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Form Your C Corporation
in as little as 10 Minutes

  • Minimize your personal liability and shield your personal assets
  • We'll prepare and file all required documents with the Secretary of State
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Starting a C Corp Online is Easy

Our three-step formation process will have your business up and running Swyftly TM

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Tell us about your business

Provide business details

Forming your C Corporation doesn’t need to be complex or time-consuming. With our easy online form, you can be done in as few as 10 minutes.

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We file the paperwork

We incorporate your C Corporation by preparing all required documents and filing them directly with the Secretary of State.

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Receive your documents

Once your incorporation documents have been approved by the state, you will receive your completed C Corp package by mail.

Why Business Owners Choose Swyft Filings

Every day businesses from all over the nation choose Swyft Filings to form their business.
Here are a just a few of the reasons why so many owners choose us to help start their business.

Trusted and Experienced

Our Business Specialists will form your new business the correct way, saving you time and money by avoiding costly errors. Let us handle your business filings while you focus on growing your business.

Personal Customer Support

Each one of our customers is assigned a personal Business Specialist. Have a question? Just call your personal Business Specialist directly. No need to wait in a pool of phone calls.

Fast Turnaround Time

When you place your order through Swyft Filings, we can immediately start the process of forming your new business. Our processing times are some of the fastest in the industry.

Choose the Right Business Type

Compare the important differences of each business structure to decide
which one is right for your company.

Advantages of forming a C Corp

A C Corp is the only type of organization that can "go public" and sell an unlimited number of ownership shares. They do typically get taxed at a higher rate due to taxes being imposed at both a personal and corporate level, however having access to more capital, higher revenue potential, and ultimately profits, often offsets this.

Why choose a C Corp?

  • Personal asset protection
  • Ability to raise capital
  • Unlimited owners
  • Option to sell shares
Plus our
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    Llc

    C corp

    S corp

    Dba

  • Protection
  • Limited liability protection
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    LLCs provide personal asset protection, which shields you from being personally liable for business debts.

    C Corps provide personal asset protection, which shields you from being personally liable for business debts.

    S Corps provide personal asset protection, which shields you from being personally liable for business debts.

    Owners have no personal asset protection, which makes them personally liable for business debts.

  • Managing Your Business
  • Flexibility in management
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    LLCs must be member or manager managed according to the terms of the operating agreement. Member managed means the owners of the company manage the company. Manager-managed means the members (or owners) elect one or more managers to manage the company.

    C Corps are required to have shareholder elected directors who oversee and elect officers to run the day-to-day operations of the company. The business owner(s) can be the shareholder(s), the director(s) and officer(s).

    S Corps are required to have shareholder elected directors who oversee and elect officers to run the day-to-day operations of the company. The business owner(s) can be the shareholder(s), the director(s) and officer(s).

    The DBA owner may manage the business without restriction. Nonprofits are managed by their board of directors following the regulations set forth in their Bylaws.

  • Ease of ownership changes
    Varies
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    Changes in ownership of an LLC are dependent on the terms of the operating agreement.

    Ownership changes in a C Corp are easily made through the sell of stock to new or existing shareholders.

    Ownership changes in an S Corp are easily made through the sell of stock to new or existing shareholders.

    DBAs cannot make ownership changes.

  • Perpetual existence
    Varies
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    The life of the LLC is dependent of the terms of the operating agreement. Its existence may be short term or perpetual that survive the death or transfer of the membership interests of the original founders.

    C Corps are separate entities that survive the death or transfer of stock of the owners and/or major shareholders.

    S Corps are separate entities that survive the death or transfer of stock of the owners and/or major shareholders.

    DBAs end upon closure of the company or the death of the owner. Nonprofits are entities that survive any change in their board of directors.

  • Ongoing formalities
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    Depending on the state of incorporation, an LLC may be required to file an annual report and/or pay franchise fees.

    After formation, C Corps have many ongoing formalities such as writing bylaws, selecting directors, holding initial and annual shareholder meetings, and issuing stock.

    After formation, S Corps have many ongoing formalities such as writing bylaws, selecting directors, holding initial and annual shareholder meetings, and issuing stock.

    There are no ongoing corporate formalities.

  • Ability to raise capital
    Varies
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    LLCs are not allowed to sell stock but may be able to raise capital via bank loans, from its members and various other avenues. Any equity to sales to third parties needs to be done in compliance with SEC regulations.

    C Corps may issue many types of stocks, which may be sold to an unlimited number of shareholders. Any equity sales to third parties needs to be done in compliance with SEC regulations.

    S Corps may issue one type of stock, which may be sold to a maximum of 100 shareholders. Any equity sales to third parties needs to be done in compliance with SEC regulations.

    DBAs are not allowed to sell stock but may be able to obtain bank loans.

  • Tax
  • Pass-through taxation
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    LLCs are not taxed at the corporate level. Instead, all profit and losses are reported with the personal income taxes of each member.

    The income of the C Corp is taxed at the corporate level and then again at the shareholder level.

    S Corps are not taxed at the corporate level. Instead, all profit and losses are reported with the personal income taxes of each shareholder (owner).

    DBAs are not taxed at the company level. All profit and losses are reported on the personal income tax return of the owner.

  • Double taxation
     
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    LLCs are not taxed at the corporate level.

    The income of the C Corp is taxed at the corporate level and then again at the shareholder level.

    S Corps are not taxed at the corporate level.

    DBAs are not taxed at the corporate level.

  • State Filing Fees
  • State formation fees
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    LLCs are required to pay formation fees to the state. Fees will vary based on the state of incorporation.

    C Corps are required to pay formation fees to the state. Fees will vary based on the state of incorporation.

    S Corps are required to pay formation fees to the state. Fees will vary based on the state of incorporation.

    There are required filing fees for DBAs. Fees will vary based on the county and state in which the DBA is filed.

  • Ongoing compliance fees
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    Depending on the state of incorporation, reports and fees may be required.

    An annual report and franchise fees are generally due each year along with other reports and fees, which varies depending on the state of incorporation.

    An annual report and franchise fees are generally due each year along with other reports and fees, which varies depending on the state of incorporation.

    There are no ongoing compliance fees.

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Are You Ready to Begin?

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We also offer a 2-Easy Payment Plan to help get your business up and running quickly.

  • What are the primary advantages of a C Corporation?

    The C Corporation is the oldest and one of the most common business structures, and is typically what comes to mind when the average person hears the word "corporation". It provides the greatest level of separation and protection between the company and its owners, and allows the company to raise capital through the issuance of publicly traded stock.

  • Are there any restrictions on who can file to form a C Corporation?

    One of the C Corporation's greatest strengths as a structure is that it typically has no requirements regarding who can become part of its ownership. However, a few states do require that an individual be at least 18 years of age to officially become an owner.

  • What are the tax implications of a C Corporation?

    C Corporations and their owners are taxed separately from one another, which results in "double taxation". This means that the corporation will be taxed on its profits and then each individual owner will be taxed again on the income distributed to them at a personal level. Filing as an S corp can help business owners avoid this, but will also open them up to paying self-employment taxes.

  • Are there a required number of individuals needed to form a C Corporation?

    Most states only require one director in order to start a C Corporation. However, some states impose a minimum number based on the number of shareholders the company has. This required number is typically never lower than three and there is no maximum limit.

  • What formal paperwork must be filed when incorporating as a C Corp?

    The application required for incorporating as a C Corporation is called the Articles of Incorporation (also referred to as a Certificate of Incorporation). This document contains basic information about the company, its owners, and its directors. Depending on your state of incorporation, there may also be state-level fees or taxes that must be paid.

    Swyft Filings can take care of the required filings for a C Corporation. This allows you to focus on developing and growing your new company.

  • Is an attorney required during the C Corp filing process?

    An attorney is typically not required when starting a business. A business filing service such as Swyft Filings can help you streamline the formation process, and save you a great deal of time, effort, and money. However, if you are unsure of which business structure may be right for you, or you have questions regarding specific tax or organizational issues, it may be advisable to speak with an attorney or accountant before starting a new business.

  • How should I name my C Corp?

    Your company name must be unique and not deceptively similar to any other trademarked name or business. It is also required that your name not intentionally misrepresent the products or services you offer. For C Corps, most states require a signifier of your corporate status, such as “Company”, “Corporation”, “Incorporated”, or a relevant abbreviation to be added to your business name. Choosing a name for your C Corp is an important decision so take time to research and select a name that will accurately represent you and your business.

    If you would like Swyft Filings to check if your business name is available for use, we offer a free Name Availability Search. Just give us a call and we will begin this process for you.

  • How is stock distribution handled by a C Corp?

    C Corps are unique in that they are able to sell ownership shares to the general public in order to raise capital through the distribution of stock. In order to do so, the company must list in their Articles of Organization the number of shares, with their par value, that will be initially distributed. Once the number of shares has been recognized by the state, the company will be able to distribute the shares. If needed, the par value and number of shares may be changed in the future by filing a share amendment with the state.

  • How is stock “par value” determined by a C Corp?

    The par value is mainly a formality and is typically $.01, $1, or no value. This figure is determined by the company and may have some minor tax implications. The par value is not the value of the stock issued by the company. For more information or specific questions regarding par value, it is advisable to speak with an accountant.

  • How are C Corps organized from a structural standpoint?

    There are three different formal leadership positions that make up a C Corporation, with each having their own role or responsibilities. An individual is able to, and will often, serve in more than one of these positions. They are as follows:

    1. Shareholder – Shareholders are the owners of the corporation and are able to vote in the election of directors and on other major corporate issues. They are not responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company.
    2. Director – Directors are elected by the shareholders and make major business decisions in a manner that will be in the best interest of the company’s investors. They also supervise the company’s officers.
    3. Officer – Officers are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the company.
  • Where should I form my new C Corp?

    Some of the most popular states in which companies typically choose to incorporate are Nevada, Delaware, and Wyoming. Many new C Corp owners do not realize that it is possible to incorporate in a state other than the one in which they live or operate. However, through a process called “foreign qualification”, it is possible and often advisable.

    If your company operates only in a small area, it may be advisable to file within your state. The main reason for this is that many states require corporations that foreign qualify to pay additional taxes and fees which can be a financial burden for smaller companies. There are also some logistical issues that are related to foreign qualification that may cause additional expenses.

    If your company is large, has many shareholders, or operates on a large geographical scale, foreign qualification may be the best option. Each state has different tax and filing requirements so it may be advantageous for your company to foreign qualify.

  • Do C Corps face any publication requirements?

    There are certain states that will require you to publish a notice of business formation in the local newspaper(s) such as Arizona, New York, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania. The requirement can be easily met by using a filing service such as Swyft Filings.

    It should also be noted that the state of New York requires limited liability companies to comply with an unusually strict set of publication requirements. In addition to publishing notices in two papers in the county in which your business is forming, you will also be required to provide proof of this to New York’s Department of State within 120 days of becoming officially recognized as a business. Failing to do so can result in suspension of your right to conduct business in the state.

  • Do all C Corps need a Registered Agent?

    All formal business entities, including C Corps, are required to have a Registered Agent on file with the state at all times. The agent may be an individual or company with a physical address located in the state of incorporation. Agents must be available at all times during standard business hours (9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday – Friday). The role of a Registered Agent is to receive any and all of communications from the government to the business. The agent’s name and address must be disclosed as part of the company’s public record.

    If you are foreign qualifying your business or wish to keep your contact information private, it may be wise to hire a professional Registered Agent service such as Swyft Filings. Our professional Registered Agent service ensures that your legal requirements will be fulfilled and that all communications will be relayed to your company in a timely manner.

  • Where can I find a reliable Registered Agent?

    Swyft Filings offers a professional Registered Agent service as well business filing services. Regardless of the state in which your business is located, we can provide you with Registered Agent services. Swyft Filings provides companies of all types and sizes an affordable solution that will ensure that they remain compliant with all Registered Agent requirements.

  • What are the general steps for incorporating as a C Corp?

    The first step to incorporate as a C Corp is to file your company’s Articles of Incorporation with the state in which you are establishing your business. Once this has been completed, there will be a set of formal compliance processes that your business must conduct. These processes are as follows:

    1. Hold a documented organizational meeting with your initial board of directors. During this meeting you will need to adopt a written set of by-laws, approve resolutions establishing the company’s initial financial accounts, and appoint officers.
    2. Distribute all initial stock and document the distributions in an official ledger. This ledger must be continuously updated to reflect all stock transfers.

    There may be some state specific requirements that you must observe during these processes as well. Also, keep in mind that C Corps have many ongoing compliance requirements that will need to be fulfilled on an annual basis.

BizCompareTM

View and compare the different types of business structures to help you understand the benefits of each.

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