A certificate of incorporation is the government-issued document that legally establishes a company. Its exact contents vary by jurisdiction but commonly include the company name, registered office, authorized shares, incorporators, and certain governance and liability provisions.
Delaware remains a top choice for many incorporations because of its stable corporate law, the Court of Chancery, and flexible entity options. Weigh those legal benefits against franchise taxes and administrative costs to decide whether Delaware suits your business.
A limited liability company (LLC) combines features of partnerships and corporations. It gives members liability protection, tax flexibility, and simpler formalities. Formation requires filing state articles of organization, naming a registered agent, and creating an operating agreement.