Discover Which Business Entity Is Best For You

Not sure of the best type of entity for your new business? Our team of experts have created this ‘help me choose business entity’ tool to help you discover the best choice for you in just a few minutes.

  • (i.e., Common shares of stock and preferred shares of stock)

LLC, C Corporation and S Corporation Information

Learn more about advantages & disadvantages of each entity type.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

LLC

Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a business structure which combines many benefits of a sole proprietorship or partnership with the limited liability of a corporation.

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Corporation

C Corporation

Corporation is an entity for companies with complex operations, numerous shareholders, or businesses planning to sell stock on the public stock exchanges.

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S Corporation

S Corporation

S corporation is an entity that provides owners with limited liability while also allowing the shareholders to pass company income through their personal tax returns.

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LLC, C-Corporation, or S-Corporation?

Compare and choose the right entity for your new business.

 

LLCC-CorporationS-CorporationPartnership
DefinitionCombines elements of a corporation and a partnership.Separate legal entity with legal rights and liabilities that are different from shareholders (owners).Separate legal entity with legal rights and liabilities that are different from shareholders but that offers tax advantages by the IRS.Two or more people owning and operation the business preferably with a partnership agreement.
Number of OwnersNo limitNo limit on shareholder100No limit
How to StartState regulated and Articles of Organization and required tax numbers.State regulated. Need Articles of Incorporations, bylaws and tax numbers.State regulated. Need Articles of incorporations, bylaws and tax numbers.Should have an agreement and required tax numbers.
Management ControlRests with management committee (owners or those shareholders).Rest with the board of directors appointed by the shareholders.Shared by owners shareholders.Shared by general partners according to partnership agreement.
TaxationTaxes can be assessed several ways based on the structure of the company but is taxed once.Profit is taxed to the corporation and then dividends to owners are taxed again.Profits from the company are taxed once. Profits are split among owners.Profits from the company are taxed once. Profits are split among partners based on partnership agreement.
Personal LiabilityLiability limited to corporation assets unless a personal guarantee is signed.Liability limited to corporation assets unless a personal guarantee is signed.Liability limited to corporation assets unless a personal guarantee is signed.General partnership personal assets are at risk, limited partnership.
Transfer of OwnershipYesYesYesBased in partnership.