Business Formation
Start Smart: Confidently Launch Your Business with the Right Legal Foundation
Choosing the right business structure isn't just a formality: it's one of the most important decisions you'll make as a business owner. Whether you're launching a solo venture, building a partnership, or forming an LLC or corporation, the legal entity you choose will impact your taxes, liability, and long-term success.
At View Ridge Law, we offer business law services designed to guide entrepreneurs and business owners through every step of the corporate and entity formation process. We simplify the legal requirements so you can focus on building your vision.
What Kind of Business Entity Should You Form?
Business Formation in Washington State: Get Guidance From Experienced Attorneys
Your business structure affects everything from your day-to-day operations to your personal liability and how you pay taxes. Working with an experienced business law attorney can help ensure you choose the right structure to support your goals, limit your risk, and position your company for long-term success.
At View Ridge Law, we help you weigh your options and choose the right structure for your goals, risk tolerance, and growth plan.
Entity Formation Options We Support:
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Limited Liability Company (LLC): A flexible structure that protects personal assets and requires fewer formalities.
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General Partnership: A shared ownership structure where partners are jointly responsible for the business’s obligations.
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Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): A partnership model offering liability protection for individual partners.
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S Corporation (S-Corp): A tax-advantaged corporation structure that avoids double taxation for qualified businesses.
What to Consider When Choosing a Business Structure
Selecting the right legal structure for your business is one of the most important early decisions you’ll make. It can impact everything from how you're taxed to how much personal risk you carry. Here are the key factors to evaluate when forming your business:
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Tax Implications
Your business entity determines how profits are taxed whether through pass-through taxation (like an LLC or S-Corp) or on a personal level (like in a sole proprietorship). The right choice can save you money and simplify your accounting. -
Liability Protection
Forming an entity like an LLC or corporation can protect your personal assets—such as your home, car, or retirement accounts—from business-related lawsuits and debts. -
Ownership and Management Flexibility
Some structures, like LLCs, offer more flexibility in how the business is managed and how profits are distributed among owners. Others, like corporations, have more formal governance requirements. -
Funding and Investment Needs
If you plan to raise money from investors or issue stock, forming a corporation may be a better fit. Some entities are more attractive to banks, venture capital, and angel investors. -
Administrative Requirements
Corporations must follow strict formalities like adopting bylaws, holding board meetings, and filing annual reports. LLCs and sole proprietorships have fewer ongoing requirements. -
Business Goals and Growth Plans
Are you starting a side hustle or building a company to scale? Your long-term vision should shape your formation strategy, especially if you’re planning for growth, exit, or succession. -
Licensing and Regulatory Needs
Some industries or business types may have licensing or compliance requirements that affect the entity you choose—especially if you’re pursuing a professional license or operating in a regulated field. -
Cost of Formation and Maintenance
Formation and renewal fees vary depending on the entity and your state. LLCs and corporations generally have higher setup and ongoing costs than sole proprietorships or partnerships.
Legal Clarity from Day One: Our Business Formation Services
We provide strategic, customized support based on your business’s unique goals, structure, and industry. While the specific services you need will vary, the examples below reflect the kind of tailored guidance and legal protection you can expect when you work with us.
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Customized Business Formation Strategy: We tailor recommendations to your industry, goals, and ownership structure.
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State Filing & Compliance: We can handle Articles of Incorporation or Organization, EIN registration, and more.
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Ongoing Legal Guidance & Continuity of Support: We can stay with you after formation, helping with bylaws, operating agreements, and future growth decisions.
Schedule a
Consultation
To schedule an appointment with one of our Client Services Directors, please fill out the form below or contact our office directly. Our friendly staff will promptly assist you in arranging a consultation at a time that works best for you.
During this appointment, we will review your legal needs and share information about our legal team. If you decide to move forward, our team will coordinate a meeting with an attorney.