Limited Liability
Company (LLC)
Starts at $99 + state filing fees
- Articles of Organization filed
- EIN (federal tax ID)
- Operating Agreement
Business formation
Kickstart your business in minutes
Limited Liability
Corporation
(S corp or C corp)
Starts at $149 + state filing fees
- Articles of Incorporation filed
- EIN (federal tax ID)
- Operating Agreement & bylaws
Nonprofit
(501c3)
Starts at $199 + state filing fees
- Nonprofit Articles filed
- EIN (federal tax ID)
- Bylaw assistance
Trade Name
(DBA)
Starts at $49 + state filing fees
- Trade name registration filed
- Trademark screening check
- Name availability check
Compare structures
Not sure? See how they stack up.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
How it’s unique
- Best for max flexibility in how you manage and run your business; board of directors not required
- Unlimited owners (aka “members”) allowed
- Less paperwork and formality than a corporation
Protections & taxation
- You’re not personally on the hook for business liabilities
- Pass-through taxation by default — you can elect corporate taxation with your tax professional to help minimize taxes
Drawbacks to consider
- Ongoing filings and fees to stay in compliance
- LLCs can’t go public
- Harder to raise venture capital than a corporation
Ready to get your Limited Liability Company? Starts at $99 + state filing fees
Corporation (C corp or S corp)
How it’s unique
- Built for issuing shares, adding investors, and stock incentive plans
- The structure investors and lenders know best
- Can elect S corp taxation with your tax professional
Protections & taxation
- Owners are generally protected from personal liability
- C corps pay corporate tax; S corps pass income through to owners’ personal returns
Drawbacks to consider
- The most formality — bylaws, directors, minutes, and annual requirements
- Double taxation is possible for C corps when profits are paid out as dividends
Ready to get your Corporation? Starts at $149 + state filing fees
Nonprofit Corporation
How it’s unique
- A formal structure for a mission that serves a public or social benefit
- May qualify for 501(c)(3) federal tax exemption and grant funding
- Donors may deduct contributions once exemption is approved
Protections & taxation
- Directors and officers are generally shielded from personal liability
- Federal and state tax exemptions available once approved
Drawbacks to consider
- No owners — a board of directors governs, and assets stay dedicated to the mission
- Annual IRS Form 990 and state charity reporting apply
Ready to get your Nonprofit Corporation? Starts at $199 + state filing fees
Trade Name (DBA)
How it’s unique
- Register a public-facing trade name without forming a new legal entity
- Add a brand name to an existing LLC or corporation
- The fastest, lowest-cost way to make a name official
Protections & taxation
- No new tax status — your existing taxes stay exactly as they are
- Pairs well with an LLC if you also want liability protection
Drawbacks to consider
- A trade name alone provides no personal liability protection
- Trade name rights are weaker than an entity or registered trademark — we run a trademark screening check with every registration
Ready to get your Trade Name? Starts at $49 + state filing fees
State filing fees are billed at cost — you'll see the exact amount before anything is filed. Tax-exempt, legal, and tax election matters are coordinated with licensed professionals. We are not a law firm.
Not sure which structure fits?
Answer a few guided questions and our AI-powered advisor recommends the right structure and plan — free, in about two minutes, reviewed by a specialist.
How it works
Three steps. No guesswork.
You answer the questions — we handle the paperwork, and you always know what happens next.
Tell us about your business
A few guided questions about your plans — takes about two minutes online, or call 216-435-1785 and do it by phone.
We prepare & file
A Norka specialist reviews your order, prepares your state filing, and submits it. You can track every stage in your client portal.
Launch with a roadmap
You get a personalized step-by-step launch roadmap for your state — EIN, banking, licenses, insurance — so nothing gets missed.
Every order is reviewed by a real person.
We're not a filing mill. A Norka consultant in Akron, Ohio checks your order before anything goes to the state, and you can reach us at 216-435-1785 whenever you have a question.
Beyond formation
Everything your launch needs, one roof.
Formation is step one. Norka supports the whole journey.
Launch Packages
Formation plus operating agreement, banking guidance, brand, logo, email, and consultations — bundled from $299.
Compare packages →Registered Agent & Compliance
Stay in good standing after you launch with ongoing compliance support.
Learn more →S-Corp & Holding Companies
Tax election guidance with licensed professionals and multi-entity planning for owners building more than one brand.
Explore structures →Questions
Business formation FAQs
What's the difference between an LLC and a corporation?
An LLC is simpler to run and taxes usually pass through to your personal return — great for most small businesses. A corporation has shares, directors, and bylaws, which investors prefer but which add formality. If you're unsure, our free recommendation tool walks you through it in about two minutes.
What do the state filing fees cost?
Every state sets its own filing fee — commonly between $50 and $300. We bill state fees at cost, with no markup, and you'll see the exact amount before anything is filed.
How long does formation take?
Typically about 7 business days for an LLC, 10 for a corporation, and 14 for a nonprofit — plus your state's processing time. You can track every stage in your client portal.
Do I need an attorney to start a business?
Most standard formations don't require one, and we prepare the filings for you. For complex situations — multiple owners with unusual terms, regulated industries, investor agreements — we recommend attorney review, and we'll tell you when that's the case rather than pretend otherwise.
What happens after my business is formed?
You get a personalized launch roadmap for your state — EIN, business banking, licenses, insurance, and every registration your business type actually needs — with the option to have Norka handle any step for you.
Can you help me figure out what I need first?
Yes — that's the best place to start. Use the free recommendation tool or call 216-435-1785 and we'll talk it through. No pressure, real pricing.