ARS Permits and Drug Testing

New Business Formation

Start your business the right way with our complete New Business Formation services. We help you register, comply, and launch with confidence.

Forming a DBA, Corporation or LLC for Your Business

Choosing the right business structure is a crucial step in protecting your personal assets and optimizing your legal and tax benefits. Whether you’re considering an LLC or a corporation, understanding the differences between these entities and their tax implications is key to making the right choice for your business.

Understanding Business Structures and Taxes

Sole Proprietorship DBA (Doing Business As): The simplest structure, owned and operated by one person. It requires minimal paperwork, but the owner is personally liable for business debts. Income is reported on the owner’s personal tax return. It is also called DBA (Doing Business As) which allows you to operate your business under a different name without forming a separate legal entity. A DBA does not provide liability protection but is often required for branding or banking purposes.

LLC (Limited Liability Company)
  • Owners are called members
  • Owners are not personally liable for business debts
  • Personal assets are generally protected (if business formalities are followed)
  • Single-member LLC → taxed like a sole proprietor
  • Multi-member LLC → taxed like a partnership
  • Can elect to be taxed as an S Corp or C Corp
  • Profits pass through to owners (no double taxation by default)
C-Corp
  • Pays corporate income tax on profits.
  • When profits are distributed as dividends, shareholders pay tax again on those dividends. This is called double taxation
  • Unlimited number of shareholders.
  • Shareholders can be:
    • Individuals
    • Other corporations
    • Foreign investors
  • Profits are distributed based on dividends.
  • Losses stay at the corporate level and cannot be passed on to shareholders.

Can issue multiple classes of stock (common, preferred, etc.).

S-Corp
  • Does not pay federal corporate income tax (in most cases).
  • This avoids double taxation.
  • Profits and losses pass through to shareholders based on ownership percentage.
  • Remaining profits (distributions) are not subject to self-employment tax, which can reduce taxes.
  • Limited to 100 shareholders.
  • Shareholders must be:
    • U.S. citizens or resident aliens
    • Individuals (with limited exceptions like certain trusts)
  • Only one class of stock is allowed.
Steps to Legally Establish Your Business:

Appoint a Registered Agent: A registered agent acts as the official point of contact between your business and the state, receiving legal notices, tax forms, and other official correspondence. They must have a physical address (not a P.O. Box) and be available during regular business hours. Reliable agent services ensure you never miss critical communications that could affect your business standing.

Obtain an EIN: An Employer Identification Number (EIN) establishes your business as a separate legal entity for tax purposes and is required to open a business bank account.

File Statement of Information: Most states require corporations and LLCs to submit an initial Statement of Information (sometimes called an Annual Report) within a certain period after formation. This document provides the state with updated details about your business, including addresses, management, and ownership. Filing this on time is crucial to maintain good standing and avoid penalties.

Our experts from ARS team can guide you through forming an LLC or corporation, choosing the right structure based on legal and tax considerations, obtaining your EIN, and serving as your registered agentand manage your Statement of Information filings.

Contact us today to get your business set up correctly and start operating with confidence.

Request Business Setup Assistance

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Let’s Build Your Business

Complete the form to begin your journey toward a legally registered and successful business.

Let’s Build Your Business

Complete the form to begin your journey toward a legally registered and successful business.

Launch Your Business with American Registration & Services

Submit this form and our team will contact you to complete your business setup.

Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 5 files.