A C-Corporation is a common structure for businesses planning to raise outside investment, issue stock, or eventually go public. Fort Filing helps you file Articles of Incorporation with your chosen state and understand the requirements that come with operating as a corporation.
What Is Corporation Formation?
Corporation formation is the legal process of registering a corporation with a state’s Secretary of State (or equivalent office). Unlike an LLC, a corporation issues shares of stock, has a board of directors, and follows more formal governance requirements such as bylaws and shareholder meetings.
Who Is It For?
- Startups planning to raise venture capital or angel investment
- Businesses planning to issue employee stock options
- Founders who specifically need a C-Corp or S-Corp structure for tax or investment reasons
Why It Matters
Investors and stock-based compensation structures generally require a corporation, not an LLC. Choosing the right entity type upfront avoids a costly conversion later.
What Fort Filing Helps With
We prepare and file your Articles of Incorporation, confirm name availability, and guide you through the follow-up steps most new corporations need.
What’s Included
- Name availability check
- Preparation and filing of Articles of Incorporation
- Delivery of approved state formation documents
- Guidance on bylaws, initial board resolutions, and EIN registration
What’s Not Included
- State government filing fees
- Drafting of custom bylaws or shareholder agreements (a licensed attorney should prepare these for anything beyond a standard template)
- Stock issuance and cap table management
Requirements
Corporation name (plus backups), state of formation, initial director(s) and officer(s), registered agent, and authorized share information.
Process
Confirm availability in your chosen state.
Articles of Incorporation submitted to the state.
Processing time varies by state.
You receive your approved formation documents.
Processing Time
Varies by state, typically a few business days to several weeks. We do not control or guarantee state processing timelines.
Important Notes
Fort Filing is not a government agency, law firm, CPA firm, or bank. We assist with the filing and administrative process only; we do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice, and we cannot guarantee government approval or processing timelines.
FAQs
What's the difference between an LLC and a corporation?
An LLC offers liability protection with simpler management and tax filing. A corporation issues stock and follows more formal governance — it’s typically chosen when raising outside investment or offering equity compensation.
Can I convert my LLC to a corporation later?
In many states, yes, through a conversion or reincorporation process. It’s generally simpler to choose the right structure from the start.
Does Fort Filing draft bylaws?
We can guide you to standard templates, but custom bylaws or shareholder agreements should be prepared by a licensed attorney.
Is a registered agent required?
Most states require corporations to maintain a registered agent, similar to LLCs. See our Registered Agent Service page.
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