Incorporation

We've helped tens of thousands of people just like you form legally recognized businesses in all 50 states.

Colleen J. | DJ C-Lektra

Incorporated using Rocket Lawyer in 2012

How it works

Answer a few simple questions

Tell us about your business.

We do the paperwork for you

We reserve your business name and take care of your filing.

You're done!

We store your information and send you hard copies.

Why Choose Rocket Lawyer?

We Make It Simple

We check your name, file your paperwork, and follow up with your state. All you need to do is tell us a little bit about your business.

Specialists to Answer Your Questions

Our specialists have incorporated thousands of businesses just like yours. They can walk you through the entire process by phone and answer any questions you have.

Legal Help After You Incorporate

Whether you need to connect with a lawyer, create legal documents for your business, or need help staying compliant, we're here to help your business grow.

Our Promise

If you're not completely satisfied with your incorporation, we'll give you a full refund.

Reasons to Incorporate

Enjoy Tax Advantages

One of the biggest perks to incorporating your business are the tax benefits. You'll be able to draw a salary, avoid taxes on profits, write off business expenses and losses, and much, much more.

Protect Your Personal Assets

Unlike partnerships and sole proprietorships, corporations are considered legally separate from their owners. That means your personal assets are protected.

Build a Stronger Business

Incorporating means you can get loans from banks. It means you can get local permits. It means you can attract investors, sell stocks, and hire the right employees. "Above all else, it means you can grow your business."

Choose the Right Business Type

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of each entity type to find the one that's best for your business.

	LLC	S-Corp	C-Corp	Non-Profit	Sole Proprietorship
Managing your business
Limited liability protection
	LLC members are not personally responsible for business debts or liabilities.	S-Corp shareholders are not personally responsible for business debts or liabilities.	C-Corp shareholders are not personally responsible for business debts or liabilities.	Non-Profit directors are not personally responsible for NPO debts or liabilities.	Sole Proprietors are personally responsible for business debts and liabilities.
Perpetual existence	varies
	With the proper planning, LLCs can exist for generations.	S-Corps continue to exist even if the owners or majority shareholders leave or pass away.	C-Corps continue to exist even if the owners or majority shareholders leave or pass away.	Non-Profit organizations and institutions survive after their directors leave.	Sole Proprietorships do not exist when the owner quits or passes away.
Favorable for raising capital	varies
	LLCs can raise money via banks and investors but cannot sell stocks.	S-Corps can get loans from banks, as well as distribute stock to up to 100 people.	C-Corps have the easiest time raising capital as there is no cap on how many people can own stock.	Non-Profits can both get loans and receive tax-deductible donations.	Sole Proprietorships can occasionally receive bank loans but cannot sell stocks.
Management flexibility
	LLCs allow for a large variety of management structures based on your specific needs.	Management structures for S-Corps are largely dictated by state and federal law.	Management schemas for C-Corps are largely dictated by state and federal law.	NPOs need to follow strict management laws to guard their non-profit status.	Since Sole Proprietorships have only one member, there is no management structure.
Tax Considerations
Pass-through taxes
	LLC members are taxed on their personal tax returns. The LLC itself is not taxed.	S-Corp shareholders are taxed on their personal tax returns. The company itself is not taxed.	C-Corps are taxed both at the corporate level and again on shareholders' individual returns.	Non-Profits are taxed on a corporate level but may also enjoy a host of tax-exempt benefits.	Sole Proprietorships are taxed only on their owner's tax return.
Double taxation
	Since LLCs can be a pass-through entity, owners are taxed on their personal income.	S-Corp shareholders are taxed personally. The S-Corp, however, is not.	C-Corp income is taxed at the corporate level first, then again at the personal level. This is called "double taxation."	Non-Profits are only taxed once and can write off most of their expenses.	Sole Proprietors are taxed only on their personal tax return.
Tax exemptions
	LLCs can claim deductions but not tax-exempt status.	S-Corps can claim deductions but not tax-exempt status.	C-Corporations are not tax-exempt entities	Not only are donations to Non-Profits tax-exempt, but NPOs can themselves apply for tax-exempt status.	Sole Proprietorships are the least official business entity and cannot claim tax exemption.
State government fees
Formation fees
	LLCs must pay state fees during the incorporation process. These fees are tax deductible.	S-Corps must pay state fees to legally incorporate. These fees are tax deductible.	C-Corps must pay state fees to become legally recognized. These fees are tax deductible.	Non-Profits pay state fees when they incorporate. These fees are tax deductible.	Since Sole Proprietorships aren't incorporated entities, they don't pay formation or compliance fees.
Compliance fees
	While LLCs have less compliance requirements than other entity types, there are reports and licenses that need to be filed and maintained.	S-Corps usually will need to file reports and pay compliance fees on an annual or semi-annual basis.	C-Corps generally must file reports with their state, as well as a host of other regulatory and compliance fees.	Non-Profits have more compliance responsibilities than other entities as they must continually preserve their tax-exempt status.	Sole Proprietors do not have ongoing compliance fees.
Need help? Talk to an incorporation specialist: (800) 518-8976	Create your LLC Start Now Start Now	Create your S-Corp Start Now Start Now	Create your C-Corp Start Now Start Now	Create your Non-Profit Start Now Start Now

Get Started On Your Incorporation

Incorporation isn't as difficult as most people think. With Rocket Lawyer, all you need to do is answer a few simple questions and we do the rest. That means we'll check to make sure your business name is available, file all your paperwork, store your documents online, and make sure you can access all the legal help you need.