Forming a Corporation

To find out what you need to do to form a corporation in your state, choose your state from the list below. You'll find all the specifics and information you need, including links to forms, government agencies, and other helpful resources for forming a corporation in your state. While not difficult, there are certain steps you must take and certain documents you must file to form a corporation. Make sure you know what's required in your state before you begin the process of forming a corporation.

To form your own corporation, you must take these essential steps.

You can incorporate your business in the same state where you live and provide services, or you can incorporate out of state.

Consider all of the costs to start a business, including incorporation filing fees, taxes, operating expenses, and more.

Find out if your business needs an EIN and how to get one.

Learn what is generally required in this simple yet important corporate formation document.

It may sound like a good deal but learn why incorporating in your true home state usually makes the most sense.

Empower Yourself: DIY Products by Nolo

Sidestep the lawyers with do-it-yourself books, documents, and software.

Manage the legal and tax affairs of your LLC with this set of books. Form and operate your LLC with Nolo's LLC Handbook. Understand LLC taxation with Tax Saavy for Small Business.
Use this pair of Nolo’s bestselling business books to answer your routine legal questions and guide you in filling out the forms, documents, and contracts needed to run your day-to-day operations.
Our form provides everything you need to establish the internal rules of your limited liability company.
Building Your Business is Expensive. Launching Your LLC Shouldn't Be.

Nolo offers hundreds of consumer-friendly, do-it-yourself legal products for all types of legal situations. Browse our full product list.

More Legal Issues

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Learn About Our Team

Our editors have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. These professionals have worked in a wide range of legal areas, from estate planning to criminal law to business formation and beyond. They’re experts at explaining complicated legal issues in easy-to-understand terms.

Learn more about the team that manages Nolo’s articles, books, and DIY tools.

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