# Business Formation

Form your LLC, corporation, or S-Corp with the right structure in the right state for your business needs

This page covers general US and Canadian business formation — LLCs, corporations, and registered agents. If you're forming a company specifically to operate as a Canadian telecom carrier (CRTC registration), please visit the Canada CRTC Carrier Package instead — it includes BC incorporation plus the full carrier licensing stack.

$179 — Basic — formation filing only (US) | C$449 + gov fees (Canada) Turnaround: 3-5 business days

Choosing the right business entity structure and formation state affects your liability protection, tax obligations, regulatory requirements, and growth potential. The wrong choice can cost you thousands in unnecessary taxes and leave you exposed to personal liability. Performance West handles the complete business formation process. We help you evaluate entity types (LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp), select the optimal formation state, prepare and file formation documents, obtain your EIN from the IRS, and set up initial corporate records. We also handle ancillary requirements like operating agreements (LLCs), bylaws (corporations), initial resolutions, and stock certificates. For businesses that will operate in multiple states, we coordinate foreign qualification filings in each state where you'll conduct business. Our Complete formation package is available at $399 and includes EIN obtainment, operating agreement, and your first year of registered agent service ($99/yr, Wyoming $49/yr). Canadian formation available from C$449 + provincial government fees.

## Risk if non-compliant

Improper formation can result in personal liability for business debts, unfavorable tax treatment, and the need for costly restructuring.

## Potential penalties

- ⚠ Personal liability for business debts
- ⚠ Unfavorable tax classification
- ⚠ State penalties for operating without registration
- ⚠ Invalid contracts and agreements
- ⚠ Difficulty raising investment capital

## What we deliver

- ✓ Evaluate and recommend entity type (LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp)
- ✓ Select optimal formation state
- ✓ Prepare and file Articles of Organization/Incorporation
- ✓ Obtain federal EIN from IRS
- ✓ Draft operating agreement or bylaws
- ✓ Prepare initial resolutions and organizational minutes
- ✓ File for S-Corp election (Form 2553) if applicable
- ✓ Coordinate foreign qualification in other states

## Frequently asked questions

### Should I form in Wyoming, Delaware, or my home state?

It depends on your situation. Wyoming offers strong privacy and asset protection. Delaware has the most developed corporate case law. Your home state avoids the cost of foreign qualification. We assess your specific needs.

### LLC or Corporation?

LLCs offer flexibility and pass-through taxation. Corporations are better for raising investment capital and going public. S-Corps offer tax advantages for owner-operators. We recommend based on your business goals.

### How long does formation take?

Standard formation takes 3-5 business days in most states. Expedited processing (1-2 days) is available in most states for an additional fee.

### Do I need a registered agent?

Yes, every state requires a registered agent with a physical address in the state of formation. We offer registered agent services as a separate package.

## How we compare

Most "free" formation services make their money on auto-renewing subscriptions and hidden upsells. Here's how Performance West stacks up against the biggest names — with transparent, fixed pricing.

Feature | Performance West | ZenBusiness | LegalZoom | Northwest RA
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Formation filing | $179 | $0 (but Pro renews at $199/yr) | $0 (Pro $249 for EIN+OA) | $39
Complete package | $399 one-time EIN + OA + 1st yr RA | $399/yr Auto-renews annually | $299 + $49/mo Attorney sub auto-renews | $39 (no tiers)
Registered agent | $99/yr Wyoming: $49/yr | $199/yr (Premium only) | $249/yr | $125/yr
EIN obtainment | $49 Included in Complete | $99 (included in Pro $199) | Included in Pro $249 | $50
Operating agreement | $99 Included in Complete | Included in Pro $199 | Included in Pro $249 | Included
Annual report filing | $99/yr | $199/yr (Worry-Free Compliance) | Part of Premium | $100 per filing
Annual maintenance bundle | $179/yr AR filing + RA renewal | $199-299/yr Does NOT include RA | Not offered as bundle | Not offered as bundle
Free phone number (DID) | Included With formation + RA | Not offered | Not offered | Not offered
Canadian formation | C$449 + gov fees + mailbox BC, Ontario (more coming) | Not offered | Not offered | Not offered
Compliance calendar | Included Automated reminders | Alerts only | Alerts only | Not offered
Crypto payment (0% fee) | BTC, ETH, USDC + 6 more | Not offered | Not offered | Not offered
Real Year 1 cost (Complete + ongoing RA) | $399 then $99/yr RA | $398 then $398/yr (auto-renew) | $837+ $249 + $49/mo x 12 | $164 then $125/yr RA
Year 2+ cost | $99/yr RA only. No auto-renewing subscriptions. | $398/yr Pro $199 + RA $199 auto-renew | $249/yr+ RA $249 + attorney if not cancelled | $125/yr RA only

### Why our prices aren't $0

We don't use loss-leader pricing with hidden auto-renewing subscriptions. Our $179 basic formation is a one-time fee — no annual renewal, no surprise charges. When you compare the real total cost over 2 years, Performance West is often cheaper than services that advertise "$0" formation but charge $199-399/yr in recurring fees you didn't expect.

## Ready to form your business?

Choose your state or Canadian province, check name availability, and file your LLC or corporation online. Fixed pricing, no surprises, no auto-renewing subscriptions.

Start your formation View pricing

Or call us: 1-888-411-0383

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