Is it better to incorporate online or at a layer's office?

Question

I know its cheaper online, but are there any advantages to doing it in person? I would like to make a c-corp. should i do it online or at a lawyer's office?

Thanks in advance for answering question

Answer 1

It depends on how much you know about operating as a corporation.

If you already know what papers need to be filed with which state agencies, now for formation and each year in the future then perhaps you could do it yourself online.

On the other hand, one of the advantages of going to a lawyer's office is that you will get some advice, not just forms filed. How much advice you get depends on the lawyer and the questions you can think of to ask.

My advice would be that if you are going to be busy running the day to day business of the corporation then you need a team avaliable to help you with the things that you would only deal with occassionally. A lawyer and an accountant make it their business to deal with those things on a regular basis and can guide you.

One thing I'll point out to you is that a C corp is a choice under federal income tax law whereas your corporation will be incorporated under your state's corporation laws. C corp is the default tax status if you don't elect S corp status.

Another reason to consult a lawyer and an accountant before you incorporate is to see if a corporation is the right choice of entity for you to use in operating your business. You might also want to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of an LLC, a Limited Liability Company. It can elect to be taxed as a C corporation, an S corporation or, depending on who owns it, as a sole proprietorship or partnership, while still giving you the limited liability protection.

Good luck with your new business.