California Corporation Formation by Attorneys
California corporation formation handled by an attorney, with corporate documents and S-corporation election when appropriate. Clear scope. Personal guidance.
Start Your CorporationLicensed professional (doctor, lawyer, CPA, therapist, etc.)? Form a Professional Corporation →
Protect Yourself & Save on Taxes
Corporations separate your personal assets from business liabilities, helping shield your home and savings from lawsuits. Electing S‑Corporation status can also reduce overall payroll taxes when structured correctly. And when you need to raise capital, a corporation’s stock structure helps you do it the right way.
The S‑Corporation Tax Advantage
If your business will generate over $100,000 in net profit, S‑Corporation election can provide significant tax savings.
S‑Corp owners may reduce overall payroll taxes by taking a reasonable salary and receiving remaining profits as distributions. We coordinate with your CPA on reasonable compensation.
*Savings vary based on income level and reasonable salary requirements. Consult your tax advisor for specific calculations.
The Attorney Advantage
Why licensed attorneys matter for California corporation formation
Attorney Guidance on Formation Requirements
Your formation may require securities filings. Your attorney will identify the applicable requirements and confirm the scope in your engagement agreement.
-
Formation Documents: Bylaws and initial corporate resolutions prepared for your corporation’s agreed formation scope.
-
Attorney‑Client Privilege: Your conversations and documents are legally protected and confidential. Non‑attorney services offer no such protection.
-
Legal Strategy: We structure your corporation for optimal liability protection and tax efficiency based on your specific situation.
Critical Corporation Deadlines
Important formation and ongoing deadlines. Your engagement agreement identifies the filings LawInc handles.
S‑Corporation Election (Form 2553)
File IRS Form 2553 within 2 months and 15 days of the tax year start to elect S‑Corp status. Late relief is often available.
Statement of Information
File with the California Secretary of State to list officers and addresses (first filing due within 90 days).
Corporate Tax Return
Form 1120‑S due for calendar‑year S‑Corps. California minimum franchise tax of $800 generally applies starting year 2.
What’s Included in Your $1,495 Single-Owner Formation
Complete attorney‑led formation with no hidden fees
Attorney Consultation
Your dedicated California attorney personally structures your corporation for maximum protection.
- Entity structure planning
- Stock allocation strategy
- Name availability check
State & Federal Filings
We prepare and submit the formation filings included in your engagement agreement.
- Articles of Incorporation
- Federal Tax ID (EIN)
- S‑Corp Election (Form 2553)
- Statement of Information
Initial Stock Documents
Initial stock-issuance paperwork for the formation scope described in your engagement agreement.
- Stock purchase agreements for your initial stock issuance
- Investment representation letters for your initial stock issuance
Corporate Records
Complete governance package with custom documents.
- Custom bylaws
- Stock certificates & ledger
- Meeting minutes
- Banking resolutions
First Year Registered Agent
We serve as your official agent for service of process ($499 value).
- Legal document receipt
- Compliance reminders
Attorney Formation Support
Work directly with your attorney on the formation services described in your engagement agreement.
- Guidance on your formation documents
- Answers to questions about included filings
Do It the Right Way — With a Law Firm
Proper formation goes far beyond filing Articles. We handle the steps that protect your liability shield.
Direct access for formation questions.
Avoid amendments and delays.
Most services only “prepare” it.
Federal Tax ID (EIN).
Completed ledger & certificates.
Answers to questions about included filings.
Why Attorneys Beat Document Services
The complete picture of what you actually get
| Service | Document Services | ATTORNEY-LED LAWINC |
|---|---|---|
| Formation by Licensed Attorney | Not included | Included |
| Formation Documents (bylaws and resolutions) | Not included | Included |
| Articles of Incorporation | Included | Included |
| EIN/Tax ID Number | Included | Included |
| S‑Corp Election (Form 2553) | Sometimes | Included |
| First Year Registered Agent | Extra $$$ | Included |
| Attorney‑Client Privilege | Not included | Included |
| Direct Attorney Access | Not included | Included |
| Formation Support | Not included | Included |
| Total Typical Cost | $500–1,500+ | $1,495 Complete |
What Our Clients Say
Real reviews from California business owners and professionals
“Law Inc was fantastic. Had everything I needed for my new business in less than 24 hours. They guaranteed 2 days but wow, 24 hours later I am opening a new business bank account and running payroll. Great job!!”
“Great experience with Law Inc!! Absolute experts in this field, thorough, organized, extremely prompt and very patient, honest, knowledgeable, friendly, reasonable, dynamic, super helpful, and supportive team!”
“We have been using LawInc’s services for our corporation for over 5 years. They provide excellent, timely and hassle-free service. Reminders are sent in a timely manner so we do not miss any deadlines.”
Corporation FAQs
Short, practical answers. Not legal or tax advice.
Your formation may require securities filings. Your attorney will identify the applicable requirements and confirm the scope in your engagement agreement.
Generally within 2 months and 15 days from the start of the tax year you want the election to take effect. If you miss it, late relief may be available.
California typically waives the $800 minimum franchise tax for newly formed corporations in their first year. The tax generally applies beginning in year two.
Missed Statements can trigger a $250 penalty and lead to SOS/FTB suspension. A suspended corporation loses rights, powers, and privileges—including the ability to maintain actions in court—until revived. We handle the initial Statement of Information as part of formation. Your engagement agreement identifies any additional filing services.
Local business tax registrations and licenses are handled at the city or county level and are not included in our formation service. We’ll point you to the correct local agency and typical deadlines so you can file after formation.
Complete Attorney Formation
Everything included. No surprises.
Single-owner formation package
LAWINC Attorney‑Led Corporation Formation
- Attorney consultation & strategy
- State and federal formation filings listed above
- S‑Corp election filing
- Complete corporate records
- First year registered agent
- Attorney formation support
Attorney-Reviewed Formation
This information is for general purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Formation of an attorney‑client relationship requires a signed engagement agreement. Local city/county business license registrations are not included.
Start With Confidence. Start With Attorneys.
Start your California corporation with attorney guidance and a clearly defined formation scope.