Incorporation & Structure

Choosing the right legal structure affects your startup’s taxes, liability, and fundraising options. It’s one of the first big decisions with long-term impact, so it’s critical to get right.

Filing your incorporation paperwork is just the first step. To become operational and investor-ready, there are several legal, tax, and setup actions to complete right after.

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your startup’s federal tax ID. It’s essential for opening a bank account, hiring employees, issuing stock, and filing taxes. It’s fast, free, and required to do business in the U.S.

Once your company is incorporated, you need to make it operational. That starts with adopting bylaws (your company’s internal rulebook) and creating board consents to formally approve your key startup decisions. These steps establish legitimacy with banks, investors, and even your future self.

Delaware is the go-to incorporation state for startups. It offers legal advantages, VC familiarity, and flexibility — especially when issuing stock or raising capital.

The Certificate of Incorporation is the foundational legal document that officially creates your startup as a corporation. It defines your legal identity and sets your structure for issuing shares, establishing governance, and attracting investors. Filing this correctly ensures you can raise capital, issue equity, and protect your startup’s legitimacy.

A registered agent is your official contact for legal and tax documents in your state of incorporation. You must name one to stay compliant and ensure timely delivery of important filings and legal notices.

Public Benefit Corporations (PBCs) are a legal structure for startups that want to make money and make an impact. PBCs let you declare a public mission in your charter—like improving education, health, or the environment—without sacrificing your ability to raise capital.