Incorporation is the formal process of structuring a business for legal and tax purposes. Incorporated entities are distinct from the owners and investors. This distinction is especially important as it protects the owners from personal liability, which alleviates much of the financial risk of owning a business. A corporation is distinct from a sole proprietorship or partnership – in the eyes of the law, a corporation exists as its own entity, separate from those that run it.

The incorporation process begins when a business owner, or group of owners, files for incorporation with the appropriate government agency. This typically involves drafting a set of Articles of Incorporation, which serves as the company's legal document and outlines the specific details of the business. Articles of Incorporation typically include the company's name, purpose, geographic location, board of directors, shareholder information, and any other stipulations or restrictions as determined by the owners.

In addition to protecting its owners from liability, incorporation also establishes a set of rights and privileges for the company. Businesses may elect to be either for-profit or non-profit corporations, and each has its own set of advantages for tax purposes as well as for public or private benefit provision. Many corporations opt to file as a Subchapter S corporation, which allows profits and losses to pass through to shareholders instead of the corporation itself.

Incorporation also has additional advantages, including raising capital through the sale of stock and the contributing of funds to the company. By incorporating, a company can also expand its reach by franchising and issuing assets more easily. Lastly, incorporated businesses are more attractive to potential investors as they offer more legal protection and tax benefits than sole proprietorships or partnerships.

In summary, incorporation is the formal process of structuring a business for legal and tax purposes. It provides owners with liability protection by separating the business from its owners and investors and also grants additional rights and privileges to the company. Incorporation also opens new doors for the business, allowing for easier asset financing, mergers and acquisitions, and the sale of stock. And finally, corporations are more attractive to investors, as they offer more legal protection and tax benefits. All in all, it can be beneficial for any business considering forming an incorporated entity to weigh the costs and benefits of doing so.