Best Corporation Services Of 2025
Compare top Corporation formation services to find the best fit for your business
Staff Writer
Arorix Editorial Team
Updated: June 14, 2025, 5:29pm
Best Value Corp Filing – Starts at $199 w/ Registered Agent
- Starts at $199; Premium at $299
- Excellent value for startups needing fast, affordable incorporation
- Free plan skips essentials, but upgrades are still cheaper than most competitors
- $199 includes EIN, bylaws, resolutions, and registered agent
- Focused on accuracy, compliance, and personal support — ideal for serious founders
- Offers hands-on service and supports foreign-owned corporations with ease
- Elite plan starts at $199+; includes EIN, registered agent, branding, and domain tools
- Designed for solopreneurs who want a full business + brand setup in one place
- Best pick if you need both formation and a ready-to-go business identity
4
8.5
ZenBusiness – All-in-One Filing – Corp Setup from $199 + Compliance
- $0 + state fees; core features available in $199 Pro and $299 Premium plans
- Strong option for entrepreneurs who want filing, compliance tools, and annual support
- Starter plan is very limited — real value begins with the Pro tier
- $39 + state fees; includes articles, bylaws, and 1-year registered agent.
- Great for founders who want direct, reliable support
- Great choice for founders who value security, simplicity, and direct service
6
7.8
EXCELLENT
LegalZoom – Trusted Corp Filing – From $149 w/ Legal Support
- Starts at $149 + state fees; full features in $249+ plans
- Offers legal support and tools beyond just formation
- Trusted brand, but pricier than most competitors
Our Top 3 Services
1
Best for Budget-Friendly Filing
- $199 + state fees
- 1-year registered agent
- Lifetime compliance alerts
9.8
- $199 + state fees
- EIN, bylaws, resolutions
- Foreign-owned corp support
- $199 + state fees
- EIN, formation documents
- Logo, domain, website builder
4
Best for Speed + Simplicity
- $199 + state fees
- Fast filing, report alerts
- EIN, custom bylaws
8.5
- $39 + state fees
- Articles, bylaws, RA (1 year)
- Private, no upsells
6
Best for Legal Add-Ons
- $149 + state fees
- Bylaws, EIN, corp tools
- Legal services & upgrades
7.8
Looking for a Complete All-in-One Solution?
Best Overall Business Launch Solution
- EIN, docs, & custom branding included
- Access to Arorix OS™ business dashboard
- Website, CRM, and automation tools built-in
9.9
Starting a corporation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Using a trusted incorporation service can streamline the process, reduce stress, and help you avoid costly errors. These providers understand state-specific requirements and ensure your Articles of Incorporation and other documents are filed correctly the first time. Many also include valuable extras like registered agent services, corporate bylaws templates, stock issuance support, and ongoing compliance reminders. If you want a smoother, more reliable path to launching your corporation, using a professional filing service is a smart choice.
What is a Corporation?
A Corporation is a legal business entity that is completely separate from its owners. It has its own rights, responsibilities, and tax obligations. Corporations can enter contracts, sue or be sued, own property, and pay taxes — just like a person.
There are two main types of corporations:
C Corporation (C-Corp) – The default structure; taxed as a separate entity
S Corporation (S-Corp) – A tax election that allows pass-through taxation (IRS approval required)
Tax Differences: C-Corp vs. S-Corp
C Corporation
- Double Taxation: The corporation pays taxes on its profits, and shareholders also pay taxes on dividends.
- Corporate Tax Rate: Flat 21% federal tax rate on corporate income.
- No Pass-Through: Profits do not flow directly to owners’ personal tax returns.
- Deductible Benefits: Can deduct fringe benefits like health insurance for employees and owners.
- No Ownership Restrictions: Allows unlimited shareholders, including foreign investors.
S Corporation
- Pass-Through Taxation: Profits (and losses) pass directly to shareholders’ personal tax returns — no corporate income tax.
- No Double Taxation: Only shareholders pay taxes on earnings.
- IRS Election Required: Must file Form 2553 to become an S-Corp.
- Limits on Ownership: Max 100 shareholders; must be U.S. citizens or residents; only one class of stock.
- Owner-Salaries Required: Owners who work in the business must be paid a “reasonable salary,” which is subject to payroll taxes.
Corporation Filing Fees and Costs
The total cost of incorporating a business depends on your state, structure, and whether you use a filing service. Here’s a breakdown of the most common required and optional costs:
Required Filing Costs
- State Filing Fee
$50 – $500+, depending on the state. This fee covers filing your Articles of Incorporation. - Registered Agent Service
$100 – $300 per year. Required in every state to receive legal and government notices on behalf of your business. - Name Reservation (if required)
$10 – $50. Some states charge to reserve your corporation name before submission. - Franchise Tax or Initial Report
$0 – $800+. Some states require this immediately after filing. - Certified Copies / Certificate of Good Standing
$10 – $75. These are sometimes needed for opening business bank accounts or registering in other states.
Optional or Add-On Services
- EIN Filing
Free if done directly through the IRS. $50–$100 if processed through a service provider. - Corporate Bylaws Template
Free to $100+. Outlines your internal structure, officer roles, and governance. - S-Corp Election (Form 2553)
Free. Submit to the IRS if you want your C-Corp taxed as an S-Corp. - Operating Documents Package
$50 – $200. Typically includes bylaws, initial resolutions, and share certificates.
Formation Service Package Pricing (Typical Ranges)
- Basic Plans
$0 – $99 + state fees. Covers name availability check and initial filing only. - Mid-Tier Plans
$199 – $249 + state fees. Often includes EIN, bylaws, and basic compliance support. - Premium Plans
$299 – $349 + state fees. Usually includes all filing, legal documents, registered agent, and alerts.
Tip: Using a formation provider can help you avoid missed steps and stay legally compliant.
What Are Corporate Bylaws and Why Do They Matter?
Corporate bylaws are a required internal document that defines how your corporation is managed. Most states require you to create bylaws after filing your Articles of Incorporation, even though they aren’t submitted to the state.
Why Bylaws Are Important:
- Defines internal structure – Outlines officer roles, voting rights, and responsibilities.
- Required for compliance – Helps maintain legal protection and corporate status.
- Needed for banking and financing – Lenders and investors often request to review them.
- Prevents disputes – Sets clear rules for meetings, decision-making, and resolving conflicts.
What to Include in Your Bylaws:
- Officer and director roles
- How meetings are held and documented
- Shareholder voting procedures
- Rules for issuing or transferring shares
- Steps for amending the bylaws
Most corporation formation services include a bylaws template, but the quality varies. Make sure the provider you choose includes editable documents that meet your state’s requirements.
Why Startups and Solo Entrepreneurs Use Corporation Filing Services
- Registered Agent for Privacy and Legal Compliance
A registered agent is required for all corporations. Filing services often include one to protect your personal address and ensure you never miss legal or government documents. - Corporate Bylaws and Organizational Documents
Corporations must have bylaws and a formal structure. Most services include templates for bylaws, share certificates, and resolutions to keep you compliant. - Board Meetings and Initial Resolutions
Initial board meetings and officer elections must be documented. Formation services provide the required tools to issue shares and document decisions correctly. - Accurate Articles of Incorporation Filing
Properly filed Articles of Incorporation are essential. Services ensure your filing includes required details like share structure and business purpose to avoid rejection. - S Corporation Tax Election (Optional)
If you choose S-Corp tax treatment, some providers will help you file IRS Form 2553 — a move that may reduce self-employment tax. - Startup-Ready Tools and Add-Ons
Many platforms bundle in extras like business name checks, EIN filing, compliance alerts, domains, and logo tools to help founders launch professionally. - Cost-Effective for Lean Teams
Whether you just need filing or a complete setup package, most services offer plans that balance affordability with essential legal support.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Corporation
Forming a corporation is a strong foundation for serious business growth, but even small missteps can cause legal issues, delays, or added costs. Below are common mistakes new founders make—and how to steer clear of them.
- Skipping the Corporate Bylaws
Bylaws are legally required and define how your business operates. Not having them can lead to internal disputes or compliance issues. - Failing to Issue Stock Properly
Corporations must issue stock to shareholders and document it correctly. Skipping this step can jeopardize your corporate status. - Using a Personal Address for the Corporation
This exposes your private information to the public. A registered agent or business address is the safer, more professional option. - Neglecting Required Board Meetings and Resolutions
Unlike LLCs, corporations must hold board meetings and maintain records of major decisions. Failure to do so risks noncompliance. - Not Filing an S-Corp Election (If Needed)
If you intend to be taxed as an S-Corp, you must file IRS Form 2553 within the deadline. Missing it could result in unintended tax treatment. - Overlooking State Compliance Requirements
Annual reports, franchise taxes, and corporate recordkeeping are often required. Missing these can result in penalties or administrative dissolution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between an LLC and a Corporation?
A Corporation is a separate legal entity with a formal structure, shareholders, and stricter compliance requirements. An LLC offers more flexibility and is often easier to manage, but may not suit businesses seeking investment or issuing stock.
Do I need corporate bylaws to form a Corporation?
Yes. Bylaws are required to outline how your Corporation is governed, including roles, voting rights, and procedures. Most states expect you to maintain them even if you don’t submit them during filing.
Can one person start a Corporation?
Yes. A single person can form a Corporation and serve as the sole shareholder, director, and officer. However, you must still follow corporate formalities like adopting bylaws and holding meetings.