Business Formation Assistant (2026)

Register Your Business in your state:
3 Easy Steps

Register your business in your state using our online Business Formation Assistant. Complete our 3-step assistant and we will prepare and file the paperwork necessary to form your business in the state of your choosing. Once approved, receive your business certificate electronically along with any other essential formation services selected. Fast, Easy & Secure!

Get Started By Selecting a Business Type:

An LLC (Limited Liability Company) can have a single owner or multiple members and offers personal asset protection. LLC is the most popular business structure.

A DBA (Doing Business As) name is also known as a Trade Name. It lets you use your business name without creating a new entity. An LLC can also file a DBA.

A Corporation or S-Corporation offers personal asset protection like an LLC, but can issue stocks and go public. Almost all large businesses are corporations.

A Partnership is two or more people in business together for-profit. Like a DBA, the members have unlimited personal liability for the actions of the business.

An S-Corporation is a pass-through entity like an LLC, and passes income, losses, deductions and credits through to its hsareholders. You must file form 2553 to elect s-corp status.

A Nonprofit Organization offers personal asset protection and can operate for religious, charitable, or public benefit. A nonprofit can apply for grants and tax-exempt status.

What's the difference between an LLC and a DBA?

LLC vs. DBA — Both can help you operate your business, but they serve very different purposes.

LLC Benefits

Best for: Creating a business entity

✓ Personal Liability Protection
✓ Establishes Business Name
✓ Builds Business Credibility
✓ Protects Personal Assetts
✓ Tax Flexibility

DBA Benefits

Best for: Establishing a business name

✓ Simple and Cost-Effective
✓ Establishes Business Name
✓ Great for Branding
✓ Builds a Professional Identity
✓ Can Be Used With an Existing LLC

Which Is Right for You

Best option that fits your business

✓ Starting a new business? LLC
✓ Only establishing a name? DBA
✓ Create a business entity? LLC
✓ Personal liability protection? LLC
✓ Already have a business? DBA

Key Differences:

An LLC creates a legal business entity, and offers a flexible business structure designed to help protect your personal assets from business debt and liabilities. With flexible management and tax options, registering an LLC can provide the protection and advantages you need to confidently build and grow your business.

A DBA is simple and cost effective, and gives you the flexibility to operate your business under a name that better represents your brand. Whether you'r a sole proprietor or an existing business, filing a DBA can help establish a professional identity and make it easier for customers to recognize you.

Do I need to have an LLC to file for a DBA?

No. You do not need an LLC to file a DBA. A sole proprietor can file a DBA to operate using a business name and not just their own legal name. However, a DBA does not create a separate legal business entity or provide the personal liability protection of an LLC. You are simply registering a business name to conduct business under.

Which business structure offers personal liability protection?

LLCs can offer personal liability protection, often referred to as the "corporate veil." This generally helps separate the business owner's personal assets from the debts and liabilities of the business. A DBA is simply a registered business name and does not create a separate legal entity or provide personal liability protection. If protecting your personal assets is important, forming an LLC may be a better choice than operating under a DBA alone.

Can I change from a DBA to an LLC later?

Yes. If you start with a DBA, you can register an LLC using the same name later. The LLC would be a new legal business entity, and you should be able to continue using your existing DBA business name as the LLC's legal name, depending on current name availability and state requirements.

Do I have to hire an attorney to form a business?

There is no need to hire an attorney to form your business. You can use a streamlined service like NFS US for a fraction of the cost of an attorney, saving you a great deal of time, effort and money. We bundle multiple business products together into one easy-to-use assistant, and insure your documents are submitted correctly and without error. Although we cannot offer legal advice, we can provide helpful information about the most common startup questions and help simplify the initial formation process.

Just like you, NFS US is a locally owned small business. With 15+ years of experience helping entrepreneurs start and maintain their businesses, we make the process simple, accurate, and convenient. From business formation and name registration to ongoing filing support, we bring multiple services together in one easy-to-use assistant — backed by dedicated customer support every step of the way.