Starting a business is exciting—but it also comes with a lot of decisions that can impact your success for years to come. At Cortez & Associates, we help entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate the formation process with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re launching a side hustle, a family-run operation, or a new corporation, we guide you through the essential steps so you can avoid costly mistakes and get up and running with a strong foundation.

We assist with choosing the right legal structure—LLC, S Corporation, C Corporation, or sole proprietorship—based on your goals, liability concerns, and tax considerations. Once your structure is selected, we handle the paperwork: filing formation documents, applying for your EIN (tax ID), registering with the appropriate state agencies, and helping you set up your financial systems correctly from day one.

Beyond the technical setup, we provide practical advice on bookkeeping, payroll, tax planning, and ongoing compliance. Our goal is to make sure you understand what’s required—not just at the start, but as you grow. Many of our startup clients stay with us long-term, relying on us as a trusted advisor through every phase of their business journey.

With Cortez & Associates, you get more than a checklist—you get a partner who cares about your vision and has the experience to help you bring it to life, the right way.