{"id":4813,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:45","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/choosing-a-legal-structure.html"},"modified":"2025-10-29T12:18:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T17:18:00","slug":"choosing-a-legal-structure","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/choosing-a-legal-structure.html","title":{"rendered":"Choosing a Legal Structure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30  wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-section-main fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Choosing a Legal Structure<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/catherine-hodder-esq\/\">Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            October 29, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-editorial-note fl-text-sm\">\n            <p>Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p>One of the most important choices you will make when forming your <span data-term-id=\"54221851\">new business<\/span> is which <span data-term-id=\"54221839\">legal structure<\/span> to choose from. <span data-term-id=\"54221858\">Common <\/span><span data-term-id=\"54221819\">business structures<\/span> include <span data-term-id=\"54221818\">sole proprietorships<\/span>, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The <span data-term-id=\"54221860\">type of <\/span><span data-term-id=\"54221835\">business<\/span><span data-term-id=\"54221835\"> entity<\/span> you choose will depend on several factors such as liability, taxation and <span data-term-id=\"54221875\">record keeping<\/span>. The key is to find the <span data-term-id=\"54221859\">best structure<\/span> for your organization.<\/p>\n<p>The following resources will help new <span data-term-id=\"54221857\">small <\/span><span data-term-id=\"54221833\">business<\/span><span data-term-id=\"54221857\"> owners<\/span> decide which <span data-term-id=\"54221839\">legal structure<\/span> is best for their business.<\/p>\n<p>These links give detailed information about each <span data-term-id=\"54221819\">business structure<\/span>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/what-is-a-corporation-.html\">Corporation<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/llcs.html\"><span data-term-id=\"54221822\">Limited-liability company<\/span> (LLC)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/llcs-vs--llps.html\"><span data-term-id=\"54221834\">Limited-liability partnership<\/span> (<span data-term-id=\"54221840\">LLP<\/span>)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/partnership-rules-and-faqs.html\">Limited partnerships (LP)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/general-partnership.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-term-id=\"54221824\">General partnership<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This article compares the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/benefits-and-drawbacks-of-different-types-of-business-entities.html\">pros and cons of each <span data-term-id=\"54221819\">business structure<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Need help with business formation? <a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/business-formation.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Our trusted partner LegalZoom makes it easy\u2014packages start at $0 + state filing fees.<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Consider Limiting Liability for Business Debts<\/h2>\n<p>No <span data-term-id=\"54221833\">business owner<\/span> wants to be personally liable for the <span data-term-id=\"54221871\">business\u2019s debts<\/span> or pay out-of-pocket for a judgment against the organization. The <span data-term-id=\"54221832\">type of <\/span><span data-term-id=\"54221819\">business<\/span><span data-term-id=\"54221832\"> structure<\/span> you choose will significantly impact your <span data-term-id=\"54221823\">personal liability<\/span>. There are a number of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/what-is-a-business-entity-.html\"><span data-term-id=\"54221835\">business entities<\/span><\/a>\u00a0available to help shield you, such as:<\/p>\n<p>Consider avoiding the <span data-term-id=\"54221818\">sole proprietorship<\/span> model if you want maximum asset and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/what-to-expect-business-liability.html\"><span data-term-id=\"54221846\">liability protection<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/sole-proprietorships.html\"><span data-term-id=\"54221856\">Sole proprietors<\/span><\/a>\u00a0benefit from the easy setup and freedom of being self-employed, but there is risk involved. There\u2019s no legal or tax separation between you and your business in a <span data-term-id=\"54221818\">sole proprietorship<\/span>. If someone sues your business, they can come after your <span data-term-id=\"54221827\">personal assets<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h2>Other Considerations When Choosing a <span data-term-id=\"54221819\">Business Structure<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The most important thing to consider is making sure your particular business model qualifies for your proposed <span data-term-id=\"54221819\">business structure<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>For example, a corporation may be beneficial for a company to raise capital by issuing stock. A <span data-term-id=\"54221856\">sole proprietor<\/span> may be better served by forming a <a rel=\"sponsored noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/legalzoomcominc.pxf.io\/c\/4851649\/2115288\/26746?subId1=choosing-a-legal-structure%20wct2509242056388oelt&amp;auto-aff-llc\" target=\"_blank\"><span data-term-id=\"54221822\">limited liability company<\/span><\/a> (LLC) which has the advantages of protecting <span data-term-id=\"54221827\">personal assets<\/span> like a corporation and pass-through taxation, similar to a partnership.<\/p>\n<p>Consider what regulations and reporting requirements you will have to follow depending on the structure you choose.<\/p>\n<h2>Drafting and Filing Documents When Forming a <span data-term-id=\"54221835\">Business Entity<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Creating a <span data-term-id=\"54221835\">business entity<\/span> requires you to take several important steps depending on your state. If you are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/how-to-incorporate-a-business.html\">forming a corporation<\/a>, you file articles of incorporation with the secretary of state. If you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/forming-an-llc.html\">create an LLC<\/a>, you file articles of organization. If you are forming a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/types-of-partnerships.html\">limited partnership or <span data-term-id=\"54221834\">limited liability partnership<\/span><\/a>, you file with the state to register those entities.<\/p>\n<h2>Business Forms and <span data-term-id=\"54221844\">Federal Tax<\/span> Planning<\/h2>\n<p>Making the decision to start your own business is a huge endeavor. Tax planning and preparation is key to minimizing tax liability for your <span data-term-id=\"54221826\">small business<\/span>. Be sure to research U.S. tax codes, in addition to paying attention to changing tax laws each year.<\/p>\n<p>How you choose to structure your business at the outset can have lasting implications for the future and affect your profit margin. For example, <span data-term-id=\"54221818\">sole proprietorships<\/span> do not file separate <span data-term-id=\"54221876\">corporate <\/span><span data-term-id=\"54221821\">tax<\/span><span data-term-id=\"54221821\"> returns<\/span> with the <span data-term-id=\"54221828\">IRS<\/span>. Instead, any business income or losses \u201cpass through\u201d to the owner\u2019s <span data-term-id=\"54221845\">personal <\/span><span data-term-id=\"54221863\">income<\/span> <span data-term-id=\"54221821\">tax<\/span><span data-term-id=\"54221863\"> returns<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, <span data-term-id=\"54221831\">C-Corporations<\/span> (<span data-term-id=\"54221837\">c-corps<\/span>) are subject to \u201c<span data-term-id=\"54221829\">double taxation<\/span>.\u201d Corporate profits are taxed on the corporate level and then again when they are distributed to the shareholders. By forming an LLC, which is a <span data-term-id=\"54221850\">pass-through entity<\/span>, the profits pass through to the individual owner\u2019s <span data-term-id=\"54221849\">personal <\/span><span data-term-id=\"54221821\">tax returns<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h2>Seeking Out a Business Attorney<\/h2>\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-organizations\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local attorney experienced in business organization<\/a> can help you choose the <span data-term-id=\"54221853\">right <\/span><span data-term-id=\"54221819\">business structure<\/span> for your <span data-term-id=\"54221862\">startup<\/span>.\u00a0Additionally, they can help with the more challenging aspects of <span data-term-id=\"54221826\">small business<\/span> formation, such as drafting and filing documents and helping your business comply with legal requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\" fl-section-sidebar  \"><div class=\"generalCard\">\n            <div class=\"disclaimer--newLegalZoom general-card--newLegalZoom__disclaimer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p>FindLaw will earn a commission if you purchase business formation products through these affiliate links.<\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card general-card--newLegalZoom\">\n        <div class=\"general-card__header\">\n            <div class=\"general-card__header-image-container\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"general-card__header-image--newLegalZoomText\"\n                     src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/ability-law\/resources\/images\/legal-zoom\/legal_zoom_text.png\"\n                     alt=\"\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"general-card__header-image--newLegalZoom\"\n                     src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/ability-law\/resources\/images\/legal-zoom\/legal_zoom.png\"\n                     alt=\"\">\n            <\/div>\n            <span class=\"general-card__header-title fl-text\"><p>Meet FindLaw&#8217;s <b>trusted partner LegalZoom<\/b>, an industry leader in online business formations<\/p>\n<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card__body\">\n            <div class=\"text section\">\n                <div class=\"cmp-text\">\n                    <h2 class=\"general-card__h2--newLegalZoom fl-h3-landing\">Kickstart your business in minutes!<\/h2>\n                    <div>\n                        <p>Join the millions who launched their businesses with LegalZoom.<\/p>\n<p><b>Plans start at $0 + state fees.<\/b><\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"general-card__footer\">\n            <a class=\"general-card__footer-link fl-text-lg diy-biz-affiliate\" data-cta-url=\"legalzoom.com\" data-cta=\"Biz LZ - LATL ESum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/business-formation.html\">\n                <p class=\"general-card__footer-link-text fl-no-margin fl-text-lg-medium\">Get started<\/p>\n                <i class=\"general-card__footer-link-icon fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"general-card--newLegalZoom__bottom\">\n        <p>Prefer to work with a lawyer?<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-organizations\/?fli=latl_biz:dir:lz_esum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find one right now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business.html\">\n                        Starting a Business\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-taxes.html\">\n                        Business Tax Law\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/closing-a-business.html\">\n                        Closing a Business\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-organizations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business Organization Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/mergers-acquisitions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Mergers &#038; Acquisitions Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/antitrust-trade-regulation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Antitrust Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/banking-finance-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Banking &#038; Finance Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/franchising\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Franchising Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/business-commercial-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business &#038; Commercial Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/employment-law-employer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Employment Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Choosing a legal structure (also called a business ownership structure or business form) is one of the first things an entrepreneur does when starting a business.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":4798,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2],"tags":[9],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-4813","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-smallbusiness","tag-aff-llc"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4813","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4813"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4813\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":401293,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4813\/revisions\/401293"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4798"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4813"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4813"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4813"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=4813"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=4813"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}