Form a C Corporation or S Corporation in Any US State: Articles of Incorporation, EIN, and Bylaws
Quick Answer
A C Corporation is the default corporate structure in the US. It allows unlimited shareholders, multiple stock classes, and is preferred for venture-backed startups and businesses planning to raise capital. An S Corporation is a C-Corp that has elected pass-through taxation via IRS Form 2553, avoiding double taxation but limited to 100 shareholders who must be US citizens or residents. Most small businesses choose an S-Corp for tax savings. Most venture-backed startups choose a C-Corp for investor flexibility. Brendat handles both across all 50 states starting at $0.
Whether you are forming a C-Corp for investor funding or electing S-Corp status for pass-through taxation, Brendat handles Articles of Incorporation, EIN, bylaws, and corporate kit in all 50 states.
Why Choose Brendat for Corporation Formation?
US-Specific Expertise
Get your corporation formed right the first time with specialists who know US state requirements inside out.
S-Corp Election Assistance
Easily set up and file your S-Corp election without confusing IRS paperwork.
Fast Turnaround
Form your corporation quickly, with expedited service when you need it done fast.
Full Compliance Support
We ensure your corporate filings meet all Secretary of State requirements.
100% Accurate Filing Guarantee
We're committed to the highest quality and accuracy. Whether you're launching your first venture or expanding your portfolio, we'll help you start strong and protect your future.
What Is a Corporation? C-Corp and S-Corp Explained
A corporation is a legal entity that exists separately from its owners, providing strong liability protection and a professional business structure. In the US, corporations are a popular choice for entrepreneurs, professional firms, and investment groups looking to operate at scale while safeguarding personal assets.
Whether you're considering US corporation formation, an S-Corp, or a C-Corp, this structure allows you to issue shares, attract investors, and establish long-term credibility in the marketplace.
Start My Corporation
C Corp Formation in the US
Professional corporate structure
Benefits of Forming a Corporation
Corporations offer robust legal protection, strong credibility, and built-in structures for future growth. They're ideal for startups, investors, and businesses planning to scale.
Separate Legal Entity
A corporation is legally distinct from its owners, offering strong liability protection.
Attract Investors & Issue Shares
Corporations can raise capital by selling shares; an ideal choice for growth-oriented startups.
Structure & Scalability
With bylaws, shareholder meetings, and clear roles, corporations are built to scale and operate professionally.
S-Corp & C-Corp Tax Options
Choose C-Corp for reinvestment and growth, or elect S-Corp status to enjoy pass-through taxation (if eligible).
Corporation Formation: When Expert Guidance Matters
Corporations come with more formalities than LLCs, but that's what makes them powerful. Expert guidance can protect you from costly missteps and help structure your business for the long run.
Our Professional plan connects you with our compliance team to help you:
- Choose between C-Corp and S-Corp formation
- Draft custom bylaws and shareholder agreements
- Set up founder equity and investor shares
- Prepare your corporate governance documents
- Maintain IRS and Secretary of State compliance
Corporate Formation Services
Corporate Formation Requirements
When starting a corporation in the US, certain legal and procedural steps are essential to stay compliant. These often include:
- Creating corporate bylaws
- Conducting annual shareholder meetings
- Documenting major decisions through written corporate resolutions
- Submitting annual reports to the state
Our corporation formation services make the process smooth and efficient, providing everything you need to set up your corporation correctly.
Customize My PackageC Corp vs S Corp: Key Differences, Tax Treatment, and When to Choose Each
Choosing between a C-Corp and an S-Corp is one of the most important decisions you'll make when starting your business. While both offer liability protection and a formal corporate structure, they differ in how they're taxed, how profits are distributed, and the rules for shareholders. Use the S-Corp tax savings calculator to compare which structure may fit your situation.
S Corporation
Pass-Through Tax Advantage
Profits and losses go directly to shareholders’ personal tax returns.
Designed for Small Business Agility
Small to mid-sized US businesses that meet shareholder limits.
US Shareholders Only
Limited to US citizens/residents, max 100 shareholders allowed.
Single Stock Class Restriction
Only one class of stock permitted.
Requires S-Corp Election
Must file IRS Form 2553 election to elect S-Corp status.
C Corporation
Double Taxation Model
Corporate profits are taxed at the company level, plus shareholders pay taxes on dividends (double taxation).
Built for High-Growth Enterprises
High-growth companies, venture-backed startups, or businesses preparing for IPO.
Open to Global Investors
No restrictions on the number, type, or nationality of shareholders.
Multiple Stock Classes Allowed
Can issue multiple classes of stock with varying rights and privileges.
Default Corporate Structure
No special IRS election needed. This is the default corporation type.
Not Sure Which Entity to Choose?
Get Help Choosing My Corporation TypeHow Much Does It Cost to Form a Corporation?
State filing fees for Articles of Incorporation range from $50 (Kentucky, Montana) to $500 (Massachusetts). Delaware is $89 and is the most popular state for startups. California charges $100 plus an $800 minimum franchise tax annually. Add Brendat's service fee starting at $0 (Basic) or $150 (Standard). Annual report fees for corporations follow the same state schedules as LLCs. S-Corp election via IRS Form 2553 is free to file. Total first-year cost for most corporations: $150 to $500 depending on state. Compare with the LLC cost calculator.
How Brendat's Corporation Formation Process Works
Tell Us About Your Corporation
Choose between C-Corp and S-Corp. Our formation specialists guide you through what works best for your business goals.
We File Your Articles of Incorporation
Our filing team prepares and files your Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State.
Get Your EIN & Corporate Kit
Includes your federal tax ID, bylaws, share certificates, and initial resolutions.
Stay Compliant Year After Year
Annual reports, franchise tax filings, and ongoing legal compliance are handled for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basic steps for US corporation formation?
Choose a name, appoint a registered agent, file your Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State, create bylaws, and apply for an EIN.
What are corporate formation documents?
Corporate formation documents include the Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, initial resolutions, stock certificates, and the EIN application.
What’s the difference between C-Corp and S-Corp formation?
A C-Corp is the default corporate structure with double taxation, while an S-Corp requires an IRS election (Form 2553) and offers pass-through taxation. S-Corps have restrictions on shareholder count and types.
Do I need a professional to form a corporation?
No. You can form a corporation without professional help by filing Articles of Incorporation directly with your state Secretary of State. However, corporations have more formalities than LLCs: bylaws, shareholder agreements, initial resolutions, and stock issuance all need to be done correctly. Brendat's Standard and Premium packages handle every document so you launch with a properly structured corporation from day one. While not legally required, working with a formation specialist can help you navigate complex requirements like bylaws, shareholder agreements, and tax elections. Brendat's Professional package includes full compliance support.
Can I convert my LLC to a C-Corp later?
Yes, it's possible to convert your LLC to a corporation. The process involves filing new formation documents and potentially restructuring ownership. Our formation team can guide you through the conversion. If a corporation is not the right fit, you can form an LLC instead.
How fast can I get my corporation formed?
Standard processing takes a few business days to a few weeks depending on the state. Expedited options are available for faster turnaround.
Our Reviews
What our customers are saying?
"Filed a C-Corp for our startup. Brendat prepared the Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, and share certificates. Clean process, no surprises on pricing."
Michael T.
Startup Founder, Delaware
"Switched from LLC to S-Corp. Brendat handled the IRS Form 2553 election alongside the Articles of Incorporation. Took about a week total."
Jennifer R.
Small Business Owner, Texas
"Needed a C-Corp to raise a seed round. Brendat sorted the corporate kit fast. Investors appreciated that everything was properly documented from day one."
Aaron K.
Tech Startup, California
Start Your Corporation Today
Choose your entity type and state to begin the formation process.
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