Business Formation & Filing Services
From Sole Proprietorship to C-Corporation — we handle everything from planning and formation to tax filing and ongoing compliance. Choose the right structure for your business.
Choose Your Entity Type
Which Business Structure Is Right for You?
Each entity type has different benefits, costs, and requirements. Explore the options below, or scroll down to compare them side by side.
Sole Proprietorship
Simplest way to start — you are the business
$500
starting from
Best For
Freelancers, side hustles, solo consultants
Formation Time
1–2 weeks
Liability
No separation — personal assets at risk
Taxation
Pass-through on personal return (Schedule C)
Key Benefits
- Easiest and cheapest to set up
- Complete control over all business decisions
- No separate tax return — reported on your personal 1040
- No annual state filing fees in most states
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Liability protection with tax flexibility
$1,500
starting from
Best For
Small businesses, rental properties, partnerships
Formation Time
2–4 weeks
Liability
Protected — personal assets shielded
Taxation
Flexible: pass-through or elect Corp taxation
Key Benefits
- Personal asset protection from business debts and lawsuits
- Flexible taxation — taxed as sole prop, partnership, S-Corp, or C-Corp
- No ownership restrictions
- Less paperwork than corporations
S-Corporation
Save on self-employment taxes as you grow
$1,500
starting from
Best For
Profitable businesses saving on self-employment tax
Formation Time
3–6 weeks
Liability
Protected — corporate veil
Taxation
Pass-through with salary/distribution split
Key Benefits
- Significant self-employment tax savings (salary vs. distributions)
- Pass-through taxation — no double taxation
- Liability protection for shareholders
- Enhanced credibility and professional image
C-Corporation
Full corporate structure for growth and investors
$1,500
starting from
Best For
Startups seeking investors, large businesses
Formation Time
3–6 weeks
Liability
Strongest protection — full corporate veil
Taxation
Double taxation (corporate + dividend) — 21% flat rate
Key Benefits
- Unlimited shareholders — no restrictions on who can invest
- Multiple classes of stock (common, preferred)
- Flat 21% corporate tax rate on profits
- Best structure for raising venture capital or going public
Side-By-Side Comparison
Compare All Entity Types
Not sure which is right? This comparison breaks down everything you need to know.
| Feature | Sole Prop | LLC | S-Corp | C-Corp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liability Protection | ❌ None | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Strongest |
| Formation Cost | From $500 | From $1,500 | From $1,500 | From $1,500 |
| Taxation | Personal (Sched C) | Flexible | Pass-through | Double (21% + dividends) |
| Self-Employment Tax | 15.3% on all profit | 15.3% (unless S-Corp elect) | Only on salary | N/A (wages taxed) |
| Payroll Required | ❌ No | ❌ No (unless S-Corp) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Ownership Limits | 1 owner only | Unlimited | 100 US residents | Unlimited |
| Annual Filing | Schedule C | Varies by election | Form 1120-S | Form 1120 |
| Complexity | ⭐ Low | ⭐⭐ Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐ Moderate-High | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High |
| Best For | Freelancers, side hustles | Small biz, rentals | Profitable biz, tax savings | Startups, investors |
| Raise Capital | ❌ Difficult | ⚠️ Limited | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Easiest |
| Setup Time | 1–2 weeks | 2–4 weeks | 3–6 weeks | 3–6 weeks |
Still not sure? We\u2019ll help you decide during your free consultation.
Why Choose Us
End-to-End Business Formation
IRS Enrolled Agent
Jerald D’Souza, EA is federally authorized to represent you before the IRS — providing expert guidance on entity selection and tax strategy.
All Filings Handled
From Articles of Organization to EIN applications, S-Corp elections, and state registrations — we file everything for you.
Transparent Pricing
Sole Prop from $500, LLC/S-Corp/C-Corp from $1,500. No hidden fees — you’ll know exactly what you’re paying before we start.
Tax Optimization
We don’t just form your entity — we structure it for maximum tax savings with ongoing planning.
Full Service Firm
Bookkeeping, payroll, tax returns, IRS representation — everything your business needs under one roof.
35+ Years Experience
Since 1991, we’ve helped thousands of businesses form, grow, and thrive across Illinois and beyond.