Business Formation & Incorporation
Professional business entity formation with complete legal documentation, state filings, and compliance guidance to establish your company properly from day one.
Why Proper Business Formation is Critical for Your Success
Starting a business without proper legal formation is like building a house without a foundation. Your business structure determines everything from your personal liability protection to how you'll pay taxes, raise capital, and operate day-to-day.
At Turn.CEO, we've helped hundreds of entrepreneurs transition from employees to business owners through proper entity formation. Our founders, Rob Raine and Javier Carrillo, understand the complexity of this transition having navigated it themselves after decades in corporate America.
The Hidden Costs of DIY Business Formation
Many entrepreneurs attempt to save money by filing business documents themselves, only to discover costly mistakes later. Common DIY pitfalls include:
- Choosing the wrong entity type for your specific situation and goals
- Incomplete or incorrect state filings that delay business operations
- Missing required compliance deadlines that result in penalties
- Inadequate operating agreements that create partner disputes
- Tax election mistakes that cost thousands in unnecessary payments
- Personal liability exposure due to improper entity maintenance
Real Client Example
Sarah, a marketing consultant, initially filed her LLC through an online service for $49. Six months later, she faced a $300 penalty for missing a state compliance filing she didn't know about, spent $1,200 on legal fees to fix her operating agreement, and discovered she'd been paying the wrong tax rate. Our comprehensive formation service would have saved her over $2,000 and months of stress.
Entity Types: Finding Your Perfect Fit
Choosing between an LLC, S-Corporation, C-Corporation, or other entity types isn't just about taxes—it affects every aspect of your business operations, growth potential, and exit strategy.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Perfect for most new entrepreneurs, LLCs offer personal asset protection with operational flexibility. You can elect different tax treatments as your business grows, making LLCs incredibly versatile for evolving business needs.
Corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp)
Ideal for businesses planning to raise investment capital or go public. Corporations provide the strongest liability protection and clear ownership structure that investors prefer, though they require more administrative overhead.
Our Comprehensive Business Formation Process
Unlike generic filing services, Turn.CEO provides a complete business formation experience that sets you up for long-term success. Our process combines legal expertise with business strategy to ensure your entity structure aligns with your entrepreneurial goals.
1. Strategic Consultation
We start with a detailed discussion of your business goals, growth plans, and personal situation to recommend the optimal entity structure for your specific needs.
2. State Filing & Registration
Complete preparation and filing of all required state documents, including Articles of Incorporation/Organization and any necessary state registrations.
3. Federal Tax ID (EIN)
Immediate acquisition of your Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, enabling you to open business bank accounts and hire employees.
4. Operating Documents
Custom operating agreements or bylaws that protect your interests, define ownership structures, and prevent future disputes as your business grows.
5. Compliance Calendar
Personalized calendar of all ongoing filing requirements, renewal dates, and compliance deadlines to keep your business in good standing.
6. Banking & Setup Guidance
Step-by-step guidance for opening business bank accounts, obtaining business credit, and separating personal and business finances properly.
What Sets Turn.CEO Apart
Our formation services go beyond simple document filing. We provide the strategic guidance that comes from years of corporate experience combined with entrepreneurial expertise:
- Personalized Strategy: Every formation is customized based on your specific industry, growth plans, and personal circumstances
- Ongoing Support: 90-day post-formation support to help you navigate early business challenges
- Corporate Experience: Insights from founders who understand both corporate structures and entrepreneurial needs
- Technology Integration: Modern tools and processes that streamline formation while maintaining legal compliance
- Future-Proofing: Entity structures designed to support your business as it scales and evolves
The Turn.CEO Advantage
Our founders transitioned from Fortune 100 careers to successful entrepreneurship. They understand the psychological and practical challenges of leaving employment to start a business, and they've designed our formation process to address both the legal requirements and the emotional journey of becoming a business owner.
State-by-State Formation Expertise
Business formation requirements vary significantly by state, and choosing where to incorporate can impact your taxes, compliance requirements, and business operations for years to come.
Popular Formation States and Why They Matter
Delaware Formation
Delaware remains the gold standard for corporations planning to raise venture capital or go public. With over 60% of Fortune 500 companies incorporated in Delaware, the state offers:
- Well-developed business court system with predictable outcomes
- Business-friendly laws that protect directors and officers
- Flexible corporate governance structures
- No state sales tax and favorable tax treatment for many businesses
Nevada Formation
Nevada has become increasingly popular for its strong privacy protections and business-friendly environment:
- No state income tax for individuals or corporations
- Strong privacy protections for business owners
- Flexible LLC and corporation laws
- Simple annual filing requirements
Home State vs. Delaware/Nevada: Making the Right Choice
The decision of where to incorporate depends on several factors including your business type, growth plans, and operational needs. Here's how we help you decide:
- Business Activity Location: If you'll operate primarily in one state, forming there often makes the most sense
- Growth Plans: Companies planning to raise venture capital often benefit from Delaware incorporation
- Tax Considerations: We analyze the total tax burden, not just formation costs
- Ongoing Compliance: Some states have simpler annual requirements than others
- Business Type: Certain industries have state-specific requirements or advantages
Multi-State Strategy
For businesses operating in multiple states, we often recommend incorporating in Delaware or Nevada while registering as a foreign entity in your primary operating states. This provides the benefits of business-friendly formation laws while maintaining compliance in your operating jurisdictions.
Compliance and Ongoing Requirements
Forming your business entity is just the beginning. Maintaining good standing requires ongoing compliance with state and federal requirements:
- Annual reports and franchise tax payments
- Registered agent maintenance and address updates
- Corporate meeting requirements and documentation
- Tax election filings and deadlines
- Foreign qualification in additional states as you expand
Our formation package includes a comprehensive compliance calendar and 90 days of support to ensure you understand and meet all ongoing requirements.
Investment and Return: The True Value of Professional Formation
Professional business formation is one of the highest-return investments you'll make as an entrepreneur. The cost of getting it right from the beginning is minimal compared to the potential costs of fixing problems later.
What's Included in Our Formation Investment
LLC Formation - $599
- State filing fees included
- EIN acquisition
- Operating agreement
- Compliance calendar
- 90-day support
Corporation Formation - $799
- State filing fees included
- EIN acquisition
- Bylaws and resolutions
- Stock certificates
- Corporate kit
- Compliance calendar
- 90-day support
Premium Formation - $999
- Everything in standard packages
- Multi-state analysis
- Tax optimization consultation
- Banking package assistance
- First-year compliance management
- 6 months support
The ROI of Professional Formation
Consider the long-term value of proper business formation:
- Liability Protection: Personal asset protection worth potentially millions in a lawsuit
- Tax Optimization: Proper entity selection can save thousands annually in taxes
- Credibility: Professional entity structure enhances credibility with customers, vendors, and lenders
- Growth Potential: Proper structure enables future investment and partnership opportunities
- Compliance Peace of Mind: Avoiding penalties and legal issues through proper ongoing maintenance
- Exit Value: Well-structured entities command higher valuations when selling
Client Success Story
Marcus, a software consultant, invested $799 in S-Corporation formation through Turn.CEO. In his first year, the proper tax elections saved him $3,200 in self-employment taxes. When he sold his company three years later, the clean corporate structure added $50,000 to his sale price. His initial investment returned over 6,500%.
Ready to Establish Your Business Foundation?
Don't let improper business formation become a costly mistake. Get expert guidance from entrepreneurs who've walked this path successfully.
Start Your Business Formation Today