Starting a business in the United States — or choosing the right structure for your existing one — is one of the most important decisions you will make. We guide you through entity formation, registration, and ongoing compliance from day one.
Formation and compliance services we handle
Many business owners form an LLC because it is easy or because someone told them to. Others incorporate as a C-Corp because they heard it is good for investment. What rarely gets discussed before formation is the tax treatment — and getting it wrong can cost thousands of dollars per year in avoidable taxes.
The right entity structure depends on your business type, your income level, your growth plans, your investor intentions, and your personal tax situation. A single-member LLC taxed as a sole proprietorship subjects 100% of your profit to self-employment tax. An S-Corp election on the same LLC can reduce that significantly. A C-Corp makes sense for venture-backed companies but creates a double-taxation problem for owner-operated businesses.
We discuss entity structure with every client before any formation takes place — so your business starts on the right legal and tax foundation, not just the most convenient one.
An LLC provides personal liability protection while offering flexibility in how it is taxed — as a sole proprietorship (single-member), partnership (multi-member), S-Corp, or C-Corp by election. LLCs are the most common structure for small businesses. We form LLCs in all 50 states and advise on state selection, operating agreement structure, and tax classification. An LLC is often the right starting point — but the tax election layered on top of it is the decision that determines how much tax you actually pay.
Most common for small businessesAn S-Corp is either a corporation or an LLC that has made an S-Corp tax election with the IRS. Income and deductions pass through to shareholders' personal returns, avoiding corporate-level tax. Owners who work in the business pay employment taxes only on their reasonable salary, with additional profits distributed without self-employment tax. We form S-Corps, file S-Corp elections (Form 2553), and advise on reasonable compensation requirements — a common audit trigger if set incorrectly.
Best for profitable owner-operated businessesA C-Corp is a separate taxable entity — it pays corporate income tax on its profits, and shareholders pay tax again on dividends received. C-Corps are the preferred structure for venture-backed businesses, companies planning an IPO, and businesses wanting to offer stock options to employees. We form C-Corps (most commonly in Delaware), prepare Delaware franchise tax calculations, and advise on early-stage equity and compensation structuring. If you are not raising institutional capital, a C-Corp is usually the wrong choice.
Preferred for venture-backed startupsDelaware is the most popular state for US corporate formation — particularly for startups, businesses seeking investment, and non-US founders forming a US entity. Delaware's Court of Chancery, well-established corporate law, and investor familiarity make it the default choice for venture-backed companies. We handle Delaware formation, registered agent services, and annual franchise tax compliance for Delaware entities — including the Assumed Par Value Capital Method calculation that typically saves startups thousands versus the default authorized shares method.
Standard for investment-ready companiesIf your entity is formed in one state but you conduct business in another — through employees, an office, or regular transactions — you may be required to register in that additional state through a process called foreign qualification. Operating without it can result in fines, penalties, and the inability to sue in that state's courts. We handle foreign qualification filings across all 50 states and maintain annual report compliance in every state where your entity is registered, so nothing slips through.
Required for multi-state operationsRecommending the right structure based on your tax situation, income, and business goals — before you form anything. This conversation is the most valuable part of the process.
Preparation and state filing of Articles of Incorporation (for corporations) or Articles of Organization (for LLCs) in any US state.
Every state requires a registered agent to receive official government and legal documents on behalf of your entity. We provide registered agent services in all states where your entity is registered.
Employer Identification Number (EIN) application with the IRS — required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file business tax returns. We handle this for every entity we form.
Preparation and timely filing of Form 2553 with the IRS. The election must be filed within strict deadlines — we track them so you do not miss the window and lose a year of tax savings.
Preparation of the LLC operating agreement or corporate bylaws — the governing document that defines ownership, management authority, profit distribution, and decision-making rules.
Annual report filings, statement of information filings, and franchise tax payments for every state where your entity is registered — tracked and filed on time, every year.
Calculation using the Assumed Par Value Capital Method — which typically produces a significantly lower tax than the default authorized shares method — plus preparation of the annual Delaware report.
Registration of your entity in additional states where you are conducting business — required when you have employees, an office, or regular activity in a state other than your formation state.
Business owners starting from scratch who want expert guidance on entity type before committing to a structure — not after they have already filed the wrong one.
Self-employed individuals and sole proprietors who have grown to the point where an LLC or S-Corp election would meaningfully reduce their self-employment tax burden.
Indian companies and investors forming a US subsidiary or holding company to enter the American market — where cross-border tax planning is part of every formation we handle.
Businesses considering an entity change — converting from sole proprietor to LLC, electing S-Corp status on an existing LLC, or restructuring after a change in ownership or growth trajectory.
Early-stage founders needing Delaware C-Corp formation with a clean capitalization structure from day one — the standard expectation for institutional investors and accelerators.
Non-US citizens, green card holders, and international founders forming a US entity — where additional tax reporting obligations must be planned for before formation, not discovered afterward.
Entity formation questions answered plainly — no jargon, no sales pitch.
Schedule a free consultation and we will recommend the right entity structure for your specific situation before you file a single form.