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Business Formation

11 guides about business formation for business owners.

Business Formation·advanced·12 min read

Starting a Nonprofit: 501(c)(3) Formation and Compliance

A step-by-step guide to forming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization — from incorporation to IRS approval to ongoing compliance requirements.

By Doug Ebenal·Sep 11, 2025
Business Formation·advanced·10 min read

Operating in Multiple States: Foreign Entity Registration

What you need to know about foreign entity registration when your business operates across state lines — when it is required, how to do it, and what happens if you skip it.

By Josh Caruso·Sep 10, 2025
Business Formation·advanced·11 min read

Converting Your Business Entity: LLC to S-Corp and Beyond

How to convert between business entity types — from simple tax elections to full structural conversions — without creating a mess.

By Doug Ebenal·Sep 9, 2025
Business Formation·beginner·9 min read

Getting Your EIN and State Registrations

A practical walkthrough of getting your EIN from the IRS and handling state-level business registrations, tax accounts, and license requirements.

By Josh Caruso·Sep 8, 2025
Business Formation·beginner·8 min read

DBAs and Trade Names: When You Need Them and How to File

Everything you need to know about "doing business as" names — when they are required, how to register one, and what they do and do not protect.

By Doug Ebenal·Sep 7, 2025
Business Formation·beginner·11 min read

Choosing Your Business Entity: A Decision Framework

A no-nonsense decision framework for choosing the right business structure — sole proprietorship, LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, or partnership.

By Josh Caruso·Sep 6, 2025
Business Formation·intermediate·10 min read

General vs. Limited Partnerships: Choosing the Right Structure

Understand the differences between general partnerships and limited partnerships, and figure out which one fits your business situation.

By Doug Ebenal·Sep 5, 2025
Business Formation·intermediate·10 min read

C-Corp Formation: Who It's For and How to Set It Up

A clear-eyed guide to C-Corporation formation — when double taxation makes sense, how to form one, and why most small businesses do not need one.

By Josh Caruso·Sep 4, 2025
Business Formation·intermediate·12 min read

S-Corp Election: When It Saves You Money (and When It Doesn't)

Understand the S-Corp tax election — how it works, who benefits, when to elect, and the common traps that catch business owners off guard.

By Doug Ebenal·Sep 3, 2025
Business Formation·beginner·11 min read

Forming an LLC: Step-by-Step for Every State

A practical, step-by-step guide to forming an LLC — from choosing a name to getting your operating agreement in place.

By Josh Caruso·Sep 2, 2025
Business Formation·beginner·9 min read

Sole Proprietorship: What It Is, How to Start, and When to Move On

Everything you need to know about running a sole proprietorship — the simplest business structure, its benefits, its risks, and when it's time to upgrade.

By Doug Ebenal·Sep 1, 2025

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