Corporation formation, for founders anywhere
Form your US corporation.
- From $19.99 + your state's fee
- Owners can live anywhere
Who forms a corporation
The structure investors expect: shares, a board and bylaws. We prepare your bylaws and first board resolutions in both packages.
A good fit if
- You plan to raise money from investors
- You want to give shares or stock options to your team
- You want a structure investors and acquirers recognise
- You're building a startup, in the US or from abroad
Need something a bit different? We form that too
- Taking the profits out yourself? An LLC's profits are taxed once instead of twice, and we form those too.
- US owners with steady profits? Your corporation can elect S corp tax status, and we file the election.
- A charitable or educational mission? We form nonprofit corporations too.
What a corporation costs
Three parts, all shown before you pay: the state's fee to form, the state's yearly fee, and our package.
State fees
Each state sets its own fee to form a corporation and its own yearly fee. Choose yours to see both. We pass them on at cost.
Our package
From $19.99
Filing, your company documents and first-year reminders.
The states founders compare most
State government fees only. Pick a state, or choose "Help me choose" in the order and we'll recommend one.
Packages
Core files your corporation with the documents it runs on. Complete adds rush processing, your registered agent, EIN and first annual report.
How it works
- Tell us about you and your corporationWhere you live, the state and the name you'd like. It takes a couple of minutes.
- We confirm the details with youWe check the name is free, confirm the state's fee and your share structure, then send a secure payment link.
- We file your corporationWithin 3 business days of your payment, or 1 with Complete, with updates at every step until the state approves it.
- Bylaws, EIN and remindersYour formation documents, bylaws and first board resolutions, your EIN if your package includes it, and a reminder before every state report.
If you live outside the US
Same corporation, a few extra steps. We handle each one with you.
- A registered agent in your state, included for the first year in Complete
- Your EIN by phone, fax or mail, without needing an ITIN
- Form 1120 to the IRS every year, plus Form 5472 if a foreign owner holds 25% or more
- Dividends paid to owners abroad are taxed at 30% unless a tax treaty lowers it
- Banking depends on where you live. We check this before you pay anything.
Questions people ask
Why do so many startups choose Delaware?
Investors and their lawyers know Delaware corporations well, and its corporate law and business court are well established. It isn't required: you can incorporate in any state, and a company that only works in one state often does better forming there. We incorporate in every state.
What's the difference between a C corp and an S corp?
Both are corporations under state law. The difference is federal tax: a C corporation pays its own corporate tax, while an S corp's profits pass to its owners, who must all be US citizens or residents. More about S corp status.
Can someone outside the US own a US corporation?
Yes. States don't restrict who can own shares. The corporation files Form 1120 with the IRS every year, plus Form 5472 if a foreign owner holds 25% or more.
How much is Delaware's franchise tax?
With 5,000 authorized shares or fewer, $175 plus the $50 annual report. Startups with millions of shares usually pay $400 using the other method, plus the $50 report. It's due March 1, with a $200 penalty if late.
Do I need bylaws?
Yes. Every corporation adopts bylaws, and they're kept by the company rather than filed with the state. Both our packages include them, with your first board resolutions.