Formations
Plan for success in your new business.
Portside’s business formation services make starting your LLC or corporation seamless and stress-free. From preparing and filing formation documents to securing EINs, drafting operating agreements, and guiding you through regulatory requirements, we handle the critical steps so you can focus on building your business. Our team ensures every detail is completed accurately and efficiently, giving you confidence that your new company is fully compliant from day one and positioned for long-term success.
Who This Is For:
- Entrepreneurs with a new business idea
- Anyone looking to make a side gig official
- Founders opening a new nonprofit
- Anyone looking to open a new LLC or corporation

Why Choose This Service
Professional Entity Type Analysis
Operating Agreement
Business Bank Account
Tax Registrations & EIN
Quickbooks Online Setup
Payroll System Setup
Payment System Setup
Local Licenses + Permits Search
What's Included
State LLC, Partnership, Corporation, or Nonprofit Formation
Form your new LLC, partnership, corporation, or nonprofit organization in the state of your choice with full compliance.
New Entity Analysis
Choose the right business structure with expert guidance tailored to your goals.
Unlimited Name Availability Searches
Confirm the perfect business name with unlimited availability checks.
Federal EIN Application
Secure your federal tax ID number (Employer Identification Number) quickly and hassle-free.
Tax Registrations & Other ID Numbers
Register for all necessary state and local tax IDs to stay compliant.
A Dedicated Advisor
Get one-on-one support from an experienced advisor every step of the way.
Secure Online Portal & Digital Records Locker
Access and store your business or nonprofit documents securely in one place.
Hand-Off Meeting
A personalized video walkthrough or two-way video conference of your new business or nonprofit setup and tools.
Operating Agreement/Articles of Organization
Protect your business with customized formation documents.
S-Corp Election
Optimize tax savings with accurate and timely S-Corp election filing.
100% Virtual Approach
You get 24/7 access to our secure client portal to communicate with your advisor and access formation documents at any time.
Optional Add-ons
Registered Agent Services
Maintain privacy and compliance with a trusted Registered Agent to receive legal and tax documents. This service is required if you don't live in the same state your business or nonprofit is registered in.
Ongoing Entity Management & Maintenance
Keep your business in good standing with ongoing compliance monitoring and filings.
Accounting System Setup
Get your business started on the right foot with a customized accounting system tailored to your needs.
Ongoing Bookkeeping & Accounting
Keep your finances organized with reliable monthly bookkeeping and reporting.
Annual Report Filings
If your state requires you to file an Annual Report for your business or nonprofit, we'll handle it.
State Sales Tax Filings
Stay compliant with accurate and timely sales tax reporting and remittance.
State Sales Tax Exemptions
We can assist with sales tax exemption applications in the states your nonprofit organization operates in.
Business or Nonprofit Tax Prep & Filing
File your business or nonprofit taxes with confidence through expert preparation, compliance, and strategic guidance.
Payroll Services
Simplify payroll with accurate processing, tax filings, and employee compliance.
IRS Account Monitoring
We'll monitor your account at the IRS for any unexpected changes. We're also here for assistance with any unlikely notices or letters.
Merchant Services
Merchant processing services for small businesses. No hidden fees. No long-term contracts. Just honest, transparent pricing — from a firm that already knows your books.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How does my business become an S corp?
By default, all Corporations (regardless of which state they were formed in) are known as “C-Corporations“. So, if you have not specifically filed a form to elect to become an S-Corporation, then your company is still a C-Corporation. By submitting a Form 2553 the IRS and adopting the appropriate corporate resolution, you can become an S-Corporation. If you utilize my S-Corporation Election service, we can prepare the resolution and the form for you and send it to the IRS (they only take submissions via mail or fax at this time). The IRS then confirms via mail within a few months.
Note that some states like California and New Jersey also require their own state version of the S-Corporation Election.
Can I form an LLC or corporation in one state but be based in another?
Yes, there are many reasons a company would form an LLC or corporation in a state outside where they conduct business. Some of those reasons are related to taxation and ownership transparency. Your LLC or corporation would have to be Foreign Qualified in the state of formation, and we can do that for you.
How long does it take to form an LLC or corporation?
We process most orders in just a few business days once we receive your initial formation questionnaire back completed. However, how long the state will take to process the paperwork once they receive it varies widely depending on the state (and the season). Some states take 3 days, others take 3-4 weeks or longer. Upon ordering our new business formation services, we will provide an estimated time to process an order in your selected state.
We also offer expedited services that can speed up the process. The expedite fees vary from state to state.
How is an LLC managed and organized?
An LLC is organized with members who own the business and managers who handle daily operations. Any LLC can be managed by either its members or by Managers. An LLC may even be owned by another LLC.
The most common type of LLC is a Member-Managed LLC. The company is managed like a partnership or sole proprietorship in a corporation. Each Member is involved in daily operations. Members may be assigned titles, such as “President” or “Treasurer”, but it’s not necessary. Most LLC owners just refer to themselves as “Managing Member” or simply “Member”.
In a Manager-Managed LLC, the company designates a Manager or Managers who may or may not be Members. They run the daily operations of the company. The other Members may or may not be involved in the daily activities. They simply provide money or assets for the managers to operate the company. This is fairly rare for small businesses.
What is a Limited Liability Company (LLC)?
A Limited Liability Company, or LLC, can be best described as a hybrid between a corporation and a partnership. It provides easy “pass-through” taxation like a Sole Proprietorship/Partnership, with the liability protection of a corporation.
Professional Resources
Our services are designed to meet professional standards and regulatory requirements. For additional information about tax compliance and best practices, we recommend consulting:
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - Official tax information and forms
- American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) - Professional accounting standards
- Small Business Administration (SBA) - Business compliance resources
- IRS Exempt Organizations - Nonprofit tax requirements
