90+ Must-Have Legal and Business Forms for Every Structure

Running a venture without the proper legal and business forms can quickly lead to compliance, accountability, and internal coordination issues.

Whether you’re just starting or have been in business for years, it’s easy to underestimate how critical these documents are. A missing agreement might cause a partnership to dissolve. Overlooking a compliance form could delay funding or lead to avoidable legal penalties.

These oversights don’t just create one-time problems; they often trigger a chain of internal and legal complications that may cost you time and energy. Time that could be better spent improving or scaling your business.

To help you, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of essential venture and legal forms tailored to each business structure and stage type. 

We’ll also discuss the top five form builders that can streamline your processes and provide insights into the risks of fully customizing your forms. Let’s get into it.

What are business forms?

Standardized documents known as business forms record, authorize, and arrange important business decisions and procedures. They are essential to daily operations and can be administrative, financial, or legal.

These documents help businesses maintain compliance, clarify internal processes, and formalize relationships. 

They range from foundational documents like articles of incorporation and operating agreements to ongoing tools like employment contracts, vendor agreements, and tax filings. 

Some are internal, such as performance review forms or training acknowledgments, while others are outward-facing, like client contracts or franchise disclosures.

While particular forms you need depend on your business structure and stage of growth, they all serve a common purpose: to create accountability, reduce legal risk, and support business continuity. 

Whether you’re just launching or preparing to scale, having the right forms and a reliable data collection method guarantees your business decisions are clearly documented and legally defensible.

Core business and legal forms for every stage

Startup stage

The startup phase is all about startups, legitimacy, and initial protection. This is where and when ideas become formal business structures. You’re choosing a legal structure, registering your business name, and defining relationships among founders and partners.

Here are some of the key forms you may need during this stage (note that specific requirements vary depending on your business entity and location):

• Articles of incorporation or certificate of formation
  Note: For sole proprietorships and general partnerships, no formation filing is required with the state, but you’ll still need to handle key legal documents. In most states, business filings go through the Secretary of State. Still, some states use different agencies, like Arizona’s Corporation Commission or Alaska’s Department of Commerce.
• Operating Agreement or bylaws
• IRS Form SS-4 – Application for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  Note: Not required if you’re a sole proprietorship with no employees. [FreshBooks]
• DBA (Doing Business As) registration form
  Note: To register your trade name or assumed name
• Name reservation or registration form
• State tax registration forms
• Initial capital contribution form
• Entity-specific agreement forms, such as:
  – Founders’ agreement
  – Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
  – Confidentiality and Invention Assignment Agreement (CIIAA)
  – Independent contractor agreement
  – Client or service agreements

Growth stage

This venture phase is marked by increased hiring, client onboarding, and potential fundraising. As a business enters the growth stage, more heavy documentation becomes essential. 

These records promote development, uphold professionalism, and increase confidence among partners and team members. They also protect against legal or operational issues.

The following forms are commonly used during the growth phase:

• Employment contract forms
• Vendor/Supplier contract forms
• Client or service onboarding forms
• Investor agreements and term sheets 
• Non-compete agreement
  Note: Needed if you have outside capital
• Training and certification forms
• Performance review forms
• Payroll forms, such as:
  – W-4s
  – Direct deposit authorizations
  – Benefits enrollment
  – Customer/service satisfaction survey forms
  Note: This is needed in the growth stage to improve the actions of your growing business

Mature stage

As a business enters the mature stage, documentation shifts toward sustainability, compliance, and operational refinement. Formal recordkeeping has become a legal and strategic necessity, and governance documents have taken on a more central role.

This phase also places greater emphasis on internal tracking and structured processes. Documentation supports consistent performance, upholds regulatory standards, and protects the organization as it operates at a more advanced level.

Here are some of the forms needed in this stage:

• Internal policy revisions and acknowledgment forms
• Employee benefits enrollment renewal forms
• Compliance audit checklist forms
• Option pool adjustment forms
  Note: This is to update Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs)
• Compliance and Regulatory Filings
  Note: includes reports required by the SEC, IRS, or local regulatory bodies (e.g., Form 10-K, franchise tax reports)

Exit stage

Exiting a business (whether selling, merging, or closing) requires some of the most sensitive documentation. Buy-sell agreements define what happens if one partner leaves. For asset sales, you’ll need detailed asset purchase agreements. 

Dissolution forms specific to your state, along with any required business short form filings, help finalize the process and legally dissolve the entity.

Skipping these can mean unresolved liabilities or business tax consequences. It’s important to understand that these forms signal the closure of one chapter and the legal groundwork for the next.

Here are some of the forms needed in this stage:

• Shareholder or member consent forms
• Articles of dissolution/certificate of dissolution
• Letter of Intent (LOI) for business sale
• Due diligence checklist
• Notice of withdrawal
  Note: For businesses registered in multiple states, you must file a withdrawal in each foreign state.
• Final tax returns, such as:

• Federal and State income tax returns.
• Employment and sales tax filings.
• IRS Form 966
  Note: For corporations, notice of corporate dissolution or liquidation is necessary.
• Form 1099s
  Note: for reporting final payments to contractors or stakeholders.
• Tax compliance certificates
• Affidavit of dissolution
• Employee notifications and agreement forms
• Debt settlement agreements
• Contract termination notices
  Note: for leases, supplier agreements, service contracts, etc.
• Licensing and permit cancellations form
• Bank account closure letters or forms
• Business name cancellation/withdrawal
  Note: with businesses having a DBA (“doing business as”) name

Types of business structure and their specific forms

It’s important to note that the particular forms a corporation must file can vary based on its activities, structure, and other factors. A tax or legal advisor is recommended to ensure compliance with all requirements from the IRS.

1. Sole Proprietorship

This business formation is the most basic business structure, owned and operated by a single owner. There is no legal disparity between the owner and the business entity, meaning the owner assumes infinite personal liability for all debts and obligations. 

Taxation is straightforward, as business income is reported on the owner’s tax return. While business taxes are typically simpler under this structure, they require minimal regulatory compliance and offer no liability protection.

IRS Forms 

• Form 1040 – U.S. individual income tax return
• Schedule C (Form 1040) – profit or loss from business
• Schedule SE (Form 1040) – self-employment tax
• Form 1040-ES – estimated tax for individuals
  Note: used to pay quarterly estimated taxes if you expect to owe $1,000 or more.

For sole proprietors with employees:

• Form W-2 – wage and tax statement
• Form W-3 – transmittal of wage and tax statements
• Form 941 – employer’s quarterly federal tax return
• Form 944 – employer’s annual federal tax return
  Note: an alternative to Form 941 for eligible small employers to file annually
• Form 943 – employer’s annual federal tax return for agricultural employees

Additional forms for specific situations:

• Form SS-4 – Application for EIN
  Note: required if you have employees or operate your business as anything other than a sole proprietorship without employees.
• Form W-9 – request for Taxpayer Identification Number and certification
  Note: used to provide your TIN to clients who will issue you a Form 1099.
• Form 1099-NEC – Non-Employee Compensation
• Form 1099-MISC – miscellaneous income

2. Partnership

A partnership involves two or more individuals who jointly own and manage a business. Partners share profits, losses, and liabilities according to the terms outlined in a Partnership Agreement. This agreement governs roles, capital contributions, profit distribution, and dispute resolution. 

Types under this business entity are general partnerships, limited partnerships (LPs), and limited liability partnerships (LLPs), which we will also discuss below.

• Form SS-4 – Application for EIN
• Form 1065 – U.S. return of partnership income
• Schedule K-1 (Form 1065) – partner’s share of income, deductions, credits, etc.
• Schedule K-2 and K-3 (Form 1065) – international tax information
  Note: They supplement Schedule K-1 for partnerships with international dealings
• Form 7004 – application for automatic extension of time to file certain business income tax, information, and other returns
  Note: used to request an automatic extension of time to file Form 1065.
• Form 8805 – foreign partner’s information statement of section 1446 withholding tax
• Form 8865 – return of U.S. persons for certain foreign partnerships
• Form 5471 – information return of U.S. persons for certain foreign corporations
• Form 8938 – statement of specified foreign financial assets
• Form 8990 – limitation on business interest expense under section 163(j)
• Form 8996 – qualified opportunity fund

a. General Partnership (GP)

A general partnership is a business arrangement where two or more individuals share ownership, management responsibilities, and profits equally or as agreed upon in a partnership agreement. 

In this setup, all partners have unlimited personal liability, meaning they are responsible for the business’s debts and legal obligations.

b. Limited Partnership (LP)

A Limited Partnership consists of at least one general partner (who manages the business and bears full personal liability) and one or more limited partners (who contribute capital and share in gains but have limited obligations and no role in day-to-day operations).

c. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

This business arrangement is a more modern form of partnership where all partners have limited obligations, protecting their assets from the debts or liabilities of the partnership or other partners. LLPs are often favored by professionals like lawyers, accountants, or consultants.

3. Limited Liability Company (LLC)

An LLC combines a partnership’s operational flexibility with a corporation’s liability protection. Owners (members) are shielded from personal obligations for business debts. 

By default, single-member LLCs are taxed as sole proprietorships, while multi-member LLCs are taxed as partnerships. However, an LLC may elect corporate taxation by filing the appropriate IRS forms. This structure is ideal for businesses seeking liability protection without extensive corporate formalities.

• Form SS-4 – Application for EIN
• Form 8832 – Entity Classification election
• Form 2553 – election by a small business corporation
• Form 1040 with Schedule C – profit or loss from business
• Form 1065 – U.S. return of partnership income
• Form 1120 – U.S. corporation income tax return
• Form 1120-S – U.S. income tax return for an S Corporation
• Employment and Excise Tax Forms, such as:
  – Form 941 – Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return
  – Form 940 – Employer’s Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return
  – Form 720 – Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return
  – Form 637 – Application for Registration (For Certain Excise Tax Activities)
  – Form 2290 – Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return
  – Schedule SE – Self-Employment Tax
  Note: This schedule is filed with the owner’s Form 1040.
  – Schedule E – Supplemental Income and Loss
  Note: This schedule is filed with the owner’s Form 1040 and details income or loss from these sources.

4. Corporation (C-Corp)

A corporation is an independent legal entity separate from its owners (shareholders). It provides the strongest liability protection but is subject to more regulatory requirements, including adopting bylaws, issuing stock, and holding shareholder meetings. 

C-Corps face double taxation: gains are taxed at both the company level and as dividends paid to shareholders. This structure is well-suited for businesses planning to raise capital or go public.

• Form 1120 – U.S. corporation income tax return
• Form 1120-W – estimated tax for corporations
• Form 941 – employer’s quarterly federal tax return
• Form 940 – employer’s annual Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA) Return
• Form 1122 – authorization and consent of subsidiary corporation
• Form 1138 – extension of time for payment of taxes by a corporation expecting a Net Operating Loss (NOL) carryback
• Form 2290 – heavy highway vehicle use tax return
  Note: Applies only to corporations using heavy trucks (55,000+ lbs taxable gross weight)
• Form 8806 – information return for acquisition of control or substantial change in capital structure

Additional schedules are often required with Form 1120

Depending on your corporation’s size and complexity, you might also need:

• Schedule M-3 (Form 1120) – reconciliation of financial and taxable income 
  Note: for corporations with $ 10 M+ in assets
• Schedule N (Form 1120) – reporting foreign operations or interests.
• Schedule O (Form 1120) – reports on apportioning tax benefits among related corporations.
• Schedule PH (Form 1120) – for personal holding companies subject to additional tax.

5. S Corporation (S-Corp)

An S-Corp is a tax designation rather than a distinct business structure. Eligible corporations or LLCs may elect S-Corp status by filing IRS Form 2553 to avoid double taxation. Profits and losses pass through to shareholders’ tax returns. 

S-Corps are subject to tight eligibility requirements, such as restrictions and a cap of 100 shareholders on ownership types. Shareholders must receive reasonable compensation, and distributions must align with IRS guidelines.

• Form 2553 – election by a small business corporation
• Form 1120-S – U.S. income tax return for an S corporation
• Schedule K-1 (Form 1120-S) – shareholder’s share of income, deductions, credits, etc.
• Form 941 – employer’s quarterly federal tax return
• Form 940 – employer’s annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return
• Form 7203 – S corporation shareholder stock and debt basis limitations
• Schedule K-2 (Form 1120-S) – shareholders’ pro rata share items—international
• Schedule K-3 (Form 1120-S) – shareholder’s share of income, deductions, credits, etc.—international
• Schedule M-3 (Form 1120-S) – net income (Loss) reconciliation for S corporations with total assets of $10 million or more
  Note: S corporations with total assets of $10 million or more use Schedule M-3 to reconcile financial accounting net income with taxable income

6. Nonprofit organization

Nonprofit organizations operate to fulfill charitable, educational, or social missions rather than generate profit. 

Governance includes a board of directors, conflict-of-interest policies, and strict compliance with regulations regarding fundraising and financial transparency. Surplus revenues must be reinvested into the organization’s mission.

• Application for EIN
• IRS Form 1023 / 1023-EZ – Application for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
• IRS Form 990 / 990-EZ / 990-N – Annual informational return for nonprofits

Required to maintain tax-exempt status:

• 990-N (“e-Postcard”) – for organizations under $50,000 in revenue
• 990-EZ – for organizations under $200,000 revenue and $500,000 assets
• 990 – for organizations above those thresholds
• IRS Form 990-T
  Note: Filed if the nonprofit earns unrelated business income (UBI).
• IRS Form 8868
  Note: Used to request a 6-month extension to file Form 990 or 990-EZ.
• State charity registration
• State tax-exemption forms

7. Cooperative (Co-op)

A cooperative is a member-owned business where governance and profits are distributed democratically. Members typically have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) regardless of capital contributions. 

Co-ops operate under bylaws that define membership rules, profit allocation, and operational procedures. Common in agriculture and housing, cooperatives prioritize collective benefit over individual profit.

• Membership Application Forms
• Form SS-4 – Application for EIN
• Form 1120-C – U.S. Income Tax Return for Cooperative Associations
• Form 3491 – Consumer Cooperative Exemption Application: 
  Note: used to apply for exemption from filing Form 1099-PATR on patronage dividends.
• Form 1099-PATR – Taxable Distributions Received From Cooperatives
• Form 3491 – Consumer Cooperative Exemption Application
  Notes: To apply for exemption from filing information returns (Forms 1099-PATR) on $10 or more patronage distributions.
• Form 1028 – Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 521
• Form 1120-C – U.S. Income Tax Return for Cooperative Associations
• Form 9661 – Cooperative Agreement
  Notes: for cooperative agreements (details specific to IRS requirements).

For agricultural cooperatives:

• Form 1028 – Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 521 of the Internal Revenue Code
• Form 8995-A (Schedule D) – Special Rules for Patrons of Agricultural or Horticultural Cooperatives

8. Franchise

A franchise is a business model where an independent operator (franchisee) licenses the rights to use a parent company’s brand, systems, and support. The relationship is governed by the agreement outlining fees, operational standards, and territorial rights.

Franchisees benefit from an established brand but must follow the rigorous rules established by the franchisor.

• Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) – required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 
  Note: not filed with the IRS but required under federal law
• Franchise Agreement 
• FTC Franchise Rule Compliance
  Note: disclosure obligations under the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436)
• Form SS-4 – Applications for EIN 
• Form 1120 – U.S. corporation income tax return
• Form 1040 – Core individual income tax return
• Schedule C (Form 1040) – Reports the profit or loss
• Schedule SE (Form 1040) – Required to calculate self-employment tax
• Form 1040-ES – Used to make quarterly estimated tax payments
  Note: Common for franchisees without regular withholding
• Form W-9 – Franchise contracts with independent service providers
• Form 1099-MISC – Miscellaneous payments like rent, prizes, legal services, etc.

Top 5 form creators for customizing your forms

Once you know which forms your business structure requires, from operating agreements to client contracts, the next step is creating them.

That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best form creators to support your venture formation and daily operations. Whether customizing a legal document or setting up an internal approval form, these tools make it easy to build professional and compliant forms without the usual complexity.

TIGER FORM

Creating business forms can get complicated, especially when juggling branding requirements or constantly updating legal documents. So, TIGER FORM is a great tool to support your growing businesses that want a high degree of control. 

Every form you create with this tool can be printed, posted, or shared digitally. These aren’t your average static codes;  they’re dynamic, meaning you can update the form content without ever needing to reprint or resend anything. This is perfect for businesses with high foot traffic or changing offers.

This tool helps you handle official documentation like client contracts, partnership agreements, or internal request forms with less friction.

Google forms

Google Forms keeps things simple, which is perfect when handling less formal documents like internal requests for approval or team agreements. 

While it’s not your best option for heavy legal documents, it serves well as a basic data collection for many forms you’ll still need regardless of your business structure—especially in sole proprietorships or small partnerships.

Microsoft forms

Microsoft Forms is a natural choice for teams already using Microsoft 365. It’s a handy tool for internal business documentation like evaluations, onboarding checklists, or employee declarations. 

If your organizational forms include team agreements or internal policy acknowledgments, this tool simplifies distribution and tracking.

However, if you’re looking for Microsoft Forms alternatives, we’ve compiled some of the best form tools that offer similar functionality, with added flexibility, branding options, and integration features to support a wider range of business needs.

Tally

Tally stands out for its clean interface and privacy-first approach. It’s particularly useful for startups or freelancers who want to embed client intake forms, NDAs, or project briefs directly on their site—no coding required. If your business runs lean but still needs formal agreements, Tally makes it easy to present them professionally.

Fillout

Fillout is a versatile form tool that works well for franchises, LLCs, or corporations that need a balance of design and workflow logic. It’s especially useful for forms tied to lead generation, applications, or multi-step approvals. 

If you’re dealing with membership applications, license renewals, or compliance checklists, Fillout helps you manage the flow without the technical overhead.

Limits of doing DIY forms

Customizing your own business forms can feel like a smart, low-cost solution. Especially early on, when resources are tight. Simple tasks like logging expenses or organizing meeting notes usually do the job. However, DIY quickly shows its limits when forms carry legal or financial weight.

Your contract might not hold up in court without the right legal language. Overlooking a compliance section can result in huge costs. Also, templates found online aren’t always updated or tailored to your jurisdiction. Worse, they might not reflect the nuances of your business model.

Key documents, like partnership agreements, vendor contracts, or equity splits, require precision. One unclear section or missing term can lead to issues, delays, or long-term liability.

To avoid these risks, it’s best to work with your trusted and legal professional. They’ll guide you in to process papers for your business structure and make sure everything holds up under scrutiny.

Legal risks of missing business documents and forms

Failing to maintain proper documentation doesn’t just cause internal business problems; it also opens the door to legal consequences. Imagine having a dispute with a business partner and no written agreement to refer to. Or getting audited by the IRS without employee classifications or tax filing records.

Missing documents can also invalidate contracts or result in fines from regulators. For corporations, not keeping annual minutes can lead to piercing the corporate veil, which puts personal assets at risk. In fundraising, unclear investor terms can lead to disputes or even lawsuits.

Proper documentation protects you from these pitfalls. It also ensures you’re meeting industry regulations and protecting your reputation. Simply put, forms aren’t a burden—they’re your first line of defense.

Polish your operating forms with a reliable form maker

You now have the list of legal and business forms for every business entity and formation. We also have a few notes on how they support every part of your operations, and some form makers to make them. Whether you’re just starting or looking to streamline a mature business, these forms matter.

And the best part? You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. With a reliable QR form maker like Tiger Form to assist you, you can create forms to support your business proceedings.

Don’t let disorganized business papers hold your business back. Make your forms work for you, not against you. Start building more forms with us today!

FAQs

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Sources:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/business-structures
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/how-to-apply-for-an-ein
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/forms-for-sole-proprietorship
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/partnerships
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/limited-liability-company-llc
https://www.irs.gov/corporations
https://www.coepiolegal.com/dissolution/what-to-consider-when-exiting-a-business-legally
https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/llc-vs-partnership
https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/bizfilings/doing-business-as-dba
https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/what-is-dba-when-to-file-one-for-your-business
https://www.sparkyard.co/2023/08/02/blog-10-important-documents-needed-to-launch-startup
https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/running-nonprofit/administration-and-financial-management/federal-filing-requirements-nonprofits
https://www.incorporate.com/starting-a-business/nonprofit-corporation
https://www.toryburchfoundation.org/resources/start-my-business/choose-your-business-structure-cooperative
https://www.freshbooks.com/hub/taxes/sales-tax-license