Free Tools


More Resources
Free Newsletters
Free e-book with your subscription
Starting a Biz
Sales & Marketing
Growing a Biz
Tech/e-Business
Franchise News
Book Sampler
Home > Starting a Business > Startup Basics > Choosing a Business Structure

Choosing a Business Structure

Article Archive
Choosing a Business Structure
Learn what to take into consideration when deciding among corporations, LLCs, sole proprietorships, partnerships and other structures.

Business Partnerships for Entrepreneurial Women
When it comes to establishing and maintaining an effective partnership, it helps to factor in success, failure and life.

Choosing the Right Business Structure
LLC or S corporation? We'll help you figure out the differences.

ABCs of LLCs
Tax ramifications of forming an LLC

Limited Liability Company
Hybrid entity brings together some of the best features of partnerships and corporations.

Putting Inc. To Paper
How to incorporate? Follow these steps.

The Legal and Tax Implications of Nonprofit Corporations
If you decide to classify your business as a nonprofit, make sure you understand the legal and tax consequences.

Secretary of State and Commerce Websites
Ready to incorporation? Find the information you need at one of the following sites.

What Is a "Close Corporation"?
This corporate status allows you to operate less formally, but the restrictions on corporate shares may prove to be a burden.

Partnership 101
You can create a partnership based on an oral agreement, but it's much smarter to put it in writing.

LLC Basics
This hybrid entity brings together some of the best features of partnerships and corporations, and is a great choice for entrepreneurs who want to move beyond the sole proprietorship.

Taxing Matters
Mixing two business structures could be confusing.

S Corporation Basics
This type of corporation can be great for small businesses because it eliminates the double taxation of standard corporations.

Business Structure Basics
Choosing a structure for your business can be a confusing jumble of legalese and acronyms. But with this basic guide, you'll be able to select the structure that will serve your business best at tax time.

The Basics of Sole Proprietorships
Chances are, you're already running a sole proprietorship. Now, educate yourself on the pros and cons, the tax implications, and the legal liabilities to determine if you want to remain a sole proprietorship.

Incorporating Your Business
Is incorporation right for you? Find out with this comprehensive article on the ins and outs of forming a corporation.

Going It Alone
If you're flying solo, this form of business may be the best way to go.

Creating a Fair--and Successful--Partnership
What's the best way to divvy up your company among partners? There's no easy answer.

Time to Incorporate?
Then you may want to hire an incorporation service. Find out what to look for here.

Starting a U.S. Business
When you're not a U.S. citizen, how do you start a business in the United States?

S Corporations Vs. LLCs
The pros and cons of each business form

The Basics of Incorporating
The paperwork—and costs—involved with registering a company

Howdy, Partner
Don't buddy up without a partnership agreement.

Incorporating Your Business
First things first: Know where you're doing business.

Crafting a Shareholder's Agreement
Protect yourself and your fledgling business with this crucial contract.

Form Follows Function
Not sure if you should incorporate? Our Start-Up Legal Expert weighs the pros and cons.

LLC 101
Trying to decide what the right legal form is for your start-up? Our Start-Up Legal Expert takes you through the steps of finding out.

Corporate Office
Thinking about incorporating? Our Start-Up Legal Expert gives you a few reasons why you should.

Starting a Nonprofit Business
If you have a passion for a cause, starting a nonprofit could be for you.


Related Products
Ultimate Book on Forming Corporations, LLCs, Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships
Proven insider tips and insights from an experienced attorney that are too expensive to learn the hard way.

The Essential Corporation Handbook, 4th Edition
All the essential information on keeping your corporation (or LLC) in legal compliance. Comes with CD-ROM!