Entity Formation
Select a state to explore filing costs
State filing details appear here when a state is selected.
Entity Types
Business Entity Types
Plain-language guide to every major business structure. Click any card to expand.
Partnerships
Partnerships
The four main partnership structures — how they differ in liability, management, and formation requirements.
| GP | LP | LLP | LLLP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State filing required | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| All partners can manage | ✓ | GP only | ✓ | GP only |
| GP personal liability | Unlimited | Unlimited | Limited | Limited |
| LP limited liability | N/A | ✓ | N/A | ✓ |
| Pass-through taxation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Available in all states | ✓ | ✓ | Most | Select |
Professional & Licensed Entities
Professional & Licensed-Practice Entities
Specialized entity structures governed by state law for licensed professionals — physicians, attorneys, CPAs, architects, and others — operating in private practice. Each card expands to show details.
Federal Tax ID
Employer Identification Number
A federal tax ID issued by the IRS — always free, typically takes about 10 minutes online.
What is an EIN?
An EIN is a unique 9-digit number the IRS uses to identify a business entity for federal tax purposes — functioning similarly to a Social Security number, but issued to an organization rather than an individual. Having employees is not a prerequisite; EINs appear on tax returns, bank account applications, and vendor forms such as the W-9.
Each distinct legal entity carries its own EIN. Trade names (DBAs) share the EIN of the underlying entity, as a DBA is a name registration rather than a separate legal structure.
Also note: DUNS Number. A free 9-digit identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet, separate from an EIN. App publishers on Apple, Google, or Microsoft platforms may be required to provide one during developer program enrollment. A DUNS number is also commonly required for federal contracts and grants.
Roles & Titles
Roles & Titles
Who does what in an LLC or corporation — and how the titles actually differ.
Formation Documents
Formation & Filing Documents
Documents used to form, govern, and maintain a business entity — from initial filing through lifecycle events. Each card expands to show key components.
Formation & Governance
Domain Availability
Domain Availability
Search whether your preferred domain name is available to register.
Tools & Technology
Tech Stacks by Profession
Select a profession to see the tools that power it.