Do I need a registered agent?

Yes. Every state requires businesses to designate a registered agent with a physical address in the state of formation. A registered agent receives legal documents and official government correspondence on your business's behalf. CrowSmart offers registered agent service for $${RA_ANNUAL}/year so you don't have to use your personal address.

What's included with business formation?

Your formation package includes preparation and filing of your formation documents with the state, a customized Operating Agreement (for LLCs) or Corporate Bylaws (for Corporations), and access to your online dashboard where you can track your filing status and manage your business documents.

Which state should I form my business in?

Most small businesses should form in the state where they operate. While states like Delaware and Wyoming offer certain advantages, forming in a different state means you'll need to foreign qualify in your home state anyway, which means double the fees and paperwork. If you operate in one state, form there. If you have multi-state operations or specific needs, feel free to contact us for guidance.

What's the difference between an LLC and a Corporation?

An LLC offers flexible management, pass-through taxation, and fewer formalities, making them ideal for most small businesses. A Corporation has a more formal structure with shareholders, directors, and officers, and can elect S-Corp tax status to potentially save on self-employment taxes. Corporations are often preferred if you plan to seek venture capital or go public. Not sure which is right? Our entity guide can help you compare.

Can I form a business if I'm not a US citizen?

Yes. Non-US citizens and non-residents can form LLCs and Corporations in the United States. You do not need a Social Security Number to form your business, though you will need an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS, which we can help you obtain. Some states and entity types may have additional requirements.

BUSINESS FORMATION

Form Your Business

Start Your Business the Right Way

Launch your LLC, Corporation, or Nonprofit in any U.S. state. We prepare and file your formation documents with the Secretary of State so you can focus on building your business.

Not sure which entity type to choose?

All 50 States

Form your business in any U.S. state, regardless of where you live.

Quick Turnaround

Your documents are prepared and filed in as little as one business day.

No Hidden Fees

The price at checkout is the price you pay. Service fee + state fee, that's it.

Money-Back Guarantee

If we file your formation incorrectly, you get your money back.

ENTITY TYPES

Choose Your Business Structure

The entity type you choose affects your taxes, liability protection, and how your business operates. Here's a quick overview to help you decide.

Limited Liability Company

An LLC (Limited Liability Company) combines the liability protection of a corporation with the tax flexibility and simplicity of a partnership. It's the most popular business structure for small businesses in the United States.

Small to medium-sized businesses

Solo entrepreneurs and freelancers

Family-owned businesses

Learn More Form LLC Now

Corporation (C-Corp / S-Corp)

A Corporation is a separate legal entity owned by shareholders, offering the strongest liability protection. It's the preferred structure for businesses seeking outside investment, planning to go public, or needing a formal governance framework.

Businesses seeking venture capital or angel investment

Companies planning to go public (IPO)

Businesses with multiple investors or complex ownership

Learn More Form Corporation Now

Nonprofit Corporation

A Nonprofit Corporation is organized for charitable, educational, religious, or social welfare purposes rather than private profit. When paired with 501(c)(3) status from the IRS, donations to the organization become tax-deductible and the organization is exempt from federal income tax.

Charitable organizations and foundations

Educational institutions and programs

Religious organizations

Learn More Form Nonprofit Now

WHAT YOU GET

Everything You Need to Launch

Your formation includes everything required to legally establish your business entity with the state. We prepare the documents, file with the Secretary of State, and deliver your approved paperwork.

Formation Documents Filed With the State

Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (Corporation/Nonprofit) prepared and submitted to your state's Secretary of State.

Operating Agreement or Corporate Bylaws

Customized governance document that defines ownership, management structure, and decision-making for your business.

Priority Filing Service

Your formation documents are prepared and filed in as little as one business day. No waiting in a queue.

24/7 Online Dashboard

Track your filing status, download documents, manage billing, and access your business records anytime.

OptionalAdd these during checkout

Registered Agent

Professional state address for legal documents

State Compliance

Annual report filing and monitoring

EIN / Tax ID

Federal Employer Identification Number from the IRS

S-Corp Election

IRS Form 2553 for S-Corporation tax treatment

HOW IT WORKS

The Formation Process

Forming a business entity creates a legal separation between you and your business. When you file Articles of Organization (for an LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (for a Corporation or Nonprofit), the state recognizes your business as a distinct legal entity with its own rights and obligations.

This separation is what gives you personal liability protection. Your personal assets (home, savings, car) are generally protected from business debts and lawsuits. It also establishes your business's official existence for opening bank accounts, signing contracts, and filing taxes.

Every state has its own filing requirements, fees, and processing times. CrowSmart handles the paperwork for all 50 states, ensuring your documents meet your state's specific requirements and are filed correctly the first time.

Tell Us About Your Business

Choose your entity type (LLC, Corporation, or Nonprofit), select your state of formation, and enter your desired business name. Add your management structure and optional services like Registered Agent and EIN filing.

We File With the State

CrowSmart prepares your formation documents and submits them to your state's Secretary of State in as little as one business day. We ensure everything meets your state's specific requirements so there are no rejections or delays.

You're Official

Once your state approves the filing, you receive your formation documents, including your filed Articles and governance documents. Access everything through your online dashboard and start operating your business.

PRICING

Transparent Pricing, No Surprises

CrowSmart's formation service fee is $199 plus your state's filing fee (varies by state). That's it. No hidden fees, no upsells at checkout.

Money-back guarantee if we file your formation incorrectly.

Start Your Formation

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We've got answers. Find everything you need to know about our Business Formation service.

CrowSmart typically prepares and submits your formation documents within 1-2 business days of completing your order. After submission, processing times depend on your state. Most states take 5-10 business days, while some like Delaware can process in 1-2 business days. Expedited processing is available in many states for an additional fee. We keep you updated throughout the process and notify you as soon as your business is officially formed.

Ready when you are

Ready to Launch Your Business?

Filed in as little as one business day, all 50 states. Starting at $199 + state fees.

Start Your Formation Compare Entity Types