C Corporations- A C Corporation chartered by the state in which it is headquartered, is considered by law to be a unique entity, separate and apart from those who own it. A corporation can be taxed; it can be sued; it can enter into contractual agreements. The owners of a corporation are its shareholders. The shareholders elect a board of directors to oversee the major policies and decisions. The corporation has a life of its own and does not dissolve when ownership changes.
Limited Liability. One of the key advantages for forming a corporation is the limited liability protection provided to its owners. Because a corporation is considered a separate legal entity, the shareholders have limited liability for the corporation's debts. The personal assets of shareholders are not at risk for satisfying corporate debts or liabilities.
Operational Structure. Corporations have the advantage to set management structure. Shareholders are the owners of a corporation, who elect a Board of Directors, which then elects the officers. Other than the election of directors, shareholders do not typically participate in the operations of the corporation. Within a small corporation shareholders usually participate. The Board of Directors is responsible for the management of and exercising the rights and responsibilities of a corporation. The Board sets corporate policy and the strategy for the corporation. The Board elects officers, usually a CEO, vice president, treasurer and secretary, to follow the policies set by the Board and manage the corporation on a day-to-day basis. In a small corporation, the lines between the shareholders, Board of Directors, and officers tends to blur because the same people may be serving in all capacities.
