You build the idea.
We'll make it official.
Form your LLC, corporation, or nonprofit without turning state paperwork into your newest full-time job. Choose your entity, see your estimated filing cost, and let DocSeed handle the formation filing.
DocSeed formation service starts at $0. State filing fees and any additional government charges are separate.
Find what you need quickly
Ready to form your business?
Go straight to the estimator, select your state, entity type, and package, and see the estimated total.
Calculate my cost →LLC or corporation?
Start with a quick comparison, then read the detailed entity guide later on the page.
Compare structures →Need a filing, not a formation?
Find annual reports, amendments, DBAs, foreign qualification, dissolution, and more.
Find a business service →Price it before you file it.
Pick your state, entity, and DocSeed package. We'll separate our service fee from the estimated state filing fee so you can see where the money is actually going.
Estimates are informational and are not live government quotes. State charges can vary by filing method, entity characteristics, authorized shares, member count, publication requirements, initial reports, business licenses, expedited processing, taxes, and other jurisdiction-specific requirements. Final government charges should be confirmed before submission.
Ideas are easy. Implementation is hard. — Guy Kawasaki
Four paths. Different structures.
Here's the short version. A more detailed explanation of each structure appears after the FAQs.
Limited Liability Company
Flexible ownership and management with a legal entity separate from its owners.
S Corporation Election
A federal tax classification available to eligible entities.
C Corporation
Traditional corporate structure with shareholders, directors, officers, and stock.
Nonprofit Corporation
A corporation formed for an eligible nonprofit purpose.
From “I have an idea” to “we're official.”
Four understandable stages. No dramatic legal-document montage required.
Tell us about the business
Provide the proposed name, entity, state, owners, management information, and registered agent details.
We prepare the filing
DocSeed prepares the applicable formation submission using the information you provide.
It goes to the state
Your formation filing is submitted to the appropriate state agency for processing.
Get your filed documents
Once accepted, available filed formation documents are provided electronically.
Pick the amount of help you want.
The state filing doesn't become more official because you paid more. Higher packages add more DocSeed support around the formation process.
File the Business
+ state filing fee
For founders who know what they need and want the core formation filing handled.
Launch With Support
+ state filing fee
Formation plus additional setup guidance for founders who want a clearer post-filing roadmap.
Start Organized
+ state filing fee
Expanded formation support for founders who want more structure around the administrative launch.
Package features describe DocSeed administrative formation services. Government processing speed is controlled by the applicable state agency unless a separately available state expedited service is purchased.
Already formed? Find the filing you need.
Search available filing, maintenance, and compliance services.
Registered Agent
Registered agent service for eligible businesses needing a designated recipient for official notices.
Learn more →Annual Report
Assistance preparing and submitting recurring state business reports.
Learn more →Certificate of Good Standing
Request state documentation confirming the entity's recorded standing.
Learn more →Change of Registered Agent
Update the registered-agent information on file with the state.
Learn more →Foreign Qualification
Register an existing entity to conduct business in another state where required.
Learn more →Articles of Amendment
Submit eligible updates to information contained in the entity's state records.
Learn more →Business Dissolution
Prepare filings used to formally dissolve an eligible entity.
Learn more →Business License Search
Research potentially applicable licenses and permits based on business location and activity.
Learn more →File Business Taxes
Business tax preparation and filing assistance through appropriately qualified providers.
Learn more →Fictitious Business Name / DBA
Register an assumed, trade, or Doing Business As name where applicable.
Learn more →S Corp Tax Election
Assistance preparing an eligible federal S corporation tax election.
Learn more →No matching service found. Try a broader search term.
A few useful answers.
Business formation has enough jargon already. These are the questions worth answering before you click submit.
Is the Basic formation package really $0?
Does DocSeed choose my entity type for me?
How fast will the state approve my filing?
Is S corporation status a type of corporation?
Does forming a nonprofit make it tax exempt?
Is a registered agent included?
Can the state reject my filing?
What exactly are you forming?
The names sound similar, but these structures work differently. Here's a more detailed plain-English explanation before you make your selection.
What is an LLC?
A Limited Liability Company is a business entity created under state law. It separates the business from its owners, who are commonly called members, while generally allowing more management flexibility than a traditional corporation.
Common characteristics- May have one owner or multiple owners.
- Owners are generally referred to as members.
- May be member-managed or manager-managed, depending on state law and company structure.
- Federal tax treatment can vary depending on ownership and elections made.
- Often used by small businesses, professional ventures, real estate companies, and closely held businesses.
What is an S Corp election?
An S corporation is not a separate type of entity that you form with the state. It is a federal tax classification that an eligible corporation or LLC may elect with the Internal Revenue Service.
Common characteristics- The underlying entity must first exist.
- Eligible businesses typically request the election using IRS Form 2553.
- Federal eligibility restrictions apply.
- State tax treatment may differ from federal treatment.
- Payroll, reasonable compensation, and other tax considerations may apply.
What is a C Corporation?
A C corporation is a corporation formed under state law that is generally treated as a separate taxpayer for federal tax purposes unless another eligible tax election is made.
Common characteristics- Ownership is represented by shares of stock.
- Shareholders own the corporation.
- Directors generally oversee major corporate matters.
- Officers typically manage day-to-day operations.
- Frequently considered by businesses planning to raise outside investment or issue multiple classes of stock.
What is a Nonprofit Corporation?
A nonprofit corporation is created under state law to pursue an eligible nonprofit purpose rather than distribute profits to private owners or shareholders.
Common characteristics- Generally organized around a stated nonprofit purpose.
- Usually governed by a board of directors.
- Does not have traditional owners in the same way an LLC does.
- May need separate federal and state applications for tax-exempt treatment.
- Ongoing reporting and governance requirements commonly apply.
Your business deserves
more than a someday.
See your estimated filing cost, choose the level of support you want, and move the business from idea to official.