A corporation is a form of business ownership that helps prevent personal liability for business debts. Here you can learn how to create a corporation, how a C corporation and an S corporation are taxed, and how to keep corporate minutes and records to preserve your business's corporate status.
Nolo has books, forms, and online applications that can help you create your business. For a complete list of Nolo's small business products, see the Small Business Products page.
Find out what it means to be a corporation--from limited liability to corporate formalities.
Learn the benefits and drawbacks of corporate taxation.
Fiduciary Responsibility and Corporations
Officers, directors, and sometime stockholders, have fiduciary duties, or obligations of trust.
Par value -- an antiquated legal and accounting concept -- is still mandated by the corporation laws of some states.
How Much Does It Cost to Incorporate Your Business?
Consider all of the costs to start a business, including incorporation filing fees, taxes, operating expenses, and more.
S corporations remain an attractive alternative depending on what you want from your business entity.
What Is a Professional Corporation?
Articles and information on professional corporations--a unique business entity required for certain licensed professionals.
What is a Benefit Corporation?
Benefit corporations have a mission beyond making a profit.
Steps in Declaring a Cash Dividend to Stockholders
Do you want to know what cash dividends are and how to pay them to your stockholders?
How to Start a Corporation in 7 Steps
If you've sorted through the many types of business structures and decided to start a corporation, you're
Where to Incorporate Your Business
You can incorporate your business in the same state where you live and provide services, or you can incorporate out of state.
S Corporation Shareholders and Taxes
Here’s a quick look at the basic steps for a shareholder to report and pay taxes on S corporation income.
Five Questions to Ask Before Forming an S Corporation
Thinking of forming an S Corporation? Here's what you need to consider first.
Questions Do I need to worry about securities laws when I issue stock in my corporation? What is "limited liability" and why is it important? How are corporations different from partnerships, sole proprietorships, and LLCs? Who should form a corporation? How do I form a corporation? Does running a corporation
How do I serve a corporation that has no agent?
I'm planning on filing a lawsuit against an out-of-state corporation that owns retail locations in California. I was instructed to serve its agent for service, but the company does not have one. How can I properly serve the business -- and is it legal for it to continue doing business in California without having an agent?
Shareholder Buyout Agreements for Corporations
Buyout, or buy-sell, agreements are often overlooked, even by shareholders who have diligently filed their articles of incorporation and adopted their corporate bylaws.
Learn the basic steps for dissolving a corporation in your state.
You've decided to wind down your business, but you need to take care of several important steps to limit your liability for lawsuits and government fees.