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Compare between different business structures so you can start on the right path–or scale to the next level. We’ll check if your company name is available, and file all the required forms.
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LLC plans start at $0 + filing fees.
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MOST COMMON
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Starts at $0 + state filing fees
The simplest, most flexible way to structure your business and protect personal assets.
Going solo or teaming up? Make sure you're not personally on the hook for business liabilities with an LLC.
Start an LLC
LegalZoom LLC offers:
LegalZoom filing with the state
100% accurate filing guarantee‡
Name check service to get your preferred business name
Access to add-on services like compliance, bookkeeping, tax filings, and more
Tax expert and attorney advice and guidance available when you need it
Doing Business As (DBA)
Starts at $99 + state filing fees
A way to use a business name that sidesteps the upkeep of LLCs or corporations.
Get a business name for your sole prop without forming a legal entity, or add a new name to an existing entity.
Start a DBA
LegalZoom DBA offers:
DBA filing with the state or county
100% accurate filing guarantee‡
Publication of your DBA name and proof of publication (where required)
Access to add-on services like compliance, bookkeeping, tax filings, and more
Tax expert and attorney advice and guidance available when you need it
Corporation (S corp or C corp)
Starts at $149 + state filing fees
A more complex structure with the ability to issue shares, go public, or go global.
Plan to issue shares, go public, or go global? Go further as a corporation.
Start a Corporation
LegalZoom Corporation offers:
S corp or C corp filing with the state
100% accurate filing guarantee‡
Name check service to get your preferred business name
Access to add-on services like compliance, bookkeeping, tax filings, and more
Tax expert and attorney advice and guidance available when you need it
All business types at a glance
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Going solo or teaming up? Make sure you're not personally on the hook for business liabilities with an LLC.
Ready to get your LLC?
Starts at $0 + state filing fees
Frequently asked questions
Both protect owners so they're not personally on the hook for business liabilities or debts. But, key differences include how they're owned (LLCs have one or more individual owners and corporations have shareholders) and maintained (corporations generally have more formal record-keeping and reporting requirements). Even though LLCs are considered easier to start and maintain, investors tend to prefer corporations.
The way you're taxed. C corporation income is taxed twice—the business pays taxes on its net income, and then the shareholders also pay taxes on the profits they receive. With S corporation income, only the shareholders pay taxes on profits received. The Secretary of State requires articles of incorporation to form a corporation.
Personal liability protection. An LLC protects owners from being personally on the hook for business liabilities or debts. A sole proprietorship doesn't.
LLCs, S corporations, and sole proprietorships are taxed once on profits received. C corporations are taxed twice; the business pays taxes at the corporate level, and shareholders pay taxes on income received.
LLCs and corporations. You don't get personal liability protection with sole proprietorships or DBAs.
How we’ve helped our customers
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