Business Entity Comparisons: LLC vs Corp vs S-Corp vs DBA

Side-by-side comparisons across taxes, personal liability, ownership rules, fundraising fit, and ongoing compliance burden, with a Delaware overlay where the answer changes by jurisdiction.

Entity comparisons cut through the marketing copy of formation services. The right entity depends on three things: how you want profits taxed (pass-through or corporate), how you plan to raise money (bootstrap, partners, angels, or venture capital), and how much paperwork you are willing to file every year. Each comparison isolates one decision so you can answer them in turn.

For state-specific cost differences, such as California's $800 minimum franchise tax versus Wyoming's low annual costs, pair a comparison with the appropriate state page.

Last updated: September 25, 2026

C-Corp vs S-Corp: Which Tax Structure Wins?Compare a C corporation and an S corporation on double taxation, ownership limits, stock classes, and fit for investors, and learn when each election makes sense.
LLC vs Corporation (C-Corp): Which Is Right for Your Business?Compare an LLC and a C corporation on taxes, liability, ownership, paperwork, and funding, with guidance on which fits your business.
LLC vs Corporation in Delaware: Which to Choose?Compare a Delaware LLC and a Delaware C corporation on costs, taxes, the Court of Chancery, and investor expectations, and see when each is the better fit.
LLC vs DBA: When Is a Trade Name Enough?A DBA is only a registered trade name and creates no separate entity or liability protection. See when a DBA is enough and when you need an LLC.
LLC vs S-Corp: Tax Election vs Entity Type ExplainedAn LLC is an entity type and an S corporation is a tax election. Learn how they differ, how S status can cut self-employment tax, and the payroll trade-offs.
LLC vs Sole Proprietorship: Should You Formalize?Compare personal liability, taxes, cost, and paperwork for a sole proprietorship and an LLC, and decide when it is worth formalizing your business.