Start your LLC, S-Corp or C-Corp with a CPA in the room.
Choosing the wrong structure can cost a New York City business thousands a year. We help you pick the entity that fits your income and plans, then handle the paperwork.
LLC, S-Corp and C-Corp at a glance
| LLC | S-Corp | C-Corp | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal tax | Pass-through (owners pay on their personal return) | Pass-through; owners take a salary plus distributions | Corporation pays its own tax; dividends taxed again |
| NYC business tax | Unincorporated Business Tax, 4% | General Corporation Tax, 8.85% (NYC does not recognize the S election) | Business Corporation Tax |
| Self-employment tax | On all profit | Only on salary paid to owners | Only on salary paid to owners |
| Good fit for | New and small businesses, landlords, simple setups | Profitable owners outside NYC, or where payroll savings outweigh GCT | Businesses raising investors or keeping profits in the company |
| Key form | Articles of Organization | Form 2553 | Certificate of Incorporation |
Rates shown are the general NYC rates; your actual tax depends on income, allocation and credits. See the full S-Corp vs LLC comparison for NYC.
Sources: NYC Finance: Unincorporated Business Tax · NYC Finance: General Corporation Tax instructions (S corporations) · IRS: About Form 2553 (S election) · IRS: Self-employment tax
From idea to open for business
Choose the structure
We compare LLC, S-Corp and C-Corp using your expected income, location and owners.
File with New York State
We prepare your Articles of Organization or Certificate of Incorporation with the Department of State.
EIN and elections
We get your federal EIN and file Form 2553 if an S-Corp election makes sense.
Publication and setup
New York LLCs must meet a publication requirement within 120 days of formation. We guide you through it, then set up your books and sales tax registration.
Sources: NY Dept. of State: LLC publication requirement · IRS: Employer Identification Number · IRS: About Form 2553 (S election) · NY Tax Dept: How to register for sales tax
Fix a structure that no longer fits
Many owners formed an LLC years ago and never revisited it. If your profit has grown, an S election, a change in owner salary or a pass-through entity tax election may save money. We review your current setup during the free consultation and tell you plainly whether a change is worth it.
Once your company exists, we can quote the insurance it needs to sign a lease or a contract: general liability, a Business Owner’s Policy, workers’ compensation and NY disability.
Frequently asked
How long does it take to form an LLC in New York?
Online filings with the Department of State are often processed quickly, but the full setup including the EIN, publication and bank account usually takes a few weeks.
Should my LLC elect S-Corp status?
It depends on your profit and on where you do business. In New York City, an S-Corp pays the General Corporation Tax while an LLC pays the 4% Unincorporated Business Tax, so the answer is different than in most states. We run the numbers for you.
Do I need a lawyer to form an LLC?
Not for a simple formation. For partnership disputes, investor agreements or complex ownership, we will recommend you also speak with an attorney.
Sources: NYC Finance: Unincorporated Business Tax · NYC Finance: General Corporation Tax instructions (S corporations) · IRS: About Form 2553 (S election) · IRS: Self-employment tax · NY Dept. of State: LLC publication requirement · IRS: Employer Identification Number · NY Tax Dept: How to register for sales tax
Figures and rules on this page come from the official and published sources linked above, as of November 2026. People and numbers in the examples are made up to explain the idea. This page is general information, not tax or legal advice for your situation, and laws change; check the linked source or ask a licensed CPA before you act.
Book your free consultation.
Sit down with a licensed CPA to review your business structure and plan your 2026 and 2027 tax returns.