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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 the work goes
  1. GHL learns what you need.
  2. You send the records.
  3. GHL does the work.
  4. GHL goes over what comes next with you.
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 setup when owners or staff will be paid wages
  • A calendar of the new entity's federal and state filings
Records To Gather

What to gather

An engagement begins after the first conversation with GHL. This list helps you get ready for it.

  • 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

Who does the work

  • Corinne Shipman, MBA, MSM, leads GHL's tax and trust practice and has more than 12 years of tax experience.
  • GHL prepares returns for individuals, businesses, partnerships, and trusts, including Form 1041.
  • Corinne works with clients in English, Spanish, and French.
  • Clients send their documents through the Secure Client Portal.
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

Tell GHL what you need, and GHL will contact you about availability, scope and fees.

Asking does not begin work.

Ask about business formation

Send documents through the Secure Client Portal. Never attach tax documents, account numbers or Social Security numbers to a web form or an email. If you engage GHL, it gives you portal access when that engagement starts.