{"id":4833,"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\/how-to-incorporate-a-business.html"},"modified":"2025-10-28T14:26:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T19:26:00","slug":"how-to-incorporate-a-business","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/incorporation-and-legal-structures\/how-to-incorporate-a-business.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Incorporate a Business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Incorporate a Business<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
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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

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Incorporating<\/span> a business involves registering it as a separate <\/span>legal entity<\/span>. This is done by filing articles of <\/span>incorporation<\/span> with the secretary of state<\/span> and following other corporate formalities to keep your corporation in good standing<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Starting a small business<\/span> can be exciting, but many business owners<\/span> are often confused about the types of\u00a0corporations<\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0the best way to legally structure their enterprise. Incorporating<\/span> can offer many benefits, including protecting personal assets<\/span> from business debts. Here\u2019s a simple guide to help entrepreneurs navigate the incorporation<\/span> process.<\/p>\n

As you plan how your business will grow, there are a number of\u00a0corporate structures<\/span> to consider<\/a>. While the process can be detailed and state-specific, this article outlines the general steps and considerations for\u00a0incorporation<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Need help with business formation?<\/strong> Our trusted partner LegalZoom makes it easy\u2014packages start at $0 + state filing fees.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

1. Choose a Business Name<\/span><\/h2>\n

When you\u00a0choose a name for your corporation<\/a>, you should be aware of the rules that your state follows when it comes to corporate names. Contact the\u00a0office in your state that deals with corporations<\/a>, usually the secretary of state<\/span>,\u00a0to find out these rules if you are not already familiar with them. The following rules are common to\u00a0many states:<\/p>\n