporation. Start my corporation From $149 + state filing fees Nonprofit Create an organization to give back and be eligible for tax breaks. Start my nonprofit From $99 + state filing fees Doing business as Go by a different business name without creating a new company. Start my DBA From $99 + state filing fees Find out what business type is right for you. Start for free Helping you at every stage Getting set up LLC Corporation Nonprofit Doing business as Entity name reservation Federal tax ID (EIN) State tax ID Business licenses Seller's permit Sole proprietorship 501(c)(3) application Staying compliant Registered Agent Services Annual reports Compliance Calendar Minutes Manager Growing your business Trademark search Trademark registration Legal forms and agreements Business Advisory Plan It's simple to get started Choose your business type Answer a few questions We'll complete and file your paperwork Business types at a glance How it protects you LLC Corporation Nonprofit Sole prop Limited liability protection This ensures you or other partners aren't personally on the hook for company debts and liabilities. How it's managed and maintained Flexible management structure Corporations require a board of directors, annual meetings, record keeping, and more. LLCs and sole proprietorships have rules too—but they're less strict. State compliance requirements After you form, there are annual requirements to keep your business in good standing. How it's taxed Taxed LLCs and corporations have multiple tax options. Tax exempt Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status are exempt from federal income taxes. Only with 501(c)(3) status How it can grow Flexibility to raise capital Get access to funds from banks, venture capital firms, and foundations. Able to IPO Only corporations can sell shares on the stock market. C corp only See a detailed comparison Get started Start for $79 + filing fees Get started Start for $149 + filing fees Get started Start for $99 + filing fees Learn more Frequently asked questions What's the difference between an LLC and a corporation? What's the difference between a C corporation and an S corporation? What's the main difference between a sole proprietorship and an LLC? How are different business types taxed? Which business types give me personal liability protection? Meet our customers McCall's Meat and Fish Co. "We've used [LegalZoom] for quite a few things over the years, and overall it's gone very smoothly. They've been easy to work with and very affordable." Karen Yoo, LLC customer Kylie's Consulting Services "The process was so simple, and [LegalZoom] walked me through every step of the way. In just a few weeks, Kylie's Consulting Services was official. And the best part? My DBA gives me the credibility to run my business well, and the flexibility to grow later on down the line. So, if Kylie's Consulting Services outgrows that name, LegalZoom will have a resource for me to tackle that easily and painlessly." Kylie Hodges, DBA customer Birdie "[My sister and I] are both entrepreneurs who have started many companies. For our first venture together, we chose LegalZoom. It's an easy, time-saving solution for the legal paperwork required of a start-up. LegalZoom freed us up to focus on our new business!" Ali Peters, LLC customer Questions? Ask an attorney Get the right guidance with an attorney by your side. Get legal help Call an agent at (888) 381-8758 Mon-Fri: 5 a.m.-7 p.m. PT Weekends: 7 a.m.-4 p.m. PT Our agents are based in the U.S. Top Get helpful tips and info from our newsletter! See the latest issue Company About Careers Contact Investors Press Affiliates Support Order Status Customer Care Speak with an Attorney Join our Attorney Network See all services Learn more Legal Help Articles Additional Resources Legal Forms © LegalZoom.com, Inc. All rights reserved. We are not a law firm, or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. Use of our products and services are governed by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. View Site Directory By clicking “Accept Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. For more information, please visit our Privacy Policy. My options Accept All Cookies