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Business Formation

Business formation: filed with the state and set up for taxes

GHL files the formation documents for a new LLC, corporation, or partnership with the state. From there, GHL sets up the entity's books and tax filings and keeps them in line with the governing documents the owner provides, so the business is organized from its first transaction.

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How formation runs with GHL
  1. You tell GHL the owners, the activity, and the state.
  2. GHL files the formation documents with the state.
  3. GHL sets up the books and files the tax elections chosen, such as Form 2553 or Form 8832.
  4. GHL puts the entity’s filing calendar in place.
The Service

Who it’s for, and what GHL handles

Who this is for

  • Entrepreneurs establishing a new LLC, corporation, or partnership
  • Owners comparing how each structure would be taxed
  • Owners deciding whether an S corporation election fits
  • Clients who want formation, tax, and bookkeeping handled together

Included in this work

  • Filing the formation documents with the state
  • How each structure is taxed, compared for this business
  • Tax elections to consider, such as Form 8832 (entity classification) or Form 2553 (S corporation)
  • A bookkeeping setup and chart of accounts from the first transaction
  • Payroll records set up in the books when owners or staff will be paid wages, with a payroll provider to run it
  • A calendar of the new entity's federal and state filings
Scope And Fees

How fees are set

The scope is reviewed before work begins, and the fee follows from it. For business formation, the fee depends on things like:

  • The type of business and the state it is formed in
  • The filings and registrations included
  • Whether an S election is part of the work

The agreed scope and fees are written in the Engagement Letter before work begins.

Records To Gather

What to gather

This list helps you get ready for the first conversation with GHL.

  • Owner and ownership details
  • Intended business activity and state of operation
  • The entity's governing documents, such as the operating agreement, bylaws, or partnership agreement
  • Existing entity documents, if converting
Common Questions

Business formation FAQs

Does GHL file the formation documents?

Yes. GHL files the formation documents with the state. The owner provides the entity's governing documents, such as the operating agreement, bylaws, or partnership agreement, and GHL keeps the books and prepares the taxes according to them.

Why plan the taxes when the business is formed?

Entity choice affects bookkeeping, payroll, ownership records, tax filings, and future planning. Reviewing those issues early reduces cleanup later.

Can bookkeeping start after formation?

Yes. GHL can help establish the bookkeeping rhythm after the entity is set up so records are tax-ready from the first transactions.

Next step

Ask about business formation

What happens after you ask

  1. Tell GHL what you need, and GHL will contact you about availability, scope and fees.
  2. GHL first invites you to the Secure Client Portal.
  3. You sign the Engagement Letter, with the agreed scope and fees, in the Secure Client Portal before work begins.
  4. Send documents through the Secure Client Portal. Never attach tax documents, account numbers or Social Security numbers to a web form or an email.
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