Learn how to set up and run your business
Complete, free, step-by-step courses on the four structures US founders ask about most. Every lesson is written in plain English from official government sources. Follow them yourself, or have us file for you.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
The complete free course on forming and running a US LLC
An LLC is the most common way to put a legal wall between your business and your personal assets in the United States. This course walks through the whole process in plain English, from deciding whether an LLC suits you to keeping it compliant year after year. You can follow every step yourself. If you would rather not, we file it for you.
Start the courseC Corporation
Forming and running a US corporation, step by step
A C corporation is the structure investors expect, the structure that issues stock, and the structure with the most formality. This course covers the whole lifecycle, from deciding whether you need one to running the annual governance calendar.
Start the courseS Corporation Election
A tax election, not a business structure
An S corporation is not a type of company you form. It is a federal tax status that an eligible LLC or corporation elects. This course explains how the election changes your tax picture, who qualifies, how to file, and what it obliges you to do afterwards.
Start the courseNonprofit Corporation
Forming a nonprofit and applying for tax-exempt status
Starting a nonprofit involves two separate processes that people often confuse. First you incorporate a nonprofit corporation with a state. Then, if you want federal tax exemption, you apply to the IRS. This course covers both, in order.
Start the courseCompare the four at a glance
| LLC | C-Corp | S-Corp election | Nonprofit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Legal structure | Legal structure | Tax election on an LLC or corporation | Legal structure, plus optional tax exemption |
| Owners | Members, no limit | Shareholders, no limit | Up to 100, US individuals and certain trusts | No owners |
| Default federal tax | Pass-through | Corporate tax, then tax on dividends | Pass-through with owner payroll | Taxable until the IRS recognises exemption |
| Owner pay | Draws, self-employment tax on profit | Salary and dividends | Reasonable salary plus distributions | Reasonable salary only |
| Formality | Low, operating agreement recommended | High, directors, bylaws, minutes | Adds payroll and Form 1120-S | High, board governance and policies |
| Best suited to | Most small and medium businesses | Venture-backed and share-issuing companies | Profitable owner-operated businesses | Charitable, educational and religious work |
Business terms explained
Plain-English definitions of registered agents, EINs, BOI reports, pass-through taxation and more.