Business Formation: LLCs & Corporations

Starting a small business? Learn about LLCs, business plans, financing, and more. Everything you need to start and run a smart, successful small business.

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Start Your Own Business: 50 Steps
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Articles & Information

Choose Your Business Structure Learn more

Learn About Business Ownership Structures
Before you decide how you want to structure your business, read what your options are.

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

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LLCs (Limited Liability Companies)Learn more

LLC Basics
Learn the main features of an LLC and why this type of business entity has become so popular.

How to Form an LLC
Find out what you need to do to form an LLC in any state -- everything from choosing a name to filing your articles of organization.

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Corporations Learn more

Corporation Basics
Learn the unique features of a corporation and what it takes to properly own and run a corporation.

How to Form a Corporation
A detailed overview of everything you need to do to form a corporation in any state

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Sole Proprietors Learn more

Sole Proprietorship Basics
Sole proprietorship is the simplest and often the best choice when you are starting out. Find out what it means to be a sole proprietor.

How Sole Proprietors Are Taxed
Learn about pass-through taxation and the unique tax issues for sole proprietors.

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Partnerships Learn more

Partnership Basics
Understand what it means to have a partnership and when this type of business structure might make sense.

Creating a Partnership Agreement
Make sure you cover these important topics in any partnership agreement you make.

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Name, Location & Licenses Learn more

Start Your Own Business: 50 Things You'll Need to Do
From insurance to accounting to taxes, learn what you need to do to start a business.

Licenses & Permits for Your Business
Articles and resources on federal, state, and local start-up requirements for small businesses.

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Running Your Business Learn More

Business Plans & Financing
Articles and information on how to write a winning business plan and other advice for start-up entrepreneurs.

Business Contracts
Learn all you need to know about contracts -- from Contracts 101 to negotiating the best terms.

Business Cash Flow & Bankruptcy
Learn how to minimize your losses and understand your options-- from strategies for keeping costs down to figuring out whether bankruptcy might be the right choice for your business.

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Resources & More from Nolo Learn more

State and Federal Small Business Resources
Links to federal and state small business resources, including Secretary of State offices, state tax agencies, and license and permit information.

Nolo's Small Business Legal Blog
Get helpful tips and insights on tax, law and financial issues affecting small business owners.

Legal Updates on Business Law
Get updates on changing laws that affect our articles and products.

Do-It-Yourself Business Books, Forms & Apps View more