Corporation

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Definition of 'Corporation'

A corporation is a legal entity that is separate from its owners. This means that the corporation can own property, enter into contracts, and sue or be sued in its own name. The owners of a corporation are called shareholders, and they have limited liability for the corporation's debts. This means that shareholders cannot be held personally liable for the corporation's debts, even if they have personally guaranteed them.

Corporations are created by filing articles of incorporation with the state in which they are formed. The articles of incorporation set forth the corporation's name, its purpose, and its capital structure. Once the articles of incorporation are filed, the corporation is considered to be a legal entity.

Corporations can be either for-profit or not-for-profit. For-profit corporations are formed to make money, while not-for-profit corporations are formed for charitable or other purposes.

Corporations are the most common form of business organization in the United States. They offer a number of advantages over other forms of business organization, such as limited liability, ease of transfer of ownership, and the ability to raise capital through the sale of stock.

However, corporations also have some disadvantages, such as double taxation and the need to comply with a complex set of rules and regulations.

In conclusion, a corporation is a legal entity that is separate from its owners. Corporations offer a number of advantages over other forms of business organization, but they also have some disadvantages. Before deciding whether to form a corporation, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully.

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