Choosing the right entity
The common Florida small-business entities are the LLC and the corporation. LLCs are flexible and default to pass-through taxation; corporations require more formality and default to C-corp taxation. Most clients form an LLC and elect S-corp tax treatment when the income math justifies it.
Formation filings
Articles of organization (LLC) or articles of incorporation (corporation) with the Florida Division of Corporations, plus IRS EIN application, S-election if appropriate, sales tax account registration if required, and county business tax receipt where applicable.
What you walk away with
At the end of the engagement you hold one organized packet:
- Filed articles with the state document number
- EIN confirmation letter from the IRS
- S-election filing and acceptance tracking, where appropriate
- Sales tax certificate, if the business required registration
- A calendar of the first year's filing deadlines
First-year compliance
Florida annual report is due by May 1 each year to keep the entity active. Sales tax, payroll, and income tax filings begin as soon as activity starts. We set up all the calendar reminders at formation.
Formation is the start, not the finish
An entity only protects you if it is operated like one: a separate bank account, books that do not mix personal and business spending, and the annual report filed on time. We set those rails at formation, and most formation clients roll into bookkeeping or annual tax work so the structure keeps doing its job.
Common questions
- Can I form an LLC myself online?
- Technically yes, for $125. Filing the entity is the easy part. Choosing the wrong tax election, missing the EIN, or skipping the sales tax registration is what creates expensive cleanup later.
- Should I incorporate in Delaware or Florida?
- For a Florida-operating business, Florida. Delaware has no benefit for most small businesses and creates foreign-entity registration obligations that cost more than they save.
- How long does formation take?
- Florida typically processes filings within 3 to 5 business days. EIN is immediate with online application.
Related
DBA / Fictitious Name Registration
Florida fictitious name (DBA) registration with the Division of Corporations, including the name search, newspaper publication, and five-year renewal tracking.
Worker's Compensation Exemption
File or renew a Florida worker's compensation exemption for corporate officers and LLC members with the Department of Financial Services. Renewals tracked.
Business Tax Planning
S-corp reasonable salary analysis, entity elections, retirement plan structuring, and Section 179 and bonus depreciation planning for small business owners.
Other services we offer
Business Setup
Get a new business licensed, tax-registered, and in compliance from the start: entity registration, EIN, county business tax receipt, and sales tax account.
Personal Income Tax Preparation
Federal and state 1040 preparation with year-round planning. We handle W-2, 1099, K-1, rental, and crypto income for individuals in Florida and all 50 states.
Estate & Trust Tax Returns
Form 1041 preparation for estates and trusts, with K-1s for each beneficiary. We work with executors, trustees, and attorneys to file accurately and on time.
Amended Tax Returns
File Form 1040-X to correct a prior year return within the three-year window. We handle federal and state amendments for missed income, deductions, or credits.