Starting a business is exciting. However, the structure you choose on day one affects taxes, liability and investment for years. An LLC formation attorney helps you choose the right entity and put the right agreements in place.
Filing articles with the state takes minutes. In contrast, the decisions behind them deserve real thought. For example, how will owners share profits? What happens if a partner leaves? Who decides on major issues? Therefore, the paperwork that comes after formation often matters most.
This guide compares LLCs and corporations, explains multi-member LLC agreements and startup structuring, and shows what flat-fee formation includes.
LLC vs. corporation
Both LLCs and corporations protect owners from personal liability for business debts. However, they differ in taxes, flexibility and fundraising.
An LLC is flexible. By default, a single-member LLC is taxed like a sole proprietorship, and a multi-member LLC like a partnership. Moreover, an LLC can elect S corporation tax treatment if eligible. As a result, many small businesses choose LLCs.
A corporation is more formal. It has shareholders, directors and officers. C corporations are standard for startups seeking venture capital. Consequently, many founders incorporate in Delaware for its well-developed corporate law. Our corporation formation service sets up C and S corporations.
Multi-member LLC operating agreements
A multi-member LLC needs a strong operating agreement. Without one, state default rules apply, and they may not match your deal. Therefore, the operating agreement is the most important document after formation.
It should cover ownership percentages, capital contributions and profit distributions. In addition, it should set voting rules and management structure. Furthermore, it should explain what happens if a member wants to leave, dies or becomes disabled.
Our LLC Operating Agreement service starts at $79. Meanwhile, our LLC Formation service starts at $99 and covers the articles, registered agent guidance and EIN instructions.
Startup structuring and founders
Startups face extra questions. For instance, how is equity split among founders? Does equity vest over time? Who owns the intellectual property created before formation?
A founder agreement answers these questions early. Typically, founder shares vest over several years, which protects the company if a founder leaves. Moreover, all founders should assign relevant intellectual property to the company.
For corporations, corporate bylaws set governance rules, and a shareholders' agreement covers transfers, voting and exits.
Buy-sell agreements
Every multi-owner business should plan for exits. A buy-sell agreement sets out what happens when an owner dies, retires, divorces or wants out. It also sets how shares are valued and funded.
Without one, the business can end up with unexpected co-owners, such as an ex-spouse or heirs. Consequently, a buy-sell agreement protects both the business and the families involved.
After formation: staying compliant
Formation is only the start. Most states require annual reports and fees. Similarly, corporations must hold meetings and keep minutes. If you operate in other states, you may need to register there.
Reporting rules also change. For example, federal beneficial ownership reporting rules were narrowed in 2025 to focus on foreign companies. Therefore, confirm current requirements each year. Our guide to corporate compliance and general counsel services covers ongoing obligations.
Our Business Formation services in the USA
Every service below has a fixed price, is prepared by a qualified attorney and is delivered online — wherever you are in the USA. Additionally, you can upload evidence, message your attorney and track progress from your secure client dashboard.
LLC Formation Documents in the USA
Articles of organization, EIN guidance and initial resolutions (state fees extra).
Moreover, it is usually ready in 3 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order LLC Formation Documents — from $99 See what's included →
LLC Operating Agreement in the USA
Single- or multi-member operating agreement.
Moreover, it is usually ready in 3 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order LLC Operating Agreement — from $79 See what's included →
Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) in the USA
Formation of your corporation: articles of incorporation, bylaws, initial resolutions, share issuance and S-election guidance.
It includes prepared by our US legal team for your state, based on your questionnaire answers and documents, word and PDF, ready to sign, send or file. Moreover, it is usually ready in 5 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Corporation Formation (C-Corp / S-Corp) — $999 See what's included →
Corporate Bylaws & Resolutions in the USA
Bylaws, initial board resolutions and stock issuance records.
Moreover, it is usually ready in 3 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Corporate Bylaws & Resolutions — from $79 See what's included →
Shareholders Agreement in the USA
Transfer restrictions, buy-sell, drag/tag and deadlock provisions.
Moreover, it is usually ready in 7 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Shareholders Agreement — from $149 See what's included →
Founder Agreement in the USA
An agreement between co-founders covering equity, vesting, roles, IP ownership and what happens if a founder leaves.
It includes prepared by our US legal team for your state, based on your questionnaire answers and documents, word and PDF, ready to sign, send or file. Moreover, it is usually ready in 5 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Buy-Sell Agreement in the USA
A buy-sell agreement setting what happens to an owner's share on death, disability, divorce or exit — and how it is valued.
It includes prepared by our US legal team for your state, based on your questionnaire answers and documents, word and PDF, ready to sign, send or file. Moreover, it is usually ready in 7 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Business Formation services near you — every state we cover
Because everything is handled online, it makes no difference where you live. Nevertheless, the law does change from state to state, so every document is prepared for your local rules. Here are some of the places our clients come from most often.
Business Formation help in California
We prepare business formation documents for California law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Los Angeles (near the Stanley Mosk Courthouse downtown), San Diego (near the Hall of Justice on West Broadway), San Francisco (near the Civic Center courthouse on McAllister Street). For example, see LLC Formation Documents in Los Angeles, LLC Formation Documents in San Diego, LLC Formation Documents in San Francisco. Similarly, see LLC Operating Agreement in California.
Business Formation help in Texas
We prepare business formation documents for Texas law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Houston (near the Harris County Civil Courthouse), Dallas (near the George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building), San Antonio (near the Bexar County Courthouse), Austin (near the Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility). For example, see LLC Formation Documents in Houston, LLC Formation Documents in Dallas, LLC Formation Documents in San Antonio, LLC Formation Documents in Austin. Similarly, see LLC Operating Agreement in Texas.
Business Formation help in Florida
We prepare business formation documents for Florida law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Miami (near the Miami-Dade County Courthouse on West Flagler Street), Orlando (near the Orange County Courthouse), Tampa (near the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse). For example, see LLC Formation Documents in Miami, LLC Formation Documents in Orlando, LLC Formation Documents in Tampa. Similarly, see LLC Operating Agreement in Florida.
Business Formation help in New York
We prepare business formation documents for New York law and local court practice. Clients come to us from New York City (near the New York County Courthouse at 60 Centre Street and the immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza), Brooklyn (near the Kings County Supreme Court on Adams Street). For example, see LLC Formation Documents in New York City, LLC Formation Documents in Brooklyn. Similarly, see LLC Operating Agreement in New York.
Business Formation help in Illinois
We prepare business formation documents for Illinois law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Chicago (near the Richard J. Daley Center). For example, see LLC Formation Documents in Chicago. Similarly, see LLC Operating Agreement in Illinois.
Business Formation help in Georgia
We prepare business formation documents for Georgia law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Atlanta (near the Fulton County Courthouse). For example, see LLC Formation Documents in Atlanta. Similarly, see LLC Operating Agreement in Georgia.
Business Formation help in Arizona
We prepare business formation documents for Arizona law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Phoenix (near the Maricopa County Superior Court). For example, see LLC Formation Documents in Phoenix. Similarly, see LLC Operating Agreement in Arizona.
Business Formation help in Pennsylvania
We prepare business formation documents for Pennsylvania law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Philadelphia (near City Hall, home of the Court of Common Pleas). For example, see LLC Formation Documents in Philadelphia. Similarly, see LLC Operating Agreement in Pennsylvania.
Business Formation help in Washington
We prepare business formation documents for Washington law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Seattle (near the King County Courthouse). For example, see LLC Formation Documents in Seattle. Similarly, see LLC Operating Agreement in Washington.
Business Formation help in Colorado
We prepare business formation documents for Colorado law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Denver (near the Denver City and County Building). For example, see LLC Formation Documents in Denver. Similarly, see LLC Operating Agreement in Colorado.
Business Formation help in Massachusetts
We prepare business formation documents for Massachusetts law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Boston (near the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse). For example, see LLC Formation Documents in Boston. Similarly, see LLC Operating Agreement in Massachusetts.
Business Formation help in Nevada
We prepare business formation documents for Nevada law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Las Vegas (near the Regional Justice Center). For example, see LLC Formation Documents in Las Vegas. Similarly, see LLC Operating Agreement in Nevada.
Business Formation help in New Jersey
We prepare business formation documents for New Jersey law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Newark (near the Essex County Hall of Records). For example, see LLC Formation Documents in Newark. Similarly, see LLC Operating Agreement in New Jersey.
Business Formation help in North Carolina
We prepare business formation documents for North Carolina law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Charlotte (near the Mecklenburg County Courthouse). For example, see LLC Formation Documents in Charlotte. Similarly, see LLC Operating Agreement in North Carolina.
We also help clients in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. See every location we cover.
LLC Formation Documents in every state
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Frequently asked questions
Should I form an LLC or a corporation?
An LLC suits most small businesses for its flexibility and simple taxes. A C corporation is usually better if you plan to raise venture capital.
How much does it cost to form an LLC?
Our attorney-prepared LLC formation starts at $99, plus your state's filing fee. An operating agreement starts at $79.
Does a single-member LLC need an operating agreement?
It is strongly recommended. It helps prove the LLC is separate from you, which supports liability protection, and banks often ask for one.
What is a buy-sell agreement?
An agreement between business owners setting what happens to an owner's share on death, disability, divorce or departure, including valuation and payment.
Do you form businesses in every state?
Yes. We form LLCs and corporations and draft governing agreements for all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Contact American Counsel
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🌐 Service area: online across all 50 US states and Washington, D.C.
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This guide is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Every case is different — speak to a qualified attorney before you act.