Business Formation Attorneys Helping Companies Start Strong
Last updated on August 4, 2026
Choosing the right business structure is a crucial step. It affects how you run your business, pay taxes and protect your personal assets. A business law attorney can explain your options and help you choose the right structure.
At O'Donnell, Weiss & Mattei, P.C., we take time to understand your business before recommending a structure. From our offices in Pottstown and Phoenixville, we help business owners across Southeastern Pennsylvania choose and form the right business entity.
Your Business Structure Options
The most common business structures include:
Limited liability company (LLC): An LLC can provide owners with liability protection with fewer legal requirements than a corporation. Many small businesses choose an LLC because it is flexible and easy to manage.
Partnership: A partnership can be either general or limited. In a general partnership, each partner helps manage the business and shares responsibility for its debts. In a limited partnership, some partners have limited liability.
Corporation: A corporation protects owners from personal liability but requires more legal steps. It can issue stock, continue after ownership changes and raise money from investors.
Our business law attorneys can also prepare buy-sell agreements, shareholder agreements and other key documents. These documents help protect your business and define the rights and duties of its owners.
LLC Vs. Corporation: Which Structure Is Right For Your Pennsylvania Business?
The business structure you choose affects how your business operates and grows. Whether you want to start an LLC or incorporate a business, knowing the differences between Pennsylvania business entity types can help you choose the right structure.
Flexible Protection For Business Owners
An LLC can protect your personal assets and has fewer legal requirements than a corporation. Key advantages include:
- Simple formation: Owners file a Certificate of Organization with the Pennsylvania Department of State.
- Flexible management: LLCs do not require a board of directors or annual shareholder meetings. They also require fewer business records than corporations.
- Pass-through taxation: By default, profits and losses pass to the owners’ federal and state tax returns. The business generally does not pay income tax.
Many business owners choose an LLC because it can offer liability protection with fewer legal requirements.
Built for growth
Many growing businesses choose a corporation because it can issue stock and attract investors. Key features include:
- Formation: Owners file Articles of Incorporation with the Pennsylvania Department of State.
- Formal management: A board of directors and officers manage the business. State law also requires regular meetings and certain business records.
- Tax treatment: C corporations generally pay state corporate net income tax. Eligible S corporations pass profits and losses to their owners.
- Raising money: Corporations can issue stock to attract investors and raise money.
A corporation requires more legal steps, but it can make it easier to grow and attract investors.
Business Formation Attorneys You Can Trust
Since 1955, O'Donnell, Weiss & Mattei, P.C., has helped business owners throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania make informed legal decisions. We offer experienced legal guidance with the personal service of a hometown law firm.
The business structure you choose can shape your business for years to come. Our lawyers explain your options and help you choose the right structure. Call 610-323-2800 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.