Business Formation
Licensed LDA #2018007072 · California

Launch Your Business
the Right Way
Without Paying $3,000
for an Attorney

We prepare and file your LLC, S-Corp, or Sole Proprietorship correctly — in 48 hours — for a flat fee.

Takes 60 seconds. No signup required.We'll help you understand common business structure options based on your responses.
48-Hour Turnaround
Flat Fee — No Surprises
All of California
5-Star Rated
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The Problem

One Mistake Can Delay Your Business for Weeks

Wrong forms get your filing rejected

California has strict requirements. A single error on your Articles of Organization means starting over — and losing weeks.

Wrong structure costs you more in taxes

Choosing LLC vs. S-Corp vs. Sole Prop isn't just paperwork — it directly affects how much you pay the IRS every year.

No protection puts your personal assets at risk

Operating without the right structure means your home, savings, and personal property are on the line if something goes wrong.

We make sure everything is done correctly the first time — so you can focus on running your business, not fixing paperwork.

Business formation mistakes
Free Business Setup Quiz

Not Sure What to Choose?
Compare Your Options in 60 Seconds.

Answer a few simple questions to see common business structure options based on situations similar to yours.

Takes 60 secondsJust 5 quick questions
No signup requiredNo email, no account
Instant resultsSee your options immediately

Takes 60 seconds · No signup required · General information only — not legal advice

Entity Quiz

Compare Business Structure Options

5 quick questions · General information only · Not legal or tax advice

Strictly Educational — Not Legal or Tax Advice

All information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. The Legal Document Genie is a Registered Legal Document Assistant (LDA #2018007072) — we prepare documents based on the option you select. We do not recommend, advise, or determine which business structure is appropriate for your situation. All decisions are solely your responsibility. Please consult a licensed attorney and/or CPA before making any business structure decisions.

Not sure about the difference between an LLC, S-Corp, Sole Proprietorship, or C-Corp? Explore each structure below, then answer 5 quick questions to see which options are commonly associated with your scenario. All information is strictly educational.

Takes 60 seconds
No signup required
Strictly informational
Compare business structure options
Structure Education

Explore all four structures — including C-Corp. Strictly educational. Not legal or tax advice.

LLC — Overview

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a state-registered business entity that creates a legal separation between you and your business. It combines the liability protection of a corporation with the operational simplicity of a sole proprietorship, making it one of the most widely used structures.

Key Facts

  • Personal liability separation from business debts (when properly maintained)
  • Flexible tax treatment — can be taxed as sole prop, partnership, or S-Corp
  • Works for solo founders and multi-member setups
  • Requires an Operating Agreement and annual filings

Things to Know

  • Protection can be lost ("piercing the veil") if personal and business finances are commingled
  • California LLCs pay an $800/year minimum franchise tax regardless of income
  • Annual Statement of Information required with CA Secretary of State

Commonly Used By

Small to mid-size businessesReal estate holdingsService businessesMulti-member ventures
Side-by-Side Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

For educational purposes only
Category
Sole Prop
LLC
S-Corp
C-Corp
Liability ProtectionNoneYes — when maintainedYes (via LLC/Corp)Yes — strong
Formation ComplexityMinimalLow–MediumMediumHigh
Tax TreatmentSchedule C (personal)Pass-through (flexible)Pass-through + salary splitCorporate rate + dividends
Self-Employment TaxAll net profitAll net profit (default)Salary portion onlyNot applicable (W-2)
Double Taxation RiskNoNoNoYes — corporate + dividend
Ongoing ComplianceVery lowLow–ModerateModerate–HighHigh
Number of OwnersOne onlyOne or moreUp to 100 (U.S. only)Unlimited
Investor FriendlyNoLimitedLimitedYes — preferred by VCs
CA Min. Franchise TaxNone$800/year$800/year + 1.5% net income8.84% net income (min $800)
We Prepare DocumentsYesYesYesYes

This comparison is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Information is generalized — your actual situation may differ. The Legal Document Genie (LDA #2018007072) does not advise on which structure to select. Consult a licensed attorney or CPA.

Real Clients

They Were Exactly Where You Are Now

Confused, overwhelmed, and not sure where to start. Here's what happened when they took the quiz.

"Attorney quoted me $2,800 to form my LLC. Paid $499 here and got the exact same Articles of Organization and Operating Agreement — done in 48 hours. Should have done this years ago."

Saved $2,300 vs. attorney
M.T.
San Francisco, CA

"I was operating as a sole prop for 2 years with zero protection. The Full Build package had my LLC formed and filed in 48 hours. The process was so simple — I just answered a few questions and they handled everything."

Done in 48 hours
D.R.
Los Angeles, CA

"I had no idea whether I needed an LLC or S-Corp. The quiz told me exactly what I needed and why. Multi-member LLC with S-Corp election — the Empire package covered everything. Incredibly thorough."

Quiz made the decision easy
K.L.
San Diego, CA
The Process

How It Works

Three steps. That's it. We handle the complexity so you don't have to.

Step 01

Answer a few questions

Our 60-second quiz figures out the right business structure for your situation. No legal knowledge needed.

Step 02

We prepare your documents

Our licensed LDA specialists prepare every formation document correctly within 48 hours of your completed intake.

Step 03

You're ready to launch

We provide step-by-step filing instructions. Full Build tier includes state filing service — we file for you.

Choose Your Package

Three Packages. One for Every Situation.

Select your entity type and service level — we prepare your documents based on what you choose.

Foundation

For simple setups

$299

One-time flat fee

Step 1 — Select your entity type

Step 2 — What's included

Everything you need to get your business legally formed and ready to operate.

  • Core formation documents prepared
  • Operating Agreement or Bylaws
  • Registered Agent designation
  • EIN application guidance
  • Step-by-step filing instructions
  • 48-hour turnaround
LLC · Foundation Package
Start My Setup — LLC →

Secure checkout via Shopify

⭐ MOST POPULAR

Full Build

Most popular — best value

$499

One-time flat fee

Step 1 — Select your entity type

Step 2 — What's included

We prepare and file everything for you. Done correctly with no stress.

  • Everything in Foundation
  • State filing service — we file for you
  • Statement of Information
  • Banking & Initial Resolutions
  • Business license checklist
  • Priority support
LLC · Full Build Package
Let Us Handle It — LLC →

Secure checkout via Shopify

Empire

For advanced businesses

$749

One-time flat fee

Step 1 — Select your entity type

Step 2 — What's included

For multi-member businesses, S-Corp elections, and complex structures that need everything done right.

  • Everything in Full Build
  • S-Corp Election (Form 2553)
  • Multi-member Operating Agreement
  • Buy-Sell Agreement template
  • Membership Certificates
  • Priority 24-hr turnaround
S-Corp · Empire Package
Start My Setup — S-Corp →

Secure checkout via Shopify

Important: We prepare your documents based on the entity type and package you select. We do not determine or recommend what you should choose. The Legal Document Genie is a Registered Legal Document Assistant (LDA #2018007072) in California and does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice. All decisions are your responsibility.

100%
SATISFIED

Our Satisfaction Guarantee

If we make an error in preparing your documents, we'll correct it at no additional charge — guaranteed. We stand behind every filing package we prepare.

Error-Free Guarantee
Dedicated Support
Secure Checkout

Not sure which entity or package fits your situation?

Take the 60-second quiz to see common options based on situations similar to yours.

The Decision

You Have Two Options

Option 1

$2,800+

Pay an attorney

  • Hourly billing — costs keep climbing
  • Weeks of back-and-forth
  • Overkill for a standard formation
  • Same documents you'd get from us

Option 2

$499

Get it done correctly with us

  • Flat fee — no surprises
  • Done in 48 hours
  • Same documents, fraction of the cost
  • Licensed LDA professionals

Same documents. Same outcome. The only difference is how much money you keep.

Launch your business
Don't Wait

Every Day You Wait Is a Day
You're Not Protected

Get your business set up correctly in 48 hours. No attorney fees. No confusion. Just a properly formed business ready to operate.

Takes 60 seconds · No signup required · Flat fee · 48-hour turnaround

Licensed & Bonded LDA
Flat Fee Pricing
48-Hour Turnaround
All of California

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