Founder

Form your business, the right way.

Go from idea to officially formed in days, not weeks. Founder's AI walks you through every step for your state.

Build my personalized plan Compare states for meBrowse business guides

Choose a structure

LLC

Best for: Most small businesses & solo founders

  • + Limited liability
  • + Pass-through taxes
  • + Flexible
  • – Self-employment tax on full profit
  • – Some states have annual fees

S-Corp

Best for: Profitable LLCs ($60k+ net)

  • + Save on self-employment tax
  • + Pass-through taxes
  • – Payroll required
  • – More paperwork

C-Corp

Best for: Startups raising VC

  • + Best for outside investors
  • + Stock options
  • – Double taxation
  • – More compliance

Sole Prop

Best for: Side hustles & testing

  • + Free, instant
  • + Simple taxes
  • – No liability protection
  • – Personal assets at risk

The 8-step formation roadmap

  1. 01

    Pick a structure

    LLC for liability + flexibility, S-Corp to save on self-employment tax once profitable, C-Corp for outside investors, Sole Prop for the simplest start.

  2. 02

    Choose a state

    Most founders form in their home state. Delaware/Wyoming only make sense in specific cases.

  3. 03

    Reserve a name

    Search your state's business registry. Make sure the .com is available too.

  4. 04

    File formation docs

    File Articles of Organization (LLC) or Incorporation (Corp) with the state. Pay the filing fee.

  5. 05

    Appoint a registered agent

    A person/service that accepts legal mail on your behalf in the state of formation.

  6. 06

    Get an EIN from the IRS

    Free, takes 10 minutes online. Required for taxes, banking, and hiring.

  7. 07

    Operating Agreement / Bylaws

    Internal rules for ownership, decisions, profit splits. Required by some states; smart for all.

  8. 08

    File BOI with FinCEN

    Beneficial Ownership Information report — required for most US entities. Don't skip it.