Inc. Your Business

Question: A friend says I should incorporate my biz. But first I want to check out the pros, cons and other types of business structures - like limited liability companies - to see what's best for me. Where can I get good info and help setting up without spending a bundle on lawyers?

Answer: Many biz owners start with no formal business structure (a sole proprietorship), then inc. themselves later on. Your basic choices are to stay a sole proprietorship, or create a partnership, limited liability company (LLC), S-corporation, C-corporation or - if you're not in it for the money - a non-profit.

Here are some resources:

The Company Corporation (www.corporate.com) is one of your best all-around choices for helpful info and incorporation services. They've been providing incorporation and related biz services for over 100 years, helping entrepreneurs form 125,000 new corporations and LLCs yearly. So they know the field inside and out. Also offers registered agent services, corporate kits, publications and more. This is a time-tested connection where you can get help choosing the right legal structure for your biz. Download a free incorporation workbook. You can incorporate online at the Web site or phone (800) 818-0204; e-mail: info@corporate.com.

The CCH Business Owner's Toolkit Web site (www.toolkit.cch.com) offers info on business structures, with pros and cons. It's basic, but free. Click on "Starting Your Business." In the "Getting Started" section you will find helpful info under "Organizing Your Business." Business Owner's Toolkit is a creation of CCH Inc., another small biz resource that's been around forever (well, since 1913). While you're at it, check out their complete Small Business Guide for helpful info on biz planning, financing, marketing, taxes and other topics.

Business Filings, Inc. (BFI) (www.bizfilings.com) offers a full line of Web-based incorporation services that you can use to set up a biz in all 50 states. There's a well-done section of similarities and differences between S-Corps, C-Corps and LLCs. A handy chart shows costs state-by-state, with BFI packages ranging from $100 to $310. Other leading small biz service providers offer BFI incorporations through their own Web sites, including Quicken, CCH Inc. and StartupJournal.com. Call (800) 981-7183; e-mail info@bizfilings.com.

MyCorporation Business Services (www.mycorporation.com) offers online incorporations, LLCs, trademark searches and other resources. As with other online services, it's good for document filing, but does not provide legal advice. Call (888) 692-6771; e-mail: sales@mycorporation.com

Corporate Creations International (www.corpcreations.com) also offers preparation and filing of basic corporate and trademark documents, corporate kits, document retrieval and provides registered offices nationwide.