Frequently Asked Questions —
Check out these common questions before you get started.
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Forming a California corporation by mail takes about 4-8 weeks. Online filings can reduce this to 5-7 days. Expedited options, including 24-hour and same-day services, are available for a fee.
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LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC) —
A Limited Liability Company, often called an LLC, is quickly becoming the most popular form of entity to start a business with. It is fairly easy to maintain & mange, yet still separates you from the business, which can protect you from personal liability.
CORPORATION (C-CORP, S-CORP) —
A 'C Corporation' is a General For Profit Corporation that is taxed separately from its owners and/or shareholders. An 'S Corporation' (also called 'Sub-Chapter/S Corporation') starts as a General For-Profit Corporation upon filing the Articles of Incorporation with the state. Once formed, it can submit an election to become 'S Corporation' by submitting the Elections as a Small Business Corporation to the IRS. Once this filing is complete, the corporation is taxed like a small business (pass through taxation) instead of being taxed as a General For Profit Corporation.
NONPROFIT CORPORATION —
A Not-for-profit entity is formed by filing Articles of Incorporation with the appropriate state agency. A Non Profit Corporation can apply for Federal Tax Exemption status under IRS Code 501 (c). This usually applies to religious, charitable, educational, literary, or scientific Non Profit entities.
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If none of the provided names are available with the state, do not worry! We will contact you to obtain additional name options until we get it right.
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The name of your Corporation or LLC can change at any time by filing an Amendment with the Secretary of State. We will gladly assist you with name changes and amendment filings.
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We work with many Accountants and Attorneys that will file on behalf of their clients. If you are a professional doing so, you can designate yourself as the contact person and you or your client as the person to receive the final documents.
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Usually, the same person can hold all three titles and roles.
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LLC members can be added or removed later by a decision of the current members. When this happens, it should be recorded in the LLC’s Operating Agreement and reflected in the information sent to the state.
We can submit these changes in the annual report, or submit an Article of Amendment to their Articles of Organization in your state. Simplecorp can file Amendments and Annual Reports for your LLC.
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An S-Corp is the same as a C-Corp, except it is taxed differently. An S-Corp is taxed similar to an LLC, where Income taxes are reported and paid by the owners rather than the company itself.
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Due dates vary by state. Many states require that annual reports be filed on each anniversary of the corporation or LLC or by some other specific date each year. By using our Business Maintenance Service, Simplecorp will automatically prepare documents and file them by the due date.
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Typically, an initial report must be filed with the state once the corporation is formed. In most states, an annual or biennial report is also required. More importantly, if they’re not filed on time, there are penalties and consequences. By having Simplecorp help satisfy these report filing requirements, you can be assured that the initial and ongoing reports will be filed appropriately and timely on your behalf.
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If you would like to make changes after you place your order, give us a call immediately since we work diligently to file and submit all the appropriate documentation as soon as we receive the order.
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We accept American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa online. Please call us directly for special forms of payment, or if you have questions during checkout! We’ll be happy to help :)
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Yes! Email, chat, or call us. Hablamos español.
Form a Corporation
The most popular option for small business owners. Protect your personal assets, issue stock & gain potential tax benefits.
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When you incorporate, owner’s personal assets are protected from business debts and liabilities.
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Raise funds by appealing investors who may prefer corporations for the ability to offer stock.
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As a corporation, you could enjoy potential deductions and the ability to spread out income over multiple tax brackets.
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Having a corporate structure can enhance credibility with customers, suppliers, and investors.
Form an LLC
If you’re looking for simplicity, but want to protect your personal assets, an LLC might be right for you.
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Owners (members) are not personally liable for the company’s debts and liabilities, protecting personal assets.
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LLCs typically enjoy pass-through taxation, meaning profits & losses pass through to the owner’s personal tax returns, avoiding double taxation.
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LLCs provide flexibility in management structures and operations, allowing members o create a management system that suits their business.
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Forming an LLC can enhance the credibility of the business, as it shows a formal commitment to the business and can instill confidence in customers and partners.
Form a Nonprofit
Charitable organization? Not-for-profit business model? Filing a 501(c) application for potential tax-exemptions? This is for you.
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Nonprofits can apply for federal and state tax-exempt status, which exempts them from paying corporate income taxes on revenue related to their non-profit purposes
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Non-profits can apply for public and private grants, which are typically unavailable to for-profit entities.
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Forming a non-profit corporation can enhance credibility and public trust, as it demonstrates a commitment to a charitable, educational, or social mission
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Non-profits can receive tax-deductible donations from individuals and businesses, which can be a significant source of funding.
