Launching a business involves more than branding and budgeting—it starts with getting the legal details right. The correct forms help protect your assets and keep your business aligned with state laws from day one.
US Legal Forms offers a practical solution for entrepreneurs with its extensive library of attorney-drafted, state-compliant documents. In this guide, you’ll find the key forms required to start and operate your business, learn how to access them easily, and get tips for using the platform efficiently.
Starting My Business: Laying the Legal Groundwork
Start an LLC
Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a smart way to protect your personal assets while maintaining flexibility in managing and taxing your business. LLCs are ideal for small to mid-sized companies looking for a simple, legally recognized structure that limits liability without the formalities of a corporation.
Incorporate (S or C-Corps)
Incorporating as an S Corporation or C Corporation offers liability protection and potential tax benefits while enhancing your business’s credibility with banks, partners, and investors. Choosing the correct type of corporation affects how your business is taxed and how profits are distributed, making it essential to understand the distinction from the start.
Articles of Incorporation
This is the foundational document required to register your corporation with the state legally. It includes crucial information like your company name, address, purpose, and structure. Filing this form is one of the first steps to formally establishing your corporation.
Shareholders Agreements
A Shareholder Agreement sets the terms for sharing ownership, making decisions, and resolving disputes among shareholders. It protects both majority and minority owners by clearly defining rights, responsibilities, and exit strategies—essential for avoiding conflict and maintaining stability.
LLC Operating Agreements
Even if your state doesn’t require it, an Operating Agreement is a vital internal document for LLCs. It outlines how your business will be managed, how profits and losses are distributed, and what happens if a member leaves the company. It helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page.
Lay a strong foundation for your business with US Legal Forms. It provides state-specific, attorney-prepared documents to help you get started correctly.
Managing My Business: Keeping the Engine Running
Employment Forms
Hiring employees involves more than interviews—proper documentation ensures compliance with labor laws and sets expectations from day one. Employment forms cover everything from job offers and contracts to tax and onboarding paperwork, helping create a professional and legally sound working relationship.
Independent Contractors
Defining the scope, deadlines, and payment terms in writing is essential when working with freelancers or consultants. Independent contractor agreements help clarify the non-employee relationship and protect your business from potential misclassification issues or tax liabilities.
Confidentiality Agreements
Also known as NDAs, confidentiality agreements are critical when employees or contractors have access to sensitive business information. These agreements help protect trade secrets, client lists, proprietary data, and other valuable assets from unauthorized disclosure or use.
Corporate Records
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date corporate records is essential for legal compliance and internal transparency. These include meeting minutes, resolutions, ownership logs, and key business decisions—documents that prove your company is being operated responsibly.
Annual Minutes
Many states require corporations to document annual shareholder and director meetings. Annual minutes keep your business in good legal standing and provide a paper trail of important decisions, such as officer elections, profit distributions, or structural changes.
Corporate Voting
Corporate voting forms allow shareholders or board members to record their votes on important issues formally. These documents ensure fair governance and prevent future disputes over how key business decisions were made.
Board of Directors
Managing your board effectively requires clear records of appointments, resignations, and responsibilities. Proper documentation of board actions, meetings, and decisions helps maintain organizational accountability and fulfills corporate governance standards.
Bylaws & Resolutions
Bylaws define how your corporation will operate—everything from meeting procedures to officer roles and voting rights. Resolutions document specific decisions made by the board or shareholders, adding structure and formality to business operations.
Stay compliant and organized as your business grows—US Legal Forms offers a full library of attorney-prepared documents to keep your operations running smoothly and legally sound.
Running My Business: Handling Change and Growth
Corporate Amendments
As your business evolves, you may need to update its legal structure, name, or other foundational details. Filing corporate amendments allows you to make these changes officially, ensuring that your business records stay accurate and compliant with state requirements.
Dissolution
If it’s time to close your business, proper legal dissolution is essential to avoid future tax obligations or legal issues. This form helps you formally notify the state and wrap up your operations in a responsible, legally recognized way.
Corporate Name Change
Whether you're rebranding or correcting an error, a name change must be filed with the appropriate state agency to be legally effective. This process ensures your new name is officially recognized and avoids issues with licensing or banking.
Contracts
Contracts are the backbone of any professional business relationship. Whether you’re working with clients, vendors, or partners, having clear, legally enforceable agreements protects your interests and outlines expectations for both parties.
Buy/Sell Agreements
This agreement is vital for businesses with multiple owners, setting clear terms for what happens when one partner wants to leave, retire, or sell their share. It helps prevent conflict and ensures a smooth transition of ownership.
Sale of Business
When you're ready to sell your business, this form documents the terms of the sale, including assets, liabilities, and buyer information. It provides legal clarity for both parties and protects you during the transfer process.
Business changes don’t have to be complicated—US Legal Forms offers the trusted tools you need to handle transitions smoothly and legally.
More Business Forms: Documents Beyond the Basics
Contractors
Written agreements help define expectations, deadlines, and payment terms when hiring contractors for specific jobs or projects. Contractor forms protect both parties and ensure work is completed according to agreed-upon standards.
Construction Liens
A construction lien can be filed to claim a legal interest in the property if a contractor or supplier isn't paid for their work or materials. These forms help secure payment and protect your rights during property improvements.
Employment
Beyond hiring, employment forms cover ongoing needs like performance evaluations, terminations, policy updates, and more. Keeping clear records supports HR compliance and helps avoid legal disputes.
Real Estate
Business-related real estate transactions require legally binding agreements, whether you're buying, leasing, or transferring commercial property. Proper documentation ensures clear ownership terms and protects your investment.
Landlord Tenant
For businesses managing rental properties, landlord-tenant forms outline responsibilities, rent terms, maintenance duties, and legal rights. These documents help avoid misunderstandings and keep relationships professional and legally compliant.
Contract for Deed
This form allows buyers to purchase property directly from the seller through installment payments, with ownership transferring once the full amount is paid. It’s a flexible option for buyers and sellers seeking alternative financing arrangements.
Public Corporations
Managing a public corporation involves strict regulatory and reporting requirements. Forms in this category help document shareholder meetings, SEC filings, and other governance needs to maintain compliance.
When business needs grow more complex, US Legal Forms makes it easier to keep things clear, legal, and under control with dependable, attorney-reviewed forms.
Building a business is a big step, but getting the legal side right doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With US Legal Forms, you can handle the essentials quickly and correctly, without the extra stress. Set your business up for success—get started with US Legal Forms today.
