{"id":5556,"date":"2021-09-20T15:36:23","date_gmt":"2021-09-20T20:36:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/what-is-a-corporation.html"},"modified":"2026-06-17T14:39:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T19:39:00","slug":"what-is-a-corporation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/what-is-a-corporation.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Corporation?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is a Corporation?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Acacia Wilson, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\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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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A corporation is a legal entity formed by business owners to establish a distinct structure that separates personal assets from business liabilities. This structure grants shareholders limited liability protection, shielding their personal wealth from corporate debts, lawsuits, and financial obligations. Beyond liability defense, corporations can issue stock to raise capital, endure permanently beyond the lifespan of their founders, and offer distinct corporate tax advantages or structures like C-corps and S-corps.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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A corporation is a legal entity<\/span> formed by a business owner<\/span>. If you\u2019re considering starting up a business, you might be wondering what type of business entity<\/span> is right for you. Forming a corporation<\/span> is one option that can provide some benefits with taxes and personal liability<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Form your corporation with confidence with\u00a0our trusted partner LegalZoom.<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n